The Path to Better Moods: A Biochemical Journey

As Kurt Vonnegut once said, 'good chemicals' play a significant role in our feelings of well-being. However, achieving a lasting sense of happiness and contentment often requires more than simply feeling 'good chemicals.' Our mood is primarily shaped by a complex interplay of diet, exercise, and the quality of our relationships. This article explores how these factors contribute to our emotional state and offers practical advice for improving our mood.

Understanding the Role of Diet and Exercise

For those fortunate individuals with a seemingly ideal start in life, such as having good genes, a healthy gut microbiome, supportive parents, and a predisposition for making healthy choices, feeling better about everything can sometimes be as simple as taking a two-mile walk or engaging with loved ones.

Physical motion, sunlight, and the presence of safe companionship can indeed significantly boost our mood. For those who are reasonably fit, a gym workout or yoga practice can stimulate favorable metabolic processes that improve mood. These activities release 'feel-good' chemicals, enhancing one's disposition for a day or two.

Strategies for the Rest of Us

However, not everyone starts life with these advantages. For the rest of us, making a concerted effort to improve our physical and mental health can be crucial.

Starting with a Simple Walk

Begin with a walk. It could very well make a difference. If you feel tired, take a short nap. When you feel hungry, eat, but choose wisely. Poor dietary habits can produce 'bad chemicals' that can negate the benefits of the walk you just took.

Engage in activities that get you moving, such as yoga, qigong, tai chi, or even ballroom dancing. The goal is to learn to move gracefully and establish a strong mind-body connection.

Key Nutrient Intake and Intermittent Fasting

For me, personally, any vigorous activity initially caused physical illness. I learned that taking five times the RDA of vitamin D, ten times the RDA for several B vitamins, significant amounts of fish oil (EPA/DHA omega-3s), and berberine significantly improved my well-being even with minimal exercise. Introducing a program of intermittent fasting further helped, as it can stimulate the production of ketones, a powerful means of mood control.

Dr. Christopher Palmer, a Harvard psychiatrist, advocates for the right diet to control psychiatric conditions, including ketosis. Similarly, Dr. Boswell, host of the Dr. Boz podcast, recommends a ketogenic diet for mental well-being.

CPTSD and Its Impact

Constantly feeling less energetic, less happy, and disconnected from others can be indicative of Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD). This condition fundamentally diminishes a person's ability to form meaningful connections. Treating CPTSD can change how one experiences the world, making them feel safer and more connected to family, friends, and society, ultimately improving one's mood.

Pete Walker's book 'Complex PTSD: From Surviving to Thriving'

A person might read Pete Walker's book on CPTSD and identify with the symptoms, realizing that improved mood starts with addressing these underlying issues. Understanding CPTSD and its effects can provide a roadmap for healing, leading to a more positive outlook on life.

Conclusion

Improving your mood is a multifaceted journey, involving diet, exercise, and emotional well-being. By making the appropriate lifestyle changes, you can shift your biochemical balance and improve your overall happiness.