{"id":49974,"date":"2020-05-08T19:57:11","date_gmt":"2020-05-08T16:57:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lifeadvancer.com\/?p=49974"},"modified":"2020-05-08T19:57:11","modified_gmt":"2020-05-08T16:57:11","slug":"endorphins-function","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lifeadvancer.com\/endorphins-function\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Boost Your Endorphins’ Function to Beat Anxiety and Pain"},"content":{"rendered":"

The best way to beat anxiety is to boost your endorphins, and this is old news. What people struggle with is finding the best ways to enhance their endorphins’ function.<\/p>\n

Life Advancer shares with you the effect of endorphins, and how to use these brilliant chemicals to relieve your anxiety. For those who haven’t heard the word “endorphins<\/strong>,” before, we tell you what these are, and how they work.<\/p>\n

What Are Endorphins?<\/h2>\n

These are chemicals that the body releases to relieve stress and pain. Endorphins function in the same way as opioids<\/strong>, which surgeons prescribe for pain relief after surgery.<\/p>\n

Scientists have studied<\/a> the way opioids work in the body. They combine with receptors in the body to disrupt pain signals. The same scientists then realized that chemicals in the body operated in the same way as opioids to relieve pain.<\/p>\n

Whereas opioids can cause an overdose and even death, endorphins cause a high that does not have risks.<\/p>\n

What Are the Functions of Endorphins in the Brain and Body?<\/h3>\n

Endorphins, which are neurotransmitters, transmit the electric signals which allow our nervous systems to function. The human brain has at least 20 endorphins. You will find them in most parts of our nervous systems. Anxiety and pain cause the release of endorphins.<\/p>\n

These chemicals react with opiate receptors in the brain to ease these feelings. They behave like opioids such as morphine and codeine, but with one difference – endorphins don’t lead to addiction<\/em> because they are natural chemicals. Their secretion also leads to euphoria, appetite modulation, increased sex hormones, and enhanced immune response.<\/p>\n

The more endorphins we have, the less stress we feel<\/strong>. They modulate the high that we feel after exercising. The number of endorphins varies from person to person. Two people may not feel a sense of euphoria at the same level.<\/p>\n

How to Trigger the Endorphins’ Function to Relieve Anxiety and Pain<\/h3>\n

So, we know that we need endorphins to function so that we can have a sense of well-being<\/a>. But how do we boost them?<\/p>\n

1. Exercise<\/h4>\n

Everyone knows that fitness counts, in more ways than one. Any exercise increases the level of endorphins in the body. A 2011 study<\/a> suggests that continuous exercise of about half an hour causes a release of endorphins<\/strong>. Researchers have also discovered that exercising at a moderate level<\/a> is best. It increases the heart and respiration rates. Furthermore, we feel the effects of endorphins best in a group.<\/p>\n

2. Try Chocolate and Chili Peppers<\/h4>\n

Advising you to eat chocolate may be somewhat contrary to exercising, but it does boost your endorphin levels<\/strong>. This study<\/a> proves that cocoa flavanol releases endorphins into the brain. Also, it reduces inflammation, which may give you a bit of leeway to indulge in it regularly.<\/p>\n

Furthermore, capsaicin in chili peppers releases these ‘happy’ chemicals<\/a> as well. Why not try the dark chocolate-chili pepper combination<\/strong>? It’s heavenly and good for the mood.<\/p>\n

3. Meditation<\/h4>\n

Researchers involved in a 2011 study<\/a> that studied the factors leading to endorphin release found that meditation was one of them. Participants involved reported feeling calm. Apart from feelings of happiness and satisfaction, meditation can enhance physical wellness, sleep, and one’s ability to cope with illness.<\/p>\n

Here’s what to do if you wish to give meditation a try<\/a>. First, choose a serene, quiet spot to seat yourself. Let your thoughts drift by, no matter if they are positive or negative. Don’t judge them; acknowledge them. Let them go and do not latch onto them. Go through this routine for five minutes, then for more extended periods.<\/p>\n

4. Stop and Smell the Oils<\/h4>\n

Another way to strengthen the functions of your endorphins<\/strong> is to stop and smell the roses – rose oils, that is. A 2012 study<\/a> showed that essential oils<\/a> went some way in helping women who underwent IUD insertion with anxiety. Scents from euphoric essential oils are especially potent.<\/p>\n

Examples of aromas that can trigger euphoria<\/strong>:<\/p>\n