The hormone of happiness - endorphin
Endorphins are a type of neurotransmitters, messengers that act in our body. They attach to opioid receptors in the brain, responsible for regulating pain, emotions and rewards.
Endorphins are released during sports, sex or when we laugh. They are also released in the context of stressful or painful situations, in which case they help relieve pain and improve mood.
The name endorphins has its origin in the English endorphins , which brings together the terms endogenous (coming from within) and morphine (morphine - analgesic used for pain control), suggesting that endorphin is a natural analgesic.
Important to mention is the fact that there are no drugs that contain endorphins. Endorphins are chemicals that are produced naturally by the body.
Types of endorphins
There are over 20 types of endorphins. Beta-endorphins are the most studied type of endorphins. Beta-endorphins are involved in stress relief and pain management:
- It blocks the transmission of pain signals at the brain level, helping to reduce the painful sensation
- They reduce stress by inducing a feeling of euphoria, of pleasure
- It helps the body to adapt to stressful situations
- It also influences the feeling of hunger and eating behavior.
The benefits of endorphins
Studies have shown that endorphins:
- Reduce the symptoms of depression - the endorphins released during sports help to reduce the symptoms of depression
- Helps reduce stress and anxiety - as endorphin levels increase, stress and anxiety decrease
- They improve self-image by increasing the feeling of well-being, endorphins can help us feel better about ourselves, increase the level of confidence in our own resources and self-esteem
- It contributes to maintaining a normal weight by releasing endorphins that regulate the appetite - according to some studies.
How can we stimulate the release of endorphins?
There are a number of ways in which we can stimulate the release of endorphins in the body:
- Physical exercise - walking or jogging, for example, at a moderate-intense pace, seems to be the best solution for releasing endorphins, along with other sports and physical activities such as dancing, swimming and hiking.
- Acupuncture
- Meditation
- Aromatherapy
- The sex
- Relaxation massage
- A delicious meal
- Consumption of dark chocolate
- Listening to your favorite music
- Watching a favorite show
- Laughter
- Natural sunlight
- Involvement in voluntary actions, humanitarian actions
- Creation - decorative objects, painting, etc.
When the level of endorphins is low , signs such as depression, anxiety, muscle pain, sleep problems and impulsive actions may appear.
Also, some medical conditions, such as fibromyalgia, and certain conditions (sports addiction, self-harm) can cause a low level of endorphins .
Endorphins are important hormones that play a key role in health and emotional well-being. By increasing the level of endorphins in the body, we can relieve pain, reduce stress and improve our mood.
