Endorphins and Dopamine
This is funny, lets say a party is about to take place inside your brain lol, and of course, you know if there is a party, there are definitely going to be special guests of the party that everyone’s excited about right ? Yeah, Now in this case these special guests are just two, so lets call them Endorphin and Dopamine. Now these guests are not just any guests; they’re like the life of the party, and its for a fact that once they are around everyone would surely have a great time. But the question is, who are they, really and what is so amazing about their personality that makes them so awesome and amazing?
Let's answer that
Personality description: Endorphins:
Here we go. Endorphin. Endorphin is like a super chill, comforting and super duper supportive friend. He/she shows up when you’re feeling stressed, tired, or in pain, and their job is to make you feel better. Endorphins are like your brain’s own personal painkillers. Now how cool is that ?
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
To give you an idea, think about the last time you exercised really hard, like running or dancing. At first, it feels tough, and your muscles might ache. But then, out of nowhere, you get this burst of energy, and you feel fantastic. That’s Endorphin at work! They’re giving you a natural high, making you feel good even when you’re pushing your body to its limits. Endorphins are also the reason why you might feel a sudden mood boost when you laugh. You know that moment when you laugh so hard your sides hurt, but you still felt amazing afterward? That’s because laughing releases Endorphins, and they’re great at turning a bad mood into a good one. Dopamine: The Rewarding friend Now, let’s talk about Dopamine. If Endorphin is the chill , super-duper supportive friend in times of pain, tiredness and the likes then Dopamine is like the super enthusiastic, high-five-giving and fist bump giving buddy. Dopamine loves to reward you for doing things that make you happy or help you survive. Imagine you’ve just achieved something awesome, like finishing a big project or winning a game. That sense of satisfaction and happiness you feel? That’s Dopamine celebrating with you. Dopamine also motivates you to do things that bring you pleasure. Ever found yourself scrolling through social media or binge-watching your favorite show? That’s Dopamine at play. When you do something enjoyable, Dopamine releases a little burst of happiness, making you want to do it again and again. How They Work Together Image by Tumisu from Pixabay
While Endorphin and Dopamine have their own special jobs, they often work together to make you feel good. For example, let’s say you’re having a rough day. You decide to go for a jog. At first, it’s tough, but soon, Endorphins kick in, and you start to feel better. After your run, you treat yourself to ket say a delicious snack. Dopamine jumps in, rewarding you for taking care of yourself and making you feel even happier. So, how can you get more of these happy chemicals in your life? Here are a few fun and easy ways: Exercise: Moving your body is a great way to release Endorphins. Whether it’s running, dancing, or even a brisk walk, exercise can give you that happy feeling. Laugh: Watch a funny movie, hang out with friends who make you laugh, or read a hilarious book. Laughter is a natural Endorphin booster. Eat Delicious Food: Enjoying your favorite treats in moderation can release Dopamine. Just think of the joy of eating a piece of chocolate or your favorite meal. Set and Achieve Goals: Completing tasks, big or small, can give you a Dopamine rush. Make a to-do list and enjoy the satisfaction of checking things off. Listen to Music: Jamming out to your favorite tunes can release both Endorphins and Dopamine, making you feel fantastic. Get Enough Sleep: A good night’s sleep helps keep your brain’s chemistry balanced, ensuring you have enough Endorphins and Dopamine to stay happy and motivated. Image by WikimediaImages from Pixabay So in the end Endorphin and Dopamine are like the perfect twins friend of your brain’s happiness. Endorphins help you handle stress and pain, while Dopamine rewards you for doing things that bring joy and satisfaction they are like your brain’s best friends when it comes to feeling good. In my next post we look at the bad side Dopamine when too much of a good thing becomes bad. Stay tuned !
Thanks for reading
