What are Endorphins?

Endorphins are hormones, released from the adrenal and pituitary glands. They help the body endure pain and maintain a calm demeanor during high stress situations. A rush of Endorphins produces a sense of euphoria and tranquility.

They are our body’s natural painkillers, but a mild endorphin release can be achieved with some simple healthy, and some indulgent ways. A healthy amount of endorphins in the bloodstreams also keeps the immune system activated, and promotes longevity.

1. Smile

You don’t have to be happy to spread joy. All you have to do is Smile. Simply creating a smiling face, flexes your facial muscles that twitch nerve fibers to mimic triggers for endorphin signals. Also, studies show that when someone smiles back at you, you create a positive energy vibration with that person and that positively affects your biochemistry.

2. Music

Musical symphonies with ascending crescendos and wavelengths of certain beat frequencies have been scientifically proven to show an increase in endorphins norepinephrine and dopamine.

3. Add more Spice to your Life

Certain spices, such as cayenne peppers induce short, sporadic release of endorphins that trigger pleasure releasing hormones. Certain spices are also dosed as aphrodisiacs in some cultures

4. Communicate

Studies indicate that interacting with friends, sharing thoughts, emotions, and laughter induces a positive flow of hormones in your bloodstream

5. Rhodiola Rosae

A rare herb, that is indigenous to Siberia, grows mostly in extreme conditions such as high mountain plains and extreme cold weather. This herb is contains adaptogens which act as precursors to endorphins dopamine, epinephrine and nor epinephrine.

6. Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate contains catechamines, which stimulate several pleasure inducing hormones, including dopamine and serotonin. It is the balance of these hormones, in the right proportion that produces that euphoric pleasure that chocolate produces

7. Be in Love!! <3

Just the state of being that your mind is in, when you experience love.. your body’s biochemistry peaks entirely, and your levels of endorphins, serotonin and oxytocin are constantly abuzz

8. Mucuna Pruiens

Mucuna Pruiens, also known as Cowitch is an annual climbing shrub that grows in Africa, India and the Caribbean. It is a bean like plant and grows mostly in the wild. Mucuna is a mild aphrodisiac and is also used to treat several medical conditions, including Parkinson’s. Mucuna contains L-dopa, which is a precursor of dopamine, the feel good molecule

9. Sex

Probably the most fun way to release endorphins, sex can actually be a good 500-1000 calorie workout (depending on the intensity and passion, of course). The more intense your session, the more endorphins you release. Try not to make it a challenge, though 😉

10. Exercise

This is the best known endorphin releasing activity. You know that feeling when you get off the treadmill, or walk out of the weight room, Knowing you had a great workout, and your thoughts are positive and ambitious. Yep.. that’s the endorphins talking. Your body creates a natural ‘high’ when you do something good for it. Any physical activity, running, lifting, swimming or even a sporting activity as long as you get your heart rate up, should do the trick.