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Mental Health

3 Habits to Boost Serotonin Levels Naturally

Add these habits to your daily routine for a natural mood boost.

Marisa Taylor KarasMandy Armitage, MD
Written by Marisa Taylor Karas | Reviewed by Mandy Armitage, MD
Updated on January 15, 2026
Reviewed by Mandy Armitage, MD | January 15, 2026

Serotonin is a chemical messenger in your brain that helps regulate mood, among other things. How much serotonin your body produces may be tied to genetics, but your diet and lifestyle can also play a role.

In this video, learn three habits that may boost your serotonin levels naturally to improve your mood.

References

American Psychological Association. (2020). Working out boosts brain health

Huiberts, L. M., et al. (2021). Effects of vitamin D on mood and sleep in the healthy population: Interpretations from the serotonergic pathway. Sleep Medicine Reviews

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Marisa Taylor Karas is a freelance journalist based in Brooklyn who has covered health, gender, and technology for 15 years. She previously worked at The Wall Street Journal, The Guardian, and Al Jazeera America, among other publications, and also served as managing editor of the Mellon Foundation in New York City.
Mandy Armitage, MD
Reviewed by:
Mandy Armitage, MD
Mandy Armitage, MD, has combined clinical medicine with her passion for education and content development for many years. She served as medical director for the health technology companies HealthLoop (now Get Well) and Doximity.

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