23 Legal Ways TO Boost Your Serotonin

The so-called happy hormone is your body’s in-built moodimproving switch. But securing a regular buzz needn’t mean indulging your more libertine impulses. Use our score sheet to enjoy a healthy high, whenever you want it. Consider it self-care without the scented candles

- Louee Dessent-Jackson And Scarlett Wrench

1 GET A GRIP ON YOUR MOOD Skin-on-skin contact is a proven antidepressant: simply holding hands with your partner releases serotonin, as well as regulating your heart rate. Or, for a more high-octane hormone hit, take up a close-contact sport such as Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Grappling with your foe will flood your body with stress-relieving chemicals. A choke hold isn’t so different from a cuddle, is it?

2 LIVE IN THE PAST

The irrepressible popularity of mindfulness meditation might have you convinced that “staying in the moment” is the key to enlightenment. But that, ironically, is old news: San Francisco State University found that nostalgia correlates strongly with life satisfaction and that looking at photos of loved ones will trigger the production of mood-improving hormones. It seems that Facebook Memories might have a purpose, after all.

3 START A NEW PET PROJECT

Not only does man’s best friend provide plenty of fodder for your Instagram feed, but a University of Missouri study found that a #doggo can keep depression on a tight leash. Just a few minutes spent petting a dog releases serotonin, as well as the feel-good “bonding hormone” oxytocin. No pet of your own? Volunteer as a dog-walker and you will enjoy the healthy brain-chemical boost that altruism also bestows.

4 TAKE THE PLUNGE

Go wild swimming. Cold-water immersion fires up your endorphin production, which gives you a warming hit of serotonin. Plus, just think how good that warm towel will feel.

5 WAIT FOR THE DROP