Don’t skip sleep
Too little shut-eye puts extra stress on your body and your ability to cope. It can also lower levels of leptin, a hormone that tells your body it’s full, and raise levels of ghrelin, which triggers hunger signals. Follow a calming wind-down bedtime routine, advises hormone medic Dr Sohère Roked (drsohereroked.co.uk). ‘Supplements like magnesium before bed can help relax you for sleep.’
Eat for happiness
Certain foods activate your body’s natural happy hormones. Spicy foods trigger a release of soothing endorphins, and eating eggs, beans, yogurt and low-fat meats are thought to raise dopamine levels. Serotonin boosters include cheese, turkey, chicken, tuna, nuts and seeds.
Be grateful
Whether you keep a gratitude journal or simply list three good things each day, a positive outlook has been shown to raise levels of serotonin. This mood-boosting hormone is activated by achievement and a sense of purpose. ‘Keep a list of goals and review them weekly if not daily,’ advises Dr Roked. ‘Feeling like you’re progressing generates energy due to purpose.’ Conversely, feeling like we’re not fulfilling our potential drains energy.
STROKE A DOG
Or cuddle your cat, or give someone a hug. It triggers the release of the ‘bonding’ hormone oxytocin, which makes you feel contented and calm.
GO GREEN
Research suggests that a cup of green tea can raise levels of the two happy hormones, serotonin and dopamine.
This story is from the May 18, 2021 edition of WOMAN'S WEEKLY.
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This story is from the May 18, 2021 edition of WOMAN'S WEEKLY.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
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