Winter blues, seasonal depression, and SAD (seasonal affective disorder) can affect people of all ages, but studies show that seniors might be more susceptible.
This winter, take extra steps to ensure you’re embracing the season and feeling your best by knowing how to activate your four “happy chemicals.”
Dopamine
Dopamine plays a role in how you feel pleasure. It is an important chemical messenger in the brain that takes on many functions. It is associated with reward, motivation, memory, attention, and regulating body movements.
When released in the brain, it brings on feelings of pleasure and reward, which helps keep you motivated to repeat the behavior that brought on the release. On the flip side, low levels of dopamine are associated with poor motivation and limited enthusiasm for things that would normally excite.
You can increase this chemical production in your brain in a number of ways, including:
- Practicing self-care
- Eating your favorite food
- Listening to music
- Exercising
- Eating protein-rich foods
- Take a probiotic (recent studies show a close connection between the brain and gut health)
- Get plenty of sleep
Serotonin
Serotonin is responsible for a variety of processes in your body, from regulating moods to aiding digestion. In addition, this chemical messenger also helps promote good sleep, appetite, learning, memory, and positive feelings.
Low levels of serotonin are linked to anxiety, depression, feeling irritable or aggressive, sleep issues, and even digestive issues.
To naturally boost serotonin, try:
- Meditating or deep breathing
- Spending time in the sunshine
- Getting outside for a walk
- Spending time in nature
Oxytocin
Oxytocin is otherwise known as the love hormone and is responsible for helping you regulate your emotions and the warm fuzzy feelings of human connection and love.
To boost oxytocin, try:
- Helping others
- Hugging someone
- Giving someone a compliment
- Showing a pet some love
- Get a massage
- Spend time with family or friends
Endorphins
Endorphins are known as the body’s “feel-good” chemicals that help stimulate feelings of pleasure, well-being, and even provide pain relief.
Want an endorphin boost? Try:
- Dancing
- Exercising
- Watching your favorite television show or movie
- Laughing
- Enjoy chocolate (in a mug or from a wrapper)
Knowing how to naturally boost these feel-great chemicals can help you bolster all versions of the winter blues this season. You can embrace the season, enjoy the beauty of the snow, get cozy by the fireplace, and soak in all the great things about winter.
Sometimes when you’re in a “funk,” it can be difficult to get yourself out. Now you have a list of tools to use to work yourself quickly out of a negative state of mind and be on your way to feeling better in no time.
Get Cozy In A New Community This Winter
If you’re ready to beat the winter blues with a supportive, active, and smiling community, we invite you to schedule an appointment to come out and visit Auburn Hill Senior Living. From our jam-packed social calendar to our focus on movement, health, and overall wellness, you’ll have all the tools you need to feel great this winter while enjoying a beautiful new apartment.
We’d love to welcome you and give you the grand tour!