Time to Get Outside, Exercise, and Get that Endorphin Rush!

If you've ever taken out a bad day at the office on the nearest treadmill, you know that working up a good sweat can easily turn your day around. And by now you've probably heard that endorphins are the magic bullet behind that post-workout bliss. People love the feeling so much that "endorphin junkie" has even become synonymous with someone who's constantly chasing that exercise high. But while endorphins may get all the credit for your post-run buzz, there's actually a lot more going on behind the scenes. Here's what you need to know about endorphins. People love the feeling so much that "endorphin junkie" has even become synonymous with someone who's constantly chasing that exercise high.

“When your body comes under stress or experiences pain, neuro-chemicals called endorphins are produced.” explains J. Kip Matthews. “Endorphins, which are structurally similar to the drug morphine, are considered natural painkillers because they activate opioid receptors in the brain that help minimize discomfort,” says Matthews. They can also help bring about feelings of euphoria and general well-being. What is happening is that exercise affords your body to practice dealing with stress, which also means that the less exercise you get, the more challenged you are when dealing with stress.

Something to Think About

Are you feeling stressed around the holidays? Maybe the solution is to get out and exercise!

Weekly Activity:

Build some exercise into each day and start to feel those endorphins! It’s a great natural formula for coasting through the holidays, stress free!

Words of Wisdom

The Perfect Day… going to bed with a dream, waking up with a purpose. – Unknown

Turn your face to the sun and the shadows fall behind you. - Maori Proverb

Every day is a new opportunity. You can build on yesterday's success or put its failures behind and start over again. That's the way life is.- Bob Feller

What if I told you that 10 years from now, your life would be exactly the same? I doubt you'd be happy. So, why are you so afraid of change? - Karen Salmansohn