Activating Serotonin is the First Step to Happiness

It has been four years since I wrote this book. While the things I do in the morning haven't changed much (in fact, they've increased year by year), I am now certain of one thing: my sense of happiness has grown since becoming a morning person. Writing "happiness" feels a bit embarrassing, but this is not an abstract theory.

This is because basking in the morning sun activates serotonin, a neurotransmitter that makes us feel happy. And in the morning, I do gentle exercises like running, yoga, and stretching, which also activate serotonin. In other words, simply by getting sunlight and exercising, a happy mood is naturally created.

“I’ll Do It Later” and “I Can’t Be Bothered” Have Disappeared

In addition to the above, I accomplish everything I need and want to do in the morning—meditation, writing, housework, studying, errands—which naturally brings a sense of satisfaction, confidence, and further motivation. I think, 'I managed to get all this done!'
Lately, this feeling has started to last throughout the day, not just in the morning. I no longer postpone tasks with "Maybe I'll do it later," and I find myself feeling less "I can't be bothered." It's as if, similar to how a runner feels light and agile even after taking off their shoes, my mental muscles have been trained, and this morning motivation now lasts all day.
Furthermore, as I've become able to utilize my day in this way, I've started to feel a desire to "live more deliberately." While this awareness doesn't yet last all day, I feel I've changed dramatically compared to when I was a night owl.

Happiness Depends on Your Own Awareness

I believe these factors contribute to my increased sense of happiness. In other words, happiness is not something that is merely given to us, nor is it something that can only be felt under certain conditions; it is something that can be enhanced by our own awareness.
However, you won't achieve these effects if you're doing things reluctantly or in a rush, thinking, "I don't have time!" It also requires ingenuity to figure out how to enjoy tasks and how to manage your time effectively. This book contains tips and tricks for just that, so please read it if you're interested!



"A Beautiful Morning to Change Your Life"
Author | Michiko Fujiwara
Pages | 158 pages
Publisher | Gentosha Bunko
Price | ¥583
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