Out of snacks and finished Netflix?

After the first few weeks of lockdown, I've resorted to bolting my fridge shut and had the password to my Netflix account selected by the auto-selector only to not save it to my keychain…

It seems to me that the nation is divided by those who are accomplishing all sorts of DIY projects and physical feats in their back garden and those who managed to eat their entire lockdown food supply in 3 days whilst "completing Netflix" simultaneously.

As a psychologist and therapist, I've been speaking to many clients about their individual Lockdown behaviours and been guiding them through the structuring of their days and working through their low mood and low productivity. From what I've gathered, there seems to be a general gist of depression-like states, up-and-downs with their emotions, overeating, a lack of energy for exercise or work or anything else, isolating behaviours and a deep desire to sleep.

One thing we can do, other than work on our Mindset, is to increase our level of Serotonin, a chemical found in the brain, gut and blood that contributes to appetite, emotions, wellbeing, happiness, social behaviour and sleep regulation. Here are 4 natural ways to boost Serotonin during isolation.

Sunlight

Sunlight and UV rays produce Vitamin D which, amongst other things, promotes Serotonin production. Get outside and let the sun on your skin and in your eyes every day.

Diet

An estimated 90% of the body's Serotonin is made in the digestive tract, so diet matters. Foods rich in the amino acid Tryptophan help enhance Serotonin, eggs, cheese, pineapple, tofu, salmon, turkey, nuts and seeds.

Exercise

Aerobic exercise increases Serotonin and other 'happy hormones' like endorphins. Just 30 minutes a day is known to significantly improve mood and gives a sense of achievement and control.

Remembering Happy times

Simply remembering good times can activate Serotonin production in your brain. If it's hard to recall, call loved ones and ask them to help you remember, and start making new memories too.

This is all scientifically proven to boost your Serotonin and hopefully will bring a bit more energy to your day and a smile to your face.