Ways to boost your mood and help reduce pain.

Ways to Boost Endorphins

Endorphins are hormones that help in blocking pain and boosting mood.

Eat Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate contains phenylethylamine, which can boost endorphin levels, providing the mood-boosting effects.

A Good Laugh 

Researchers have known for a long time that the simple act of laughing can boost your mood. When you laugh, your body releases endorphins.

Eat Hot Peppers or Something Spicy

Peppers contain capsaicin, that produces the spicy taste. Capsaicin can stimulate endorphins, which may temporarily relieve pain.

Get a Massage

Research performed at the TOUCH Research Institute found that a massage increases the level of dopamine and endorphins. A 15-minute massage may even increase serotonin levels, helping with depression and mood.

Sniff Vanilla or Lavender

Studies show that smelling Vanilla or Lavender can increase endorphins, and may increase your mood, reduce anxiety, and help insomnia.

Drink a Glass of Wine

Drinking alcoholic beverages can make you happy and increase endorphins. Drinking too much can have a depressant effect. So, to maximize the benefits, a single glass of wine is recommended.

Practice Meditation

Meditation helps relax the mind and body. Studies show meditation helps release serotonin and dopamine. It also boosts endorphins. This combination may offer pain relief and reduce depression or anxiety.

Get More Sunshine

Research shows that exposure to UV radiation can release endorphins.

Listen to Music

One study found that listening to music causes your brain to release the same hormones that are released when you eat your favorite foods or have a glass of wine.

Take a little ginseng

The herb has been shown to balance the release of stress hormones in the body and support the organs that produce these hormones.

Have Sex

Research shows that being touched reduces stress, as well as alleviating pain and helping to heal injuries, according to Stanford University. Taking time for those intimate moments also soothes us, uplifts us (due to the release of those mood-enhancing endorphins).

Perform a random act of kindness

You’ll feel happier and better about yourself when you do something nice for someone else, since acts of kindness trigger endorphin release.

Take a hot bath

The heat of the water can help relieve tension and pain in your muscles, but it can also trigger the release of endorphins into your blood.

Wine

Acupuncture

Do What Makes You Happy

Almost anything that brings pleasure can help boost endorphins.