The Endorphin Hunt Leads to ... Hot Peppers?

Today's goal: Go on an endorphin hunt. For those of you who are unfamiliar, endorphins are the "feel good" chemicals in the body. You know that amazing post-exercise rush you get after a hard-core workout? That feeling is caused by the endorphins flowing through your system. The more endorphin releases you have on a daily basis, the happier you feel. Fortunately, there are ways to trigger this chemical release that are all-natural (and enjoyable as well).   

I'm going to go with the obvious first: Acupuncture! Acupuncture is a quick and easy way to get these chemicals flowing, which is why people who get regular treatments are happier, more relaxed, and more emotionally even-keeled. Massage is another great way to get those endorphins flowing. If you feel that these options are out of your budget right now, here's a helpful hint: Do a little research and look for acupuncture or massage schools in your area. Students need bodies to work on, so the costs of treatment are extremely low.   

Another way to tap into these chemicals is to get your heart racing. I'm not saying you have to run 10 miles today; as long as your heart is getting kicked into gear, these chemicals will start spilling out. Five minutes is all you need -- just do five minutes of jumping jacks today and you'll see what I mean. Or run up a few flights of stairs. It takes almost no time at all, but you will feel the effects instantly.   

We all know how wonderful we feel after lying out on the beach all day. I know we can no longer do that without guilt, since learning about the damage it can cause, but be reasonable: in MODERATION (and with sunscreen), the sun can be good for you. Spending just a little time in the sun is a great way to boost your spirits.  

If you are one of the unfortunate souls reading this who is stuck in a cubicle today, hidden from the sun, with officemates who will judge you for doing jumping jacks, you may be thinking there is no hope for you. Fear not, you have other options. Laughter is another path to endorphins. Find some humor sites on your lunchbreak. Just don't get fired for surfing the Internet at work -- the way to endorphins is most certainly not in the unemployment line. 

Oh, and order something nice and spicy for lunch today. Eating hot peppers is a well-known way to get the body to release endorphins -- that's why they are so addictive!