Endorphins are amazing little neurotransmitters. They can make you feel more positive and a lot less pain. They can fill you with energy and reduce the stress you feel. And the best thing about them is this: You can benefit from them any time you want to.
Here are seven surefire ways to naturally increase your endorphin levels:
Breathe it in (the vanilla or lavender, that is)
The aromas of vanilla and lavender have been shown to possess the ability to naturally boost your endorphin levels. Vanilla is good for reducing anxiety and lavender can reduce pain. So breathe it in.
Get a little ginseng
It comes in pill form, as a powder or even mixed into juice–and it can release endorphins and block stress. It is ginseng, naturally.
Work it out
You've heard of the "runner's high," right? It's the rush of energy euphoria long-distance runners experience sometime around mile four or five. Well, it's really "anybody's high," because anyone can experience it–as long as they're willing to work out hard.
Laugh
What came first, the endorphin or the laugh? The answer depends. Endorphins will probably increase your willingness to let loose and laugh. But then again, laughing releases endorphins.
Make love
Having sex is really good for you. Not only does it bring you closer to your partner and burn calories, but it also releases endorphins. No wonder it's so much fun.
Eat chocolate
This one might sound too good to be true–but it's definitely for real. Eating chocolate has been proven to increase your endorphin levels. Just make sure to enjoy it in moderation or you might be forced to spend more time working out.
Get your groove on
What type of music do you like best? Jimmy Buffett or Jimi Hendrix? Eric Church or a church choir? Maybe you like a little bit of everything? Whatever you like, listen to it. Music, like chocolate, sex, laughing, working out, ginseng and sniffing certain scents, releases endorphins.
When you think about it, endorphins are great, and so are all the things that release them. So release them already!
