The serotonin tank (Part 2 of 3 posts)

By Ronda Nissley, Tuesday@10:10 blog post
Ronda is co-director of Marriage Resource Center of Miami Valley, Springfield, Ohio

Many of you are familiar with the Five Love Languages (Gary Chapman) and the importance of filling each other's "love tank".  I propose that we also have a "serotonin tank" - there are things that add to our serotonin levels and things that take away. Monitoring these levels may enhance our ability to get along with others and reduce our desire to harm the other person.

12 Serotonin Depleters

Hunger. Caused by:  skipping meals, delayed mealtimes, too few calories

Anger. Caused by: unmet expectations, interacting with difficult people, too many bills

Loneliness. Caused by: conflict with others, move to new town/job/church, isolated from others (could be due to illness, job dynamics, work or home demands, or poor choices)

Tired. Caused by: Work, children, illness

This list sounds oddly familiar to a list of common stressors? So basically anything that causes stress in your life, can also deplete serotonin.

12 Serotonin Replenishers

Hunger:  3/3 rule - Eat 3 things: Protein, Complex Carbs; Healthy Fats every 3 hours; Reduce sugar intake; Focus on good nutrition

Anger or bad mood:  "Mindfulness" - fully present in the moment with an acceptance; Soaking up sunlight; Attitude of gratitude

Loneliness: Nurture connected relationships; Attend church and life group; Do one thing for someone else each day (focus on someone besides yourself)

Tired: Establish a regular sleep routine; share household tasks; create margins in your life - learn to say "no" to good things

Previous post: Unlocking the serotonin mystery (Part 1 of 3 posts)
Next post: Serotonin-healthy relationships (Part 3 of 3 posts)