You may have heard about a chemical in our brains called serotonin and how it can deeply affect our mood, sleep, digestion, and overall health (both physical and mental).

Sometimes, people are low in serotonin, and other times, their bodies aren’t utilizing serotonin properly, leading to an imbalance that can cause anxiety and depression, among other mental health issues. 

Low serotonin levels can make it feel like your brain is in a fog. You may feel like you’re in a funk but can’t really put your finger on why. Maybe it's just because you're tired, or maybe it's because you've been stressed out lately. What you do know is that there's something about the way your brain is working that makes you feel like something just not right.

Some of the most common symptoms of low serotonin include:

• Mood changes 

• Feeling irritable 

• Digestion issues

• Sleep problems

• Increased anxiety 

If you’ve been experiencing some of these symptoms, there is hope. There are many ways to target a serotonin imbalance, including seeing a psychiatrist. There are also proven ways to help boost serotonin levels and help with the challenges that come from being low in serotonin. 

Some of the things you can do to increase serotonin include: 

• Being out in nature 

• Getting some sunlight

• Eating serotonin-boosting foods including tofu, pineapple, nuts, seeds, and probiotic-rich foods

• Exercising in a way that is enjoyable to you 

• Playing with animals 

• Watching something funny and laughing

• Learning about something you’re interested in

What are some of your favorite ways to boost your serotonin? Let us know in the comments below!