Endorphins have a host of mood-boosting benefits, and they can be released to boost happiness levels naturally during cold winter days and nights. Your body produces endorphins, natural hormones that give you that “runner’s high.” Endorphins block pain and stress. What’s not to love about endorphins?
Studies show that they even reduce depression and anxiety symptoms. There is no doubt that exercise releases endorphins – particularly high-intensity interval training, moderate exercise, group fitness classes, and running – but other activities can do the same. Experts share how to boost happiness without lacing up your running shoes.
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Massage And Acupuncture
Whenever pain trigger points are targeted, they stimulate pain and release endorphins, which are your body’s natural pain reliever. Endorphins can be released by massage and acupuncture, particularly when specific trigger points are targeted. After a massage or acupuncture, endorphins lead to relaxation.
UV Light
A lovely day outdoors induces a feeling of relaxation, partially because beta-endorphins are released by UV light. In addition, sunlight increases happy hormones by releasing serotonin in the brain.
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Music
Another way to release endorphins is to play music – singing, dancing, and drumming all trigger endorphin release in performers, according to a 2012 study. There is some evidence that listening to music can release endorphins, too, but others say more research is needed.
What do the studies agree on? You can improve your mood by listening to music, which releases dopamine. In other words, even though listening to music does not cause an endorphin release, it does result in the release of another happy hormone – and you won’t even know the difference.