If you find yourself experiencing the holiday blues, you might need a serotonin boost. Serotonin plays a role in digestion, sexual health, sleep, and of course, your mood! There are many natural ways to boost your serotonin levels, but one of the best ways is by exercising. While all exercise produces serotonin, some activities produce more than others. Let’s take a look at what workouts are most effective at giving you that extra boost!
Aerobics
Aerobic exercises produce more serotonin than any other type of exercise. All you need is 30 minutes of walking, biking, running, swimming, or any other aerobic exercise to significantly raise serotonin levels.
Yoga
Yoga, especially yoga nidra, has been found to boost serotonin and dopamine levels. Mindful breathing and meditation has also been found to reduce anxiety and stress. In turn, you also get improved back and joint pain, lower blood pressure, and better regulated blood sugar. Sign us up!
Tai Chi
Tai Chi is also great for improving mood, for a similar reason that yoga is. Tai Chi doesn’t focus as much on strength or endurance, but mostly emphasizes breathing and simple movements. In ancient China, Tai Chi was thought to relieve blockages of energy in the body as well.
Weight Lifting & Pilates
Pilates and weight lifting will also provide some extra serotonin, just not as much as aerobic exercises. Pilates is easy to do at home, relieves tension in the body, and helps burn fat naturally. Forms of strength training, such as weight lifting, will also help boost dopamine and serotonin while increasing your metabolism.
Conclusion
Do yourself a favor and try to move your body for at least 30 minutes a day! When you exercise, your body produces more tryptophan, which helps create serotonin. Exercise also boosts dopamine and releases endorphins, which help to ease inflammation and reduce stress and anxiety. Most of these can be done at home with little to no materials, so next time you’re feeling down, try working out!
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