What Makes Us Happy - Olivia Flanz

 Many people go searching for what truly makes them happy or what could make them happier. There are hundreds of books, articles, podcasts, and blogs written about discovering “the true happiness of life”. But to be frank, happiness doesn’t come from that new diet or your “new and improved” sleep schedule. At least not directly. In fact it comes from serotonin; aka the happy hormone. Serotonin is what controls our mood, feelings of well-being, and of course our happiness. 

Now you must be wondering how someone can obtain this happy hormone. First off everyone has serotonin already in their body that naturally occurs. It’s your serotonin levels that can determine your happiness and general health. 

With that said there has been scientific evidence that certain activities and actions do boost serotonin levels.

We will begin with the most important one:

Food.

It goes without saying that for the most part when we eat something good we feel good. And while food doesn’t actually contain any serotonin, high protein foods do have tryptophan which can be converted into serotonin. 

Exercise.

For some, exercising isn’t the most thrilling concept, but even simple activities such as walking your dog or going for a bike ride can make you happier. When you exercise tryptophan is released into your blood. Once the tryptophan reaches your brain it’s converted into serotonin. It’s been proven that aerobic exercises are the most effective in this process.

Bright Light.

That’s right guys. “Seasonal depression” is in fact a thing. During the winter serotonin levels tend to be lower while in the summer they are higher. Research has also shown that spending time in the sun boosts serotonin levels. Scientists recommend that people get out outside for at least 15 minutes a day. 

With all this being said, it’s easy to believe that the more serotonin you have the better off you’ll be, right? But just as having too low serotonin levels is bad for you, it’s also bad to have serotonin levels that are too high. And no, serotonin levels that are too high aren’t caused by being overly happy, but rather other underlying health issues. When your serotonin levels are too low there can also be a range of symptoms, but depression is most common. 

So when you think about it, not even serotonin is the solution to a happier life. If anything it’s balance and whatever works for you.