Endorphins: A quick guide to the runner’s high feeling
Discover the positive feelings endorphins bring and find out how to boost your levels.
Have you ever heard of the ‘runner’s high’? That sense of euphoria that sometimes accompanies a bout of intense exercise?
Well, it’s endorphins that we have to thank for that experience.
They belong to the family of neurotransmitters. These are the chemical messengers that pass along signals between nerve cells (neurons) and other cells in the body.
Where do endorphins come from?
Endorphins are produced inside the body by the hypothalamus, pituitary gland and central nervous system. They are known as endogenous opioid neuropeptides. They work similarly to a class of drugs called opioids which are prescribed to relieve pain.
The name endorphin comes from endogenous (meaning within) and morphine (morphine being a pain killer). Hence they are often referred to as the body’s natural pain killer.
What else do endorphins do?
Endorphins are produced as a response to stress and pain in particular but as well as relieving pain, endorphins can create a sense of elation or bring about a sense of calm or satisfaction.
Do I need to be a runner to produce endorphins?
Intense exercise is one way to trigger endorphins but they can also be triggered by activities like sex, laughter, listening to music or even eating certain foods like chocolate or a spicy meal.
How can I maintain healthy levels of endorphins to improve my wellbeing?
There are lots of things we can do to give ourselves a boost of endorphins. Try some of these ideas:
Get moving. Run, dance, lift some weights, whatever gets your heart pumping. Stopped exercising? Here’s how to restart.
Have a good laugh. Even anticipating laughing can help, so make a plan to watch some comedy.
Listen to some music. Or make some - singing or playing an instrument like drumming can help. Researchers believe that the active, “flow state” that can come from participating in making music leads to an endorphin increase.
Spice things up. Eat a curry or another recipe that contains hot peppers. Try a little dark chocolate for dessert.
Volunteer. Helping others can also lead to a boost in endorphins.
