Endorphins can be the indispensable indoor medicine that can help improve the function of the whole body. They can be considered as "happiness molecules", since a positive mood or performing certain activities can help release these endorphins. Know how to improve your stimulation and achieve that dose of daily happiness.
Endorphins are neurotransmitters produced by the pituitary gland (central nervous system) naturally. They are responsible for producing feelings of well-being, as they combat discomfort and reduce painful sensations.
How to stimulate endorphins
Not only are they neurotransmitters that bring us happiness, but we can also stimulate endorphins. Here are 6 simple and practical ways to stimulate endorphins, these can be through physical exercise, stimulation of caresses, laughter and contact with nature, among other ways.
1. Physical exercise
Improvement in mood and therefore self-esteem, is a key psychological benefit of regular physical activity. When you exercise, your body releases chemicals called endorphins. These endorphins interact with receptors in the brain that reduce their perception of pain.
Endorphins also cause a positive sensation in the body, similar to that of morphine. For example, the feeling of following a race or training is often described as "euphoric".
That feeling, known as "runner's rush", can be accompanied by a positive and energizing attitude in life.
Endorphins act as analgesics, which means they decrease the perception of pain. They also act as sedatives. They are made in the brain, spinal cord, and many other parts of your body and are released in response to brain chemicals called neurotransmitters.
The neuroreceptors to which endorphins bind, are the same as some pain medications. However, unlike morphine, the activation of these receptors by body endorphins does not lead to addiction or dependence.
Regular exercise has shown:
- Reduce stress
- Protect from anxiety and feelings of depression
- Increase self-esteem
- Improve sleep
Exercise also has these additional health benefits:
- Strengthen your heart
- Increases energy levels
- Decreases blood pressure
- Improves muscle tone and strength
- Strengthens and strengthens bones
- Helps reduce body fat
- Makes you appear fit and healthy
2. The caresses
Kisses and hugs stimulate the release of endorphins, as well as pheromones, hormones that increase the attractiveness of the person and captivate the couple.
The combination of these two hormones produces a situation of intense pleasure, during and after the intimate relationship.
Here's how a good hug, resulting in a good flow of endorphins, affects:
- It lowers blood pressure, especially helps if you feel anxious.
- Cortisol (the stress hormone) is reduced, which allows for a higher quality of sleep.
- You can increase your social connections and a sense of belonging.
Because of these results, it is no surprise that studies have also shown that couples who hug more are more likely to stay together. Some reports have even shown how hugs can reduce pain. There is only one question: it has to be a good hug, which means, it has to last for at least 20 seconds.
3. Laughter
Laughter is promoted regularly as a source of health and well-being, but it has been difficult to pinpoint exactly why laughter until it hurts feels so good. The answer, reports Robin Dunbar, an evolutionary psychologist at Oxford, is not the intellectual pleasure of cerebral humor, but the physical act of laughter.
The simple muscular efforts involved in the production of the known, "ha ha", said, cause an increase in endorphins, brain chemicals known for their well-being effect. Simply sketch a smile so that our body begins to secrete endorphins especially enkephalins.
4. Contact with nature
It fills us with energy and good humor. The atmosphere you breathe in nature, whether in the countryside or the beach laden with negative ions stimulates the hormones of happiness.
A harmonious walk, where calm air is breathed calmly, without agitation, causes a reduction of thoughts of concern that weigh the person. In a more tranquil state, well-being is generated and this brings with it the segregation of endorphins.
5. Massages, meditation and yoga
Endorphins are secreted more easily and more when our mind is relaxed. It is highly recommended to practice relaxation through practices such as meditation, yoga and tai-chi.
The massage causes great discharges of well-being, since the nerve endings transmit the friction of the hands-on the skin until the brain activating the secretion of hormones of the happiness.
6. Melodic music
We all enjoy listening to music, but if it's just listening to it in the background, experts say it will not work on body and mind. To truly experience the music you have to actively listen to it non-passively.
"If you actively listen to music, it channels and trains certain actions in the brain, which I think are beneficial", said Dr. Crookes, a bariatric surgeon and musician.
Studies show that music can help people recover from pain and reduce the need for medications after the operation.
Another study reveals that music can reduce patient anxiety before surgery. Patients say that the ability of music to alter their mood can be very beneficial.
The music causes a significant release of endorphins, resulting in a decrease in heart and respiratory rate as well as significant muscle relaxation.
