How to Use Endorphins to Your Advantage


Endorphins are a chemical that the brain produces to help a person block out any feelings of pain or discomfort. These chemicals attach themselves to receptors in the body. Endorphins block these receptors from getting pain signals. They also create a high feeling that many can associate with the high that one gets from opioids. People cannot overdose on endorphins, but this also means the high is not as intense as taking drugs like heroin. Another critical thing to note is that endorphins are not addictive.

How the Body Releases Endorphins

Exercise is the primary way the body releases these chemicals. It takes a long and intense exercise session to get the full effects of the endorphins. Meditation or peaceful workout programs like yoga can also cause a release or flood of these feel-good substances. Telling a funny story or laughing is another excellent way to get the body flowing with endorphins.

The body uses these chemicals to halt depression associated with chronic health conditions. Diabetes and fibromyalgia often lead to depression. For people with these health problems, activities that include boosting endorphins can help ease symptoms and promote a healthier lifestyle. People with migraines and regular tension headaches may find relief from therapies involving a boost in endorphins. The pain-blocking effects offer ease in pain for headaches.

There are many ways the body can get a release of endorphins. An intense workout is one way to get a flood of good feelings going. Sometimes, a bite of something decadent can do the trick.

Floatation Therapy - With the gravity-lifting sensation of floating in a sensory deprivation tank for an hour, patients find this treatment excellent for building endorphin levels. After a session in a float tank, many say the euphoric effects of the therapy last long beyond the visit. For hours, good feelings and pain relief help clients feel better. Regular sessions can increase the impact of these therapies over time.

Favorite Scents - Sniffing lavender, vanilla, or lilac is another easy way to get the brain to let go of a few endorphins. Favorite or soothing scents are calming and a little relaxation goes a long way. Combine this activity with a bubble bath or time meditating, and you are on your way to a better mood.

Workout Competitively - Exercising in a group setting will give you more motivation to go at it hard. People are naturally competitive, so if you work out with a group, you are likely to put in your best effort. The extra work will be rewarded with more endorphins for your hard work.

Find Something Funny - Laughing is one way to keep the mind and body healthy. A few laughs each day can reduce stress and continue the endorphin rush from your morning workout. Combine this activity with a few choice foods, and you can find a better boost while staying completely natural.

Eat Chocolate or Something Spicy - Do you like a little hot sauce on your spicy wings? Do you enjoy hot Thai soup? Eating spicy foods can give your brain the nudge it needs to let go of a little feel-good sensation. Spicy foods and chocolate can coax the body into releasing endorphins. Dark chocolate works best for chocolate lovers, and it has antioxidant benefits.

Put on Your Favorite Tunes - For some people, a mellow mood comes from listening to a few down-home songs. Music forms a mental connection that causes the body to unwind and let the flow of pain-reducing hormones go. A little Beyonce or Bach can go a long way to lifting a person's mood.

Drink a Glass of Wine - A little alcohol can get the brain to increase endorphin release. While experts suggest getting drunk will temporarily inhibit the influx of hormones, socially drinking or having one or two glasses of beer or wine works best. Combining activities like drinking the wine and listening to soothing music can increase the brain's chemicals faster.

By finding ways to naturally produce the chemicals that help the body feel better and get rid of pain, people can promote a more consistent and healthier lifestyle. With natural endorphin release, people can combine techniques like flotation therapy and eating chocolate to get a more significant boost. Using food and exercise to build endorphin levels may help fight depression, anger, nervousness, nagging pain, and other conditions like diabetes.

If pain is an everyday problem, then you understand how important it is to find relief. Naturally boosting endorphins is one treatment that helps you block pain. While you may not have the ability to rigorously workout after an injury, you can use music, food, and meditation to help you get the same results. People who endure chronic health issues can benefit from endorphin boosting ideas to help reduce sad thoughts and feelings.

Through regular practice, individuals can learn how to use these endorphin boosting techniques to fight pain and increase mood levels. The body provides individuals the resources to feel better and heal. Learning how to harness the power of endorphin rushes is easy when using one or more of the techniques to help people find out how to release endorphins the natural way to get rid of pain and discomfort.



About the Author

Dr. Josh Kantor is a NYC Applied Kinesiologist and owner of Chill Space NYC, Manhattan's leading health and wellness spa. Learn more by visiting his website at ChillSpaceNYC.com
Location: Manhattan, New York, NY, USA

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