The Power Within… Just Change Your Mind

Been Grumpy Lately??

A few weeks ago, during a class at MedX I remember an individual not having a good morning; it was too early, the lighting wasn’t right, the seat was all wrong, etc. I remember saying to myself, there’s a “grumpy” morning! We have a rule around our house that everyone is allowed to be “grumpy” every once in a while, but they are expected to snap out of it within a reasonable amount of time. Have you ever wondered why you feel better after finally finishing that workout that started so “grumpy?” You’ve been drugged! Yup! By your own body!

The technical term is “Endorphins.” They are endogenous opioid polypeptide compounds that are produced by the pituitary gland and the hypothalamus in vertebrates during strenuous exercise, excitement and orgasm. These compounds resemble the drugs in their abilities to produce analgesia and a sense of well-being. The word is broken into two parts: “endo-” for endogenous (produced from within) and “-orphin” for morphin (a light anesthetic or sedative). Endorphins are a “morphine-like substance originating from within the body.”

As I mentioned above, our own body has drugged us. Drugs such as morphine, heroine and cocaine are classic endorphin-releasing entities. Fortunately, the drugging power that our own bodies have is less addictive and much healthier way of experiencing those wonderful feelings. However, we have all known individuals “addicted” to exercise, but that’s another article.

So since this has turned into a “happy” article and not a “grumpy” one, I’m using information that I found on the internet from an article called “Endorphins 101: Your guide to Natural Euphoria,” written by Melissa Walker. Besides exercise, there are other ways to change that grumpy factor around. Here are the top ten ways, each with its own endorphin level of intensity rated from one to five.

Eat a chili pepper. The rush you get after that pepper touching your tongue, not only sets off centrally released endorphins but also tongue related sensations. Endorphin level: 1 to 3 depending on how hot you can stand them.

Think positive thoughts. The power of the mind is a beautiful thing. There is a direct result of the power of positive thinking, which has been thought to release endorphins that may actually ease pain if medication is physically ineffective. Endorphin level: 2.

Work out (yes, you knew exercise was going to be here). It’s often called that “Runners High” which is a release of endorphins that happens at a particular intensity level of most exercise sessions. Exercise has been proven to enhance moods; whether it’s because of the accomplishment of finishing the exercise or the actual release of endorphins. Endorphin level: 2 to 4. It’s all about intensity and duration of the exercise.

Have an orgasm. Endorphin level: 5, need I say more?

Get moved (as in emotionally). Once again the power of the mind continues to work in wonderful ways. Watching a touching dramatic scene, listening to inspiring music or viewing beautiful art allows us to derive pleasure in life and that helps to keep natural “highs” circulating within our bodies. Endorphin level: 2 and higher levels of emotional response can reach a 3.

Acupuncture. More brain connection. The use of needles in the body is a release and it may trigger endorphin production. Endorphin level: 3 and those who use acupuncture tend to be more positive thinkers which adds to the effect.

Chocolate (now we’re talking). The food closest to a drug is chocolate. It triggers the brain to release endorphins. Who’d have thought? The problem is that it only takes a bite or two to trigger the release not the entire bar. Endorphin level: 1 and a great “1” at that.

Be Afraid, be very afraid! Fear triggers endorphin release, whether it’s through watching a horror movie or riding a roller coaster. Endorphin level: 3 to 5, depending on personal fear factor.

Sunshine. Some research has found that ultraviolet light can trigger endorphin production. A few minutes of exposure (with proper sunscreen) is enough to give you that “feel good” feeling. Endorphin level: 2 (Probably higher here in Estes, because that’ll mean it’s finally warm outside!)

Laugh. Laughing produces endorphins that will increase your immune function and make you more resistant to disease. You’ve heard it said before “laughter is the best medicine!” Endorphin level: 2 to 3 depending on giggle factors.

It’s a wonderful thing that just about everyone who leaves my club, leaves happy! What a great reason to exercise on a regular basis!

Deborah Holmes

May 5, 2008