Skip to main content

Endorphins - Chilli and Chocolate Can Make You Feel Good!

The body has it's own way of soothing us when we are in pain. Endorphins are "neurotransmitters" produced naturally in the body response to pain.

In the early 1970s, researchers were studying how the brain is affected by things like heroin or morphine. They found they reacted with receptor cells mainly in the the brain and spinal cord to block pain signals. The scientists wondered why such cells existed and it was then that they realised that the body produced its own opium like substances; the endorphins. 

Endorphins are produced as a response to various stimuli like stress and fear as well as pain. But they can give us a sense of restful bliss. They are often triggered when we have a good cry - that is why sometimes crying feels so comforting! The good news is that endorphins are also released by having a good laugh.

Here are some great ideas to help you release your own endorphins


  • Have a good giggle - spend time with people who make you laugh. Watch funny TV programs and films or visit your local comedy club.
  • Let your emotions go and have a good cry - it can be for joy as well as sadness
  • If you are fit, push your exercise regime a little - how about going dancing? (Don't exercise too aggressively just for the buzz - you will pay too dearly for the temporary high.)
  • Indulge in a little chocolate (it releases serotonin as well an endorphins) or eat some chilli - the body reacts to capsaicin by releasing endorphins) Here is a link to an intriguing  chilli and chocolate cupcake recipe;

Wendy Smith is a Life Coach with Career and Business Coaching skills. She helps people have the confidence they need to be successful at work while maintaining a good work/life balance. You can email her at wendy@wisewolfcoaching.com

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Friday Recipe - Catalan Fish Stew - Rick Stein

Friday Recipe -  Catalan Fish Stew - Rick Stein This is an everyday Catalan fish soup that is more like a stew and has several variants. Like so many Catalan dishes, it starts with a sofregit of fried garlic and tomato. A hearty Catalan fish soup; a meal in bowl. Catalan fish stew Ingredients 6 tbsp olive oil 1 large Spanish onion, chopped 2 fennel bulbs, chopped 150g/5oz chorizo, diced 1 red chilli, finely chopped 1 tsp fennel seeds, ground 2 cloves new season garlic, crushed ½tsp sweet paprika powder 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves 1 tsp saffron strands (optional) 3 fresh bay leaves 1 tin plum tomatoes 100ml/3½ fl oz fish stock or water 150ml/5 fl oz white wine 500g/1 lb 2oz mussels, cleaned 650g/1 lb 7 oz firm white fish (bream, pollock, cod, monkfish), filleted, dredged in flour and fried in olive oil 100g/3½ oz toasted almonds, ground To serve 1 lemon, cut into wedges steamed potatoes and spring greens Preparation method

4 Myths about Comforting Friends

  I found this useful and interesting post by Maura Kelly on the Marie Claire website! 4 Myths about Comforting Friends In two recent posts, I've talked about the advice grief educator Val Walker gives on   how to help friends who are dealing with the end of a relationship , whether from a breakup or the loss of a loved one. Those posts have focused mostly on   what to say . Now, let's talk about myths surrounding the art of comforting — and about a few things you should (and shouldn't) do if you want to help. Read more at  How To Comfort A Friend - Comforting Words For Friends - Marie Claire   Related articles Having a Bad Day - Tips For Dealing With Days When You Just Feel Down Be Successful - Making A Personal Change - Part 1 Admit A Change is Needed Are you stressed-out by your poor work-life balance?

Something Sacred To Start Your Day - Navajo Early Morning Blessing

Something Sacred To Start Your Day - Navajo Early Morning Blessing ly Morning Blessing "Hooghan" from the album Sacred Mountains by Louie Gonnie courtesy Canyon Records (www.canyonrecords.com). Graphics by Rezboyz Designz Translation "The mountains were put there - in holy way, they told us that that will be our spiritual home.  In the middle of the home will be a fire burning, there will be a door, there will be a fire poker (Sacred to Dine'),  You're thoughts will be good,  You will have plans to make,  Life will be blessed,  There the hope will stay." Singing Translation   The home is there, prayer in the home, pray in the home, in the beauty way with the scared pollen pathway, the home is there, the home is there!