New York, New York – Valentine’s weekend across the Mid-Atlantic states, including New York and New Jersey, is drawing attention to winter wellness and emotional balance.
Health experts say serotonin — a neurotransmitter that regulates mood, sleep, appetite and cognitive function — plays a critical role in mental well-being, particularly during colder months with limited daylight. Research indicates about 90% of the body’s serotonin is produced in the gut, with the rest synthesized in the brain.
Balanced serotonin levels are associated with improved emotional stability and may help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression during winter.
Here are five natural strategies experts recommend this weekend:
Eat tryptophan-rich foods. Salmon, turkey, tofu, pumpkin seeds and tart cherry juice contain tryptophan, an amino acid the body uses to produce serotonin. Pairing these with complex carbohydrates may support absorption. Local seafood markets from Long Island to Cape May offer regional options.
Get moving. Brisk walks through Central Park, jogging along the Hudson River Greenway, cycling the Schuylkill River Trail in Philadelphia or walking the Atlantic City Boardwalk can increase serotonin release. Even 20 minutes of aerobic activity may improve mood.
Seek sunlight. Morning light exposure along the Jersey Shore, Baltimore’s Inner Harbor or Delaware’s Rehoboth Beach supports vitamin D production, which plays a role in serotonin balance. Experts recommend 15 to 30 minutes daily when possible.
Reduce stress. Yoga classes in Brooklyn, meditation sessions in Princeton and time outdoors in Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains may help regulate stress levels.
Prioritize sleep. Health professionals recommend seven to nine hours nightly to maintain neurotransmitter stability.
For students commuting across Manhattan or young professionals traveling the New Jersey Turnpike, small daily adjustments may provide measurable emotional benefits.
This Valentine’s weekend, experts say consistent habits can strengthen resilience across the Mid-Atlantic region.
