Endorphins: Boost Your Mood And Reduce Pain Naturally

Have you ever experienced a moment so filled with joy and laughter that you forgot all your troubles and felt an incredible surge of energy? That feeling of euphoria is thanks to the release of endorphins – the natural feel-good chemicals in your body. 

Endorphins are released from the brain and have been linked to reducing pain, relieving stress, and creating an overall sense of well-being¹. And the good news is that you can encourage the release of endorphins by incorporating certain activities into your daily routine.

First on the list is laughter. Surrounding yourself with positivity and joyful experiences can help trigger those endorphins. Whether it’s spending time with friends or watching a funny movie, laughter is a powerful way to boost your mood and health.

Exercise is another effective way to stimulate endorphin release. Studies have shown that just 20 minutes of aerobic exercise like brisk walking, running, or cycling, can elevate your mood and reduce the risk of depression². 

The next activity you can do is to spend time in the sun. Research has suggested that ultraviolet light from the sun may help increase endorphin release and elevate your mood³. Plus, exposure to sunlight helps your body produce Vitamin D, which is an essential nutrient for health.

Meditation is another way to promote endorphin release. Taking a few minutes to calm your mind and focus on your breath can reduce stress and help to put you in a calm state that promotes the release of endorphins. The effects can last well beyond your meditation session⁴. 

Finally, playing music, singing, or dancing can all help stimulate endorphin release. If you play a musical instrument, you’re already doing your body a favour! But even if you’re not musically inclined, putting on your favourite tunes and busting a move can help create that natural high and boost your mood⁵.

Incorporating these activities into your daily routine can help you harness the power of endorphins and improve your overall well-being. And if you are currently experiencing discomfort, trying to incorporate some of these could give your body the natural boost it needs, and help to reduce the pain in the process.

That’s why we welcome smiles and laughter at the practice during chiropractic visits, and endeavour to create a positive environment for you, as it all contributes towards better health and supports your chiropractic journey.

 So, let the good times roll and feel the joy this week and beyond!

References:

1. Blumenthal, J., Smith, P., & Hoffman, B. (2012, July). Is Exercise a Viable Treatment for Depression? ACSMs Health Fit Journal, 16(4), 14-21. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3674785/
2. Dunbar, R., Kaskatis, K., MacDonald, I., & Barra, V. (2012, October). Performance of music elevates pain threshold and positive affect: implications for the evolutionary function of music. Evolutionary Psychology, 10(4), 688-702. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23089077/
3. Fell, G., Robinson, K., Mao, J., Woolf, C., & Fisher, D. (2014, June). Skin β-endorphin mediates addiction to ultraviolet light. Cell, 157(7), 1527-1534. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4117380/
4. Sahaja Online. (2023). Meditation’s Impact on Neurochemicals. Retrieved from Sahaja Online: https://sahajaonline.com/science-health/mental-health-well-being/neurochemicals/evidence-of-meditations-impact-on-neurotransmitters-neurohormones/#:~:text=The%20activation%20of%20the%20brain’s,hypothalamus%20to%20release%20beta%2Dendorphins.
5. Sprouse-Blum, A., Smith, G., Sugai, D., & Parsa, D. (2010, March). Understanding Endorphins and Their Importance in Pain Management. Hawai Medical Journal, 69(3), 70-71. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3104618/