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Engage Your Endorphins
by Dr. Tara Kompare,
Pharm.D.
The Medicine Mom
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Our bodies are equipped
with little wonder molecules that, when properly ignited, are capable of
lifting your spirits in ways you never thought imaginable. These naturally
occurring wonder drugs are called endorphins.
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Endorphins are
neurotransmitters that offer a variety of health benefits including emotional
elation, stress reduction, improved immune systems, and decreased pain
perception. In honor of Mother’s Day, I deemed it necessary to equip all moms,
and their little ones, with easy ways to tap into our endorphin banks.
It is actually quite easy to get your endorphins flowing and to begin the
transformation from tired and over-worked mom into a joyful ball of energy. Some
popular endorphin energizers that will have you feeling happy and healthy in a
jiffy include:
-Laughter: We have all heard that laughter is the best medicine and more
and more evidence is proving this adage to be true. Cardiologists at the
University of Maryland School of Medicine found that laughter increased blood
flow about as much as some cholesterol-lowering medications or light exercise.
Although the researchers did not recommend laughter over exercise, they did
recommend a combination of both. Laughing also triggers the release of
endorphins and may improve our immune systems. Since laughing offers so many
benefits, I recommend every household in existence mandate at least thirty
minutes a day of good hearty laughter.
-Chocolate: I absolutely adore chocolate and, when consumed responsibly,
it may even be good for you. Scientists have found that dark chocolate contains
antioxidants that can help maintain cardiovascular health. Although the jury is
still out on the degree of health benefits offered by chocolate, I am here to
say it does wonders for my soul. It helps rev up endorphins and is associated
with feelings of comfort and contentment, both of which come in mighty handy in
the fast-paced world of motherhood.
-Chili Peppers: The hotter the better when it comes to chili peppers and
endorphins. Bell peppers are relatively mild while habaneros will have you doing
a jig! The ingredients from chili peppers are also used to treat arthritic pain
when used topically. *Caution:
Avoid use in the very young and very old.
-Exercise: The “runners high” experienced by athletes is a sought after
feeling. Although I do not run, I can “ellipticize” my little heart out all for
the purpose of achieving that awesome endorphin rush. Remember, exercise is our
friend! Regular exercise not only helps our body’s look more fit and tone, but
also helps us smile.
-Massage: A professional massage releases endorphins, increases
circulation, and stimulates the nervous and lymphatic systems. If you can’t
afford one from the pros, three-year-olds are easy to teach!
-Meditation: When our bodies are in a relaxed state, as with meditation,
this triggers the outflow of endorphins. It’s easy to do and is free-of-charge.
Just close your eyes and concentrate solely on your breath going in and out in a
slow and relaxed state. Meditation also increases blood flow, slows heart rate,
and decreases muscle tension.
Whether you decide to take a family trip to Hershey’s Park this Mother’s Day, or
opt for a private spa excursion, remember that happy moms equal happy homes.
And, although we don’t like to take our endorphins for granted, when it comes to
brightening up our days and our children’s lives, we must seize the opportunity.
*P.S.S. (Parent Sanity Saver): Dark chocolate contains approximately three times
the amount of caffeine as regular milk chocolate products so you may want to
avoid its use too close to bedtime.
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The author is a doctor of pharmacy and
mother of two amazing little girls. You can contact her directly
at
drk@themedicinemom.com or visit her website at
www.themedicinemom.com.
She encourages reader feedback and questions. |
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