[One Thousand Characters a Day] Dr. Lee Si-hyung's 'Happiness Must Also Be Learned' <3>

by Jo Inkyung

Published 25 Apr.2023 06:00(KST)

Updated 25 Apr.2023 07:56(KST)

[One Thousand Characters a Day] Dr. Lee Si-hyung's 'Happiness Must Also Be Learned' <3>

Editor's NoteSerotonin-type people are, in short, those whose brains are always overflowing with serotonin. They may appear gentle on the outside, but inside they possess burning passion and strength; they seem passive but are actually proactive; they are the epitome of a balanced life, knowing how to adjust intensity according to the situation. Strengthening serotonin nerves is not difficult. Anyone can become a serotonin-type person simply by having regular meals, getting sunlight, walking rhythmically, and wearing a bright smile with kind words. Here, we introduce the methods emphasized by Dr. Lee Si-hyung in his book Happiness Must Also Be Learned to become a serotonin-type person. Word count: 877.

Serotonin never overflows naturally. The problem arises from deficiency. There are several ways to activate serotonin.

Have regular meals. Regular meals are a very important serotonin technique. It is sufficient to have ordinary meals regularly without needing special supplements. However, you must chew well. There is no stronger digestive aid than saliva. Chewing slowly stimulates the basal ganglia located just above the jaw muscles, which triggers serotonin secretion and regulates appetite. Eating slowly while enjoying pleasant conversation is a serotonin meal and a parasympathetic-dominant joyful dining experience.

On March 6, when the warm weather continued, citizens who visited Yeouido Park in Seoul were taking a walk in light clothing. <br>Photo by Kang Jin-hyung

On March 6, when the warm weather continued, citizens who visited Yeouido Park in Seoul were taking a walk in light clothing.
Photo by Kang Jin-hyung

Take a 20-minute walk daily while getting sunlight. Feeling gloomy on cloudy or rainy days is because serotonin, an arousal hormone, is not produced. In Northern Europe, sunlight is especially scarce in winter, leading to many cases of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) in early spring. Recently, reports have emerged that young women in Korea suffer from SAD due to lack of sunlight caused by fear of ultraviolet rays. This does not mean you should expose yourself to direct sunlight. You should live under indirect light for about one to two hours a day. The habit of opening windows in the morning is our ancestors’ method of increasing serotonin.

Engage in rhythmic exercise. Any exercise with rhythm becomes an excellent serotonin activation technique. Among them, the easiest, most effective, and effortless exercise is walking. Walking is the basic movement of animals. Whether going to a restaurant or hunting, you must walk first. For consciously strengthening serotonin, please refer to the serotonin walking method introduced later. Jogging at a walking pace, called “jogking” (Jogging+Walking), is also an effective serotonin exercise.

- Lee Si-hyung, Happiness Must Also Be Learned, Special Library, 16,000 KRW