What are endorphins?

Endorphins are neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) that act as natural painkillers and mood elevators.

The key aspects of endorphins include the following.

Pain regulation

Endorphins are produced in response to stress and discomfort, including beneficial stress like exercise. They act as natural pain relievers to help you cope with these stresses. They bind to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, inhibiting the transmission of pain signals and reducing the perception of pain.

Mood elevation

Beyond pain relief, endorphins play a role in mood regulation. When released, they create a sense of wellbeing and happiness. Certain activities, including exercise and laughter, trigger the release of endorphins, contributing to the ‘runner's high’ or the euphoria experienced after enjoyable activities.

Stress reduction

Endorphins are part of the body's stress response system. When faced with stress or discomfort, the release of endorphins helps the body cope by promoting relaxation and reducing the impact of stressors.

Exercise and endorphin release

Physical activity, especially aerobic exercise, triggers the release of endorphins. The increased heart rate and breathing rate that you experience during exercise, as well as the burning sensation in your skeletal muscles caused by a build-up of lactic acid, stimulate endorphin release to help you cope with the stress of exercise.

However, note that the experience of endorphin release can vary from person to person. While some individuals may be more sensitive to endorphin stimulation and experience a pronounced mood lift, others may have a more subtle response.