Endorphins and well-being

Hey there! 😊 Let's take a moment to talk about endorphins. You know, those little chemicals in your brain that help you to deal with pain and support your overall well-being.

Ever felt terrific following a workout, a bite of dark chocolate or a hearty laugh with a buddy? Yep, that's all thanks to endorphins!

Endorphins belong to a group of peptides (small proteins) in your body, specifically made by your pituitary gland and central nervous system. They're a kind of neurotransmitters (some also call them hormones), which work their magic on the opiate receptors in your brain to enhance joy and satisfaction, and lessen pain or discomfort.

Endorphins have many positive effects. Imagine that you are bitten by a snake, yet you feel no pain. That's because endorphins have a protective effect that helps you to cope with the stress of the situation.

The many other benefits of endorphins include:

• Reduced depression

• Reduced anxiety

• Improved self-esteem

• Regulation or modulation of appetite

• Enhanced immune response

• Reduced pain

A 45-minute workout at moderate intensity three times per week may be a good first option for those living with mild depression

Fun fact: the term "Endorphins" comes from two words - 'endogenous' which means stemming from the body and 'morphine', a type of pain relieving opiate. Cool, isn't it?