Endorphins

These hormones are the body’s homegrown morphine, and they can make you feel high on life. Endorphins are peptides produced in the brain that block the perception of pain and increase feelings of wellbeing.

The endorphin family includes alpha-endorphins, gamma-endorphins and beta-endorphins. The latter have been highlighted in studies exploring social relationships and a feeling of connectedness. One theory is that they might be part of a chemical reward system related to social situations.

Prescription

When Phillips coaches clients who are in need of a crash course in endorphins, his top piece of advice is to watch comedies for a week. There’s usually an immediate improvement in how they feel, replacing cortisol with endorphins.

The main aim is to allow yourself to laugh and smile more. “I think people don’t smile enough, when you consider how lucky we are to be where we are.”

While you can obtain endorphins from exercise, it requires the level of exertion that gives you a training ache afterwards. Dancing is also good, says Phillips. As is exposure to cold. “A cold shower is a super booster that has an immediate effect on endorphins.”

In short, says Phillips, endorphins really aren’t that complicated. “Smile and laugh more, and work out physically if you can.”

The results

One person who does make me laugh is my husband. We can be like ships that pass in the night during the week. Fortunately he comes home tipsy from a work dinner one evening and is somewhat amusing.

Seeing Janelle also makes me feel good and we laugh a lot.

With my cortisol already high, I opt not to beast myself with an endorphin-inducing workout, but stick with my usual gentle yoga and climbing.

iBoudicca catches up with her friend Janelle in the park for a mutually beneficial endorphin boost