Chicago, Illinois – Valentine’s weekend across the Great Lakes states, including Michigan and Ohio, is bringing renewed attention to winter wellness and mood support.
Health experts say serotonin — a neurotransmitter that regulates mood, sleep, appetite and cognitive function — plays a central role in emotional stability, particularly during the region’s cold, low-sunlight months. Research shows approximately 90% of the body’s serotonin is produced in the gut, with the remainder synthesized in the brain.
Balanced serotonin levels are linked to improved mood regulation and may help reduce symptoms of seasonal anxiety and depression, which can intensify during prolonged winter conditions across Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Michigan and Ohio.
Here are five natural strategies experts recommend this weekend:
Eat tryptophan-rich foods. Great Lakes–sourced fish, turkey, tofu, pumpkin seeds and tart cherry juice contain tryptophan, an amino acid used to produce serotonin. Pairing these foods with complex carbohydrates may support absorption.
Get moving. Brisk walks along Chicago’s Lakefront Trail, skating at Detroit’s Campus Martius Park, hiking near Cleveland’s Edgewater Park or climbing dunes at Indiana Dunes National Park can increase serotonin release. Even 20 minutes of aerobic activity may provide measurable mood benefits.
Seek sunlight. Morning light exposure along Lake Michigan, Lake Erie or Lake Superior supports vitamin D production, which plays a role in serotonin balance. Experts recommend 15 to 30 minutes daily when conditions allow.
Reduce stress. Yoga classes in Milwaukee, meditation sessions in Columbus and outdoor time in Wisconsin’s Devil’s Lake State Park may help regulate stress levels.
Prioritize sleep. Health professionals recommend seven to nine hours nightly to maintain neurotransmitter balance.
For students navigating Ann Arbor campuses or commuters traveling Chicago’s Loop, small routine adjustments may offer meaningful improvements during winter’s darkest stretch.
This Valentine’s weekend, experts say consistent, manageable habits can help strengthen resilience across the Great Lakes region.
