Studies suggest that the tiny chemicals that flow through one’s body could impact the amount of pain a person experiences. This is precisely the case regarding endorphins and how the body uses them as a natural source of pain relief.
Endorphins have been called “the body’s natural pain reliever.” To better understand how the two things are connected, it is essential to look closely at how endorphins and pain relief go hand in hand.
Ways That Endorphins are Naturally Released
Upon hearing about all of the incredible things that endorphins can do for the body, it is only natural that many people would like to know a little more about how endorphins are released. Several activities will cause the body to drop endorphins into the bloodstream, and those who want to feel some pain relief from pain relief should consider some activities.
Activities that release endorphins include:
- Exercise – One of the best benefits of exercise is that it allows your body to release endorphins naturally. Some people describe the experience as a “workout high” because that is essentially what it feels like to them. It is one thing that can help encourage people to get back into the gym after a period of absence if they are otherwise having trouble doing so.
- Playing Music – Music can have an uplifting effect on us as a species. This is probably why so many people enjoy playing their music so frequently. They get a lot of joy and relief out of it. Music is so easily accessible, so it makes sense that this is something that people will turn to in their time of need when they require an endorphin release of some kind.
- Laughter – They say that laughter is the best medicine, and there is a grain of truth. Laughter is a great way to get the endorphin release process rolling, which people always enjoy. Best of all, we can make each other laugh with just a little effort. If one can get themselves cracked up, it can produce a significant endorphin release that may ease some of the pain they are going through.
These are just a few great ways to get endorphins flowing throughout the body. There are countless variations that one may want to explore if they are curious about how to turn up the volume as far as endorphin release is concerned. It is all about finding what works best on an individual level and working with that.
Keep in mind that specific strategies may work better for certain people. Not all people release endorphins the same way. However, as previously mentioned, some universal activities generally work for everyone.
Additional Benefits of Endorphins
There is plenty of evidence of a link between endorphins and pain relief, but are there other ways that endorphins can help an individual? Yes, there are plenty.
A few of the notable benefits of endorphin release include:
- Reduced Symptoms of Depression – It is believed that depression may directly impact as much as 8% of the adult population in the United States. Not everyone realizes they have depression, and some people who have the condition actively conceal this fact. Thus, the number of people impacted by depression in the United States may be much higher than currently reported.
- Improved Self-Image – Working on one’s self-image is always challenging, but it can be improved through endorphins. Studies conducted by Oregon State University show a correlation between self-image and endorphin release. They seem to feed into each other and produce a virtuous cycle that can help improve one’s self-image and endorphin levels.
- Weight Loss – There is evidence that improved endorphin levels can contribute to weight loss. Many people struggle with their weight, and it is welcomed news to hear that they may have better luck losing weight if they work on improving their endorphin levels. It can make it easier for them to take the pounds off and keep them off. Increased endorphins boost morale and motivation to continue striving for those goals.
The best news is that this is just a small sampling of everything endorphins can do to bolster various aspects of a person’s life. They are also known to help in various ways, such as managing pain during childbirth and reducing anxiety symptoms.
Thus, it is wise to consider ways to boost endorphin counts once and for all. They play such a critically important role in the day-to-day functioning of one’s life, and it is a shame if one does not recognize this and do everything in their power to improve their endorphin production and release.
Natural Endorphin Boosters are the Best
There are other ways to boost endorphins, but many of those methods are not natural, which may contribute to the burnout of specific receptors that are set up to receive the endorphin signals in the first place.
Thus, it is dangerous to try to boost endorphins in unnatural ways. For example, the use of drugs or alcohol may temporarily boost endorphin levels in users, but that boost comes at a terrible cost. It is preferable to seek out endorphin boosts through natural means whenever possible.
Natural endorphin boosters are how the human body is designed to function. It knows how to receive and handle endorphin surges from those sources. Thus, these are the ideal ways to get endorphins into the bloodstream. A balanced approach like this makes it so much easier for the body to regulate the flow of endorphins properly, and that is the best way to get the most beneficial effects from endorphins.
Endorphins for Addiction Recovery
Endorphins are a natural way to provide pain relief and can bring added benefits to addiction recovery. Endorphins can reduce symptoms of depression, provide weight loss, and improve self-image. By exercising, laughing, and participating in enjoyable activities, endorphin releases can increase and help with overall mental wellbeing.
Healthy Life Recovery is an outpatient treatment center in San Diego, CA. Our professionals understand the importance of natural endorphin production for mental and behavioral health. Natural endorphin production and release can help people struggling with physical pain and addiction.
