Endorphins: What are they? (AND... How can I GET some?)
By award-winning author and stress-relief expert Susie Mantell
-WHAT ARE ENDORPHINS? ("en-DOR-fins")
"Endorphin" is Greek for "the morphine within", describing pain-relief
chemicals produced naturally in the body. The central nervous system is equipped with specific receptor sites for morphine-like substances that attach to receptors to help relay "stop-pain" messages. Discovered in the 1970's, scientists now believe that in some cases, anti-stress/pain hormones are secreted to block the signal of emotional pain as well, easing tension, lifting depression or causing a "lighter" or even somewhat euphoric effect.
-HOW CAN I GET SOME?
You will find many,many ways below. But you've likely heard that exercise is one way to purposely increase the flow of endorphins/stress hormones and those who have enjoyed that feeling tend to want to repeat it. But exercise is not a "one size fits all" proposition so before beginning any exercise program, it's wise to have a medical evaluation and perhaps a session or two with a fitness expert to get some safety and stretching guidelines to prevent injury, and to plan a program that's realistic, appropriately challenging, well-rounded and most of all...fun for you! (Otherwise, how will you ever get yourself to do it on a regular basis?) Adding energetic music can both boost your spirits, and entrain your feet and perhaps even heart rate to match the rhythm. We're more likely to "bop along" if there's a beat. The lift we enjoy after exercise is also partly from the sense of accomplishment and self-esteem. For me, s-t-r-e-t-c-h-ing (stretch only warm muscles), drinking plenty of water, and exercise to a point of perspiration flush toxins, energize, improve skin tone and mental clarity. According to The Mayo Clinic [ http://www.mayohealth.org ] duration of exercise appears to be more important than intensity. Walking, swimming and cycling are also thought to boost Serotonin, a neurotransmitter linked to some forms of depression, and sleep. Ask your doctor about moderate exercise if insomnia, stress or
depression are troublesome for you.
See tip entitled "70 Ways to Feel Really Good--Fast!"
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Award-winning stress-relief expert Susie Mantell ...is the author of the deeply soothing relaxation CD, "Your Present: A Half-Hour of Peace,” clinically approved for symptoms associated with stress and sleeplessness, depression and grief, anxiety, P.T.S.D., Fibromyalgia, caregiver stress, cancer, pain, divorce and addiction recovery. Featured in The Los Angeles Times, NBC, ABC, CBS-TV, Town & Country, The American Pain Society, Hazelden and The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, listeners include The Mayo Clinic, Memorial Sloan-Kettering, The Betty Ford Center, V.A. Hospitals,and Canyon Ranch (#1 Spa.) Customizing stress-reduction for Fortune 500 companies, distinguished hospitals and spas, Mantell has facilitated thousands in relieving health-related, work-related, chronic or traumatic stress. Her multi-sensory, mind-body techniques appear in national media, medical and corporate publications. Susie Mantell's Stress-Relief & Wellness Tips are intended as an adjunct to, not a substitute for, professional health care. Order “Your Present: A Half-Hour of Peace” and find more of Mantell’s stress-relief tips at www.relaxintuit.com