in #CASE you missed it… Release More Endorphins /Boost Your Mood
Endorphins are a kind of hormone that can relieve pain and leave us feeling happy.
Anyone else out there feel like they could use a mood booster? It’s been a stressful year and lots of us could benefit from a little extra happiness to balance things out and the good news is that it’s not that hard to achieve. You know that good feeling you get after exercising? It’s caused by the release of hormones called endorphins, but you don’t have to endure a sweat sesh to get it. There are lots of easy ways to get those endorphins going and feel the rush of happiness they can bring.
- Exercise - It’s great for the body, mind and mood. Dr. Jeffrey M. Cohen, instructor of Medical Psychology at Columbia University Medical Center, says just 20-minutes of intense physical activity can be an effective antidepressant and studies have shown that exercise can be as effective as antidepressants, thanks in part to the increase in endorphin production.
- Have sex - Endorphins are also released when you fool around, plus orgasms trigger the release of the “love” hormone oxytocin, which counteracts cortisol, the stress hormone, and leaves you feeling more relaxed and happy.
- Meditate - According to one study, mindfulness and meditation during a 25-minute hatha yoga session boosted participants’ moods afterwards, which could be from the rush of endorphins. And a review of research finds that meditation may boost levels of dopamine - another hormone linked with pleasure - and that contributes to a good mood afterwards.
- Laugh - Watch a funny show or some silly animal videos anything that gets you laughing, because another study finds that also triggers the production of endorphins.
- Get out in the sun - Soaking up some rays will help your body make more vitamin D, which may help your mood. And research suggests that UV radiation from the sun has a positive effect on endorphin production, too.