Jacksonville, Florida – Valentine’s weekend along the Atlantic Coast states, including Florida and Georgia, is prompting renewed focus on emotional wellness and mood support.
Health experts say serotonin — a neurotransmitter that regulates mood, sleep, appetite and cognitive function — plays a key role in maintaining emotional balance. Research shows roughly 90% of the body’s serotonin is produced in the gut, with the remainder synthesized in the brain.
Balanced serotonin levels are associated with improved mood stability and may help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression — even in warmer coastal climates.
Here are five natural strategies experts recommend:
Eat tryptophan-rich foods. Fresh Atlantic seafood, turkey, tofu, pumpkin seeds and tart cherry juice contain tryptophan, an amino acid the body uses to produce serotonin. Pairing these foods with complex carbohydrates may enhance production.
Get moving. Walking along Miami Beach, jogging Savannah’s River Street, biking Virginia Beach’s Boardwalk or climbing the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse steps can help increase serotonin release. Even 20 minutes of aerobic activity may provide measurable benefits.
Seek sunlight. Morning light exposure along Jacksonville Beach, Charleston Harbor or the Outer Banks supports vitamin D production, which plays a role in serotonin regulation. Experts recommend 15 to 30 minutes of natural light daily.
Reduce stress. Yoga on the beach, boating along the Intracoastal Waterway or quiet time in Georgia’s Cumberland Island National Seashore may help regulate stress levels.
Prioritize sleep. Health professionals recommend seven to nine hours nightly to maintain neurotransmitter balance.
For college students in Tallahassee or young professionals commuting through downtown Atlanta, small routine adjustments may offer meaningful mood improvements.
This Valentine’s weekend, experts say consistent habits can help strengthen resilience and well-being along the Atlantic Coast.
