Our brains use over 100 chemicals to function and carry messages across different regions. Some are more well-known than others because of their impact on human performance and well-being. Endorphins are among the most famous brain chemicals, and you've probably already heard about them.
When endorphins are present in our brains, we feel good. They reduce pain, relieve stress, fight inflammation, promote pleasure, and increase our overall feeling of well-being. Facing situations of injury and intense pain promotes the release of endorphins to help us fight and increase our chances of survival. For example, Service Members who experience injury during combat frequently report feeling milder pain at the moment the injury occurred than a few hours later. Endorphins were likely at play, making the pain more bearable.
Luckily, our brains also release endorphins in situations unrelated to injury and severe stress. And it's good to have high levels of endorphins in our brains because they reduce pain and improve well-being. They also help balance your mood, regulate sleep, and ease symptoms of anxiety and depression. Here are 3 Total Force Fitness strategies to help you naturally boost your endorphin levels and improve military wellness.
1. Build your social fitness.
When we spend time with people we love, our brain releases endorphins. In one study, participants took part in a pain tolerance test. Researchers found that people who scored higher in their social fitness assessment had higher levels of endorphins and endured pain for longer periods of time. In addition to increasing pain tolerance, endorphins are also responsible for making relationships of all kinds pleasurable and enjoyable. Of course, being with friends is fun and makes us feel good. Endorphins, along with other brain chemicals, are also responsible for the pleasure that comes during sex.
2. Strengthen your spiritual core.
Spirituality is our innate ability to transcend, connect, and become one with someone or something beyond ourselves. This deep connection can happen in the vertical (that is, a higher power) and horizontal (that is, other people) dimensions. Service is one practical way to transcendently connect with others and strengthen your spiritual core. Our brains also release endorphins when we help and serve others. As a Service Member, you’ve already committed to selflessly serving the greater good. Take the time to frequently reconnect with the reason you joined the military and reflect on how this mission aligns with your values.
3. Enjoy and be grateful for the good things.
Small, simple things in life can also help you boost endorphin levels. Good laughter, for example, releases endorphins and other brain chemicals that support well-being. Be intentional about looking for fun in daily activities and experiences too. Tell a joke to lighten up the mood. Laugh because you’re happy and to help yourself feel happier. Enjoy a piece of dark chocolate. In addition to being full of antioxidants and other nutrients that support your overall and brain health, dark chocolate raises your endorphin levels. That explains why it feels so good. You can also treat yourself to some “me time” and enjoy a massage, as they also promote the release of endorphins.
Don’t forget to express gratitude for life's small and big things. Use the HPRC gratitude calendar to count your blessings and keep track of all your endorphin-boosting activities. Even when life throws you a curveball, remember that endorphins will also be there to carry you through moments of intense pain and stress. So, shouldn’t we all be grateful for endorphins?
When endorphins are present in our brains, we feel good. They reduce pain, relieve stress, fight inflammation, promote pleasure, and increase our overall feeling of well-being. Facing situations of injury and intense pain promotes the release of endorphins to help us fight and increase our chances of survival. For example, Service Members who experience injury during combat frequently report feeling milder pain at the moment the injury occurred than a few hours later. Endorphins were likely at play, making the pain more bearable.
Luckily, our brains also release endorphins in situations unrelated to injury and severe stress. And it's good to have high levels of endorphins in our brains because they reduce pain and improve well-being. They also help balance your mood, regulate sleep, and ease symptoms of anxiety and depression. Here are 3 Total Force Fitness strategies to help you naturally boost your endorphin levels and improve military wellness.
1. Build your social fitness.
When we spend time with people we love, our brain releases endorphins. In one study, participants took part in a pain tolerance test. Researchers found that people who scored higher in their social fitness assessment had higher levels of endorphins and endured pain for longer periods of time. In addition to increasing pain tolerance, endorphins are also responsible for making relationships of all kinds pleasurable and enjoyable. Of course, being with friends is fun and makes us feel good. Endorphins, along with other brain chemicals, are also responsible for the pleasure that comes during sex.
2. Strengthen your spiritual core.
Spirituality is our innate ability to transcend, connect, and become one with someone or something beyond ourselves. This deep connection can happen in the vertical (that is, a higher power) and horizontal (that is, other people) dimensions. Service is one practical way to transcendently connect with others and strengthen your spiritual core. Our brains also release endorphins when we help and serve others. As a Service Member, you’ve already committed to selflessly serving the greater good. Take the time to frequently reconnect with the reason you joined the military and reflect on how this mission aligns with your values.
3. Enjoy and be grateful for the good things.
Small, simple things in life can also help you boost endorphin levels. Good laughter, for example, releases endorphins and other brain chemicals that support well-being. Be intentional about looking for fun in daily activities and experiences too. Tell a joke to lighten up the mood. Laugh because you’re happy and to help yourself feel happier. Enjoy a piece of dark chocolate. In addition to being full of antioxidants and other nutrients that support your overall and brain health, dark chocolate raises your endorphin levels. That explains why it feels so good. You can also treat yourself to some “me time” and enjoy a massage, as they also promote the release of endorphins.
Don’t forget to express gratitude for life's small and big things. Use the HPRC gratitude calendar to count your blessings and keep track of all your endorphin-boosting activities. Even when life throws you a curveball, remember that endorphins will also be there to carry you through moments of intense pain and stress. So, shouldn’t we all be grateful for endorphins?
