Summer’s an excellent time to take advantage of three steps that naturally help your brain make more feel-good serotonin, which protects you from the damaging effects of stress:
- Sunlight exposure Lose your sunglasses for half an hour a day while you’re outside so the light can get in via your eyes to your brain, where it triggers serotonin production. Avoid the sun’s most direct rays between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.–and please don’t look directly into the sun.
- Exercise In a city like Chicago, where I live, the bike paths are humming, the streets are filled with people walking, and the lakefront is buzzing with skaters, swimmers, and frisbee players. Get outside for at least 20 minutes a day and do something fun and vigorous. Take a friend, take your dog, or just take a brisk walk.
- Carbohydrate timing You can read more in The Triple Whammy Cure about this easy way to maintain serotonin levels throughout your day. Eating the fresh produce now in season is simply the best way to keep your carbs up. Enjoy fruits and veggies all day long.