endorphins
Body's own morphine
Endorphins are chemicals produced naturally in the brain that reduce pain and create feelings of pleasure or euphoria.
The body releases them during exercise, laughter, sex, and other activities—hence the term runner's high.
They function similarly to opioid drugs but are manufactured internally: My endorphins kicked in around mile three.
Reward-linked neural messenger
- serotoninMood-regulating brain chemical
- oxytocinBonding neurotransmitter from hypothalamus
- neurotransmittersChemical neural messengers
- neuropeptidesSmall neural signaling proteins
norepinephrine · acetylcholine · GABA · glutamate · neurons · synapses · neuroplasticity · pituitary gland
Perfect, serene felicity
- elationIntense triumphant joy
- ecstasyOverwhelming intense delight
- exhilarationIntense joyful excitement
- rushQuick sudden movement
high · joy · rapture · glee · jubilation · delight · happiness · pleasure
Endorphin-induced jogging bliss
- cardioPulse-elevating exercise regimen
- aerobicRequiring free oxygen
- workoutStructured physical exercise
- exertionVigorous physical effort
sprinting · marathon · cycling · swimming · HIIT · spinning · jogging · training
Vocal expression of amusement
- massageSoft tissue manipulation
- musicOrganized auditory art
- chocolateSweet from cacao seeds
- spicy foodDishes with heat
acupuncture · meditation · sunlight · sex · dancing · hot peppers · capsaicin · aromatherapy
Pain-relieving medication
- pain reliefEasing of discomfort
- toleranceWillingness to accept difference
- thresholdPoint of beginning
- numbnessLoss of sensation
injury · childbirth · soreness · discomfort · stress response · fight-or-flight · trauma · wound
dopamine
Reward-linked neural messenger
- serotoninMood-regulating brain chemical
- oxytocinBonding neurotransmitter from hypothalamus
- neurotransmittersChemical neural messengers
neuropeptides · norepinephrine · acetylcholine · GABA · glutamate · neurons · synapses · neuroplasticity · pituitary gland · hypothalamus
bliss
Perfect, serene felicity
- elationIntense triumphant joy
- ecstasyOverwhelming intense delight
- exhilarationIntense joyful excitement
rush · high · joy · rapture · glee · jubilation · delight · happiness · pleasure · beatitude
runner's high
Endorphin-induced jogging bliss
- cardioPulse-elevating exercise regimen
- aerobicRequiring free oxygen
- workoutStructured physical exercise
exertion · sprinting · marathon · cycling · swimming · HIIT · spinning · jogging · training · sweat
laughter
Vocal expression of amusement
spicy food · acupuncture · meditation · sunlight · sex · dancing · hot peppers · capsaicin · aromatherapy · sauna
analgesic
Pain-relieving medication
- pain reliefEasing of discomfort
- toleranceWillingness to accept difference
- thresholdPoint of beginning
numbness · injury · childbirth · soreness · discomfort · stress response · fight-or-flight · trauma · wound · ache
- Neurochemicalsacetylcholine, dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine, epinephrine
- Neurotransmittersacetylcholine, dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine, epinephrine
- pain responseanalgesia, vocalization
- Biochemicalsamino acid, amino acids, protein, proteins, DNA
- chemical compoundsacetone, aldehydes, amines, esters, ketones
- hormonesestrogen, testosterone, insulin, hormone, cortisol
endorphinscortisol
Adrenal steroid regulating stress
adrenaline · substance P · prostaglandins · stress hormones · pain signals
endorphinssynthetic drugs
Artificially created psychoactive compounds
opioids · morphine · heroin · fentanyl · painkillers
- endorphin rushBody's pleasure chemical surge
- endorphin releaseBody's internal opioids activating