How to BOOST SEROTONIN NATURALLY

Summary

In this informative video, licensed therapist Jeffrey explores the role of serotonin, a neurotransmitter linked to happiness, and its impact on mood. He explains how serotonin levels can be influenced by appreciation and respect from others, and the potential for desensitization to these positive stimuli. Jeffrey suggests a daily exercise to boost serotonin by reflecting on moments of appreciation, advocating for the importance of recognizing and treasuring these experiences to maintain mental well-being.

Takeaways

• 🧠 Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that facilitates communication within the brain and is associated with feelings of happiness.
• 😊 Serotonin is often referred to as one of the 'happy chemicals' along with dopamine, epinephrine, and oxytocin.
• 🧬 Imbalances in serotonin levels may contribute to mood disorders, including depression, due to either insufficient production or a lack of receptor sites in the brain.
• 🚫 The speaker is not a medical doctor, and viewers are advised to consult healthcare professionals before engaging in any exercises mentioned.
• 🔑 Serotonin can be activated through the perception of receiving appreciation, respect, or admiration from someone we value.
• 🌟 The release of serotonin is heightened when the opinion of the person showing appreciation is highly valued by us.
• 📈 The effect of serotonin-boosting events can be temporary and may lead to desensitization, requiring higher levels of appreciation for the same serotonin response.
• 📝 To maintain serotonin levels, it's suggested to schedule regular boosts and not to constantly keep serotonin levels high.
• 💡 Dismissing compliments or not fully appreciating moments of admiration can lead to missed opportunities to naturally increase serotonin.
• 📖 The book 'Habits of a Happy Brain' by Dr. Loretta Brennan suggests techniques for boosting serotonin levels through appreciation.
• 🗓️ A daily practice of reflecting on moments of appreciation and respect can help store positive memories in the hippocampus, aiding in serotonin regulation.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video by Jeffrey?

The video focuses on the neurotransmitter serotonin, explaining what it is, its role in mood regulation, and how we can boost our serotonin levels.

What are neurotransmitters, and why are they important?

Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers in the brain that send signals from one part of the brain to another. They are important for various brain functions, including mood regulation.

Which other 'happy chemicals' are mentioned alongside serotonin in the video?

Dopamine, epinephrine, and oxytocin are mentioned as other 'happy chemicals' that work alongside serotonin.

What is the potential impact of an imbalance in serotonin levels on mood?

An imbalance in serotonin levels can cause mood imbalances and may be a contributing factor to depression.

What are two possible reasons for serotonin imbalance according to the video?

Serotonin imbalance could be due to the brain's difficulty in producing serotonin or a lack of receptor sites in the brain for serotonin.

Who is the author of the book 'Habits of a Happy Brain' mentioned in the video?

The book 'Habits of a Happy Brain' is written by Dr. Loretta Breuning.

How does the book suggest serotonin is activated in humans?

According to the book, serotonin is activated when we believe we have received appreciation, respect, or admiration from someone we care about.

What is the potential downside of relying on external validation for serotonin release?

The downside is the potential for desensitization, where one may require a higher level of appreciation, admiration, or respect to release the same amount of serotonin.

What is the exercise suggested in the video to help boost serotonin levels?

The exercise involves writing down at the end of each day the moment when you felt most appreciated, and then taking a few minutes to soak in that moment.

Why is it important to periodically schedule boosts of serotonin as suggested in the video?

Periodically scheduling boosts of serotonin helps to maintain a balance and prevents the need to constantly keep serotonin levels high, which is not only unsustainable but also unnecessary.

What is the final recommendation in the video for maintaining serotonin levels?

The video recommends treasuring moments of appreciation, writing down moments of feeling appreciated at the end of each day, and reflecting on these moments to store the memory and boost serotonin levels.