Endorphins - the positivity chemical

When you workout, you feel good. It’s just a fact. Sure, you may be tired, sweaty, wet, and need a full 3 hour nap, but *that* feeling is undeniable. It radiates through your pores. It sets you up for the rest of your day. 

“But why?”, you may ask. And the answer to that is endorphins.

But what are endorphins? 

These delightfully positive chemicals are produced by the central nervous system and the pituitary gland. They’re released in response to pain or stress, and they reduce pain, and boost your pleasure. 

They’re not only released during exercise - they’re also present during other activities, such as eating and sex. 

What is their purpose?

Endorphins are released to minimise stress and discomfort, and maximise pleasure. As humans, we try and minimise any pain, and maximise feeling good - if something feels great, we’re more likely to do it over...and over….and over. 

What are the benefits of endorphins?

Whilst maximising pleasure and minimising pain is an overall plus in endorphins favour, there are plenty of other reasons why endorphins make you feel good:

• Reduce stress and anxiety - a study done on mice showed a direct correlation between the anxiety levels in mice, and their levels of endorphins. 

• Lose weight - although there are many complexities surrounding how endorphins affect eating, higher levels of endorphins have been shown to regulate appetite in animals. 

How can I boost my endorphins?

There are plenty of ways you can heighten your endorphins, including the aforementioned exercise and sex. 

Other things you can try include:

• Laughter

• Meditation

• Eat dark chocolate

• Create music or art

• Enjoy a massage

You’ve got the knowledge, now go and hunt out those endorphins! As always, stay fit and healthy.