Serotonin is essential, no matter what you’re trying to achieve. This feel-good hormone is made in the intestines and the brain predominantly. Most importantly it is responsible for making us happy.
Through a lack of self-care, especially during the winter months, your stores of serotonin can become depleted. This can leave you feeling depressed, lacking in focus, and dampen your creativity. Ultimately, this starts directly impacting your business. More to the point, how you run your business.
Since it’s winter, this is the time when serotonin can be most lacking in our bodies. In this post, we’re going to provide you with a guide on how to maintain your levels. These will help you feel at your best. Which helps you to run your business effectively all year round.
Why Serotonin Is So Important
Serotonin plays a role in many bodily functions, including appetite control and sleep-wake cycles. The most important link found is regarding how the hormone regulates our mood. Studies have shown that serotonin — and its precursor, tryptophan — can have a significant effect on our mood. Low serotonin and tryptophan levels have been shown to worsen depressive symptoms. This indicates that minor deficiencies can alter our mood.
Higher levels of both serotonin and tryptophan have also been linked to improving cognition. Those studies showing that acute tryptophan supplementation can dramatically boost attention scores, reaction times, and visual memory. It’s clear that serotonin is essential when it comes to being a successful entrepreneur. This is particularly true for maintaining proper cognitive function so we can think clearly and make better decisions.
How To Boost Your Serotonin Levels Naturally
Serotonin is produced by your body. Although there are a variety of foods that can boost your serotonin levels, you cannot consume serotonin itself directly from foods. Serotonin’s precursor, tryptophan, is an essential amino acid. It’s found in a variety of foods, usually those high in protein.
Studies have shown, a diet rich in the essential amino acid, tryptophan, can have a profound effect on your overall mood and cognition. Some food containing high tryptophan include fish, chicken, eggs, chocolate, nuts & seeds, turkey, tofu, and dairy products such as milk. You can also consume tryptophan in supplement form. However, it’s always best to check with your health practitioner before taking any supplements. It’s also worth considering probiotics, or probiotic-rich foods, as the majority of serotonin in produce in your intestines.
Other ways to boost your serotonin levels naturally include exercise, spending more time in daylight, and positive visualization. Try thinking of happy memories or imagining positive things that you’d want to happen in the future.
Good mood = Better Business
It’s no secret that feeling good is going to lead to better results in your life in general. This is true for everyone but even more so when it comes to running your business. It’s vital that in this high-stress age that we’re able to keep a clear head, especially if we’re always making important decisions. Something all entrepreneurs and business owners can relate to.
Hopefully, this article has given you some insight into the importance of serotonin. I’m sure you found some tips on how you can maintain optimum levels. Remember this results in better cognitive function and mood. That will significantly improve your life as an entrepreneur.
For more articles on how you can improve your entrepreneurial journey, check out some of the latest posts on our blog.
Written by Lewis James