Remember that the next time you are in pain, it may help you out! Endorphins decrease the feelings of pain, boost immune response and lead to feelings of euphoria. Sounds perfect, right? Although most of us know endorphins are released when we feel pain and stress, they are also released when we laugh, experience an orgasm and eat chocolate or chili peppers.

There is one experience that always comes to mind when I think of the effects of endorphins. One day in college, I was in a lot of pain. I had taken pain killers, but was still hurting pretty badly. The Helpful Hubby (boyfriend at the time) wanted me to go with him to run an errand. I was surprised he was trying to convince me to go with him, knowing how horrible I was feeling. I had no interest in going due to the pain and the fact I was wearing fleece pants and a hoody. Alas, he finally convinced me to go with him. I got in his car and he surprised me by taking me to a jewelry store to pick out a promise ring! We hadn’t previously discussed getting one, so it was a total shock. I was so elated it got my endorphins going and my pain almost completely disappeared!

It isn’t every day you can be surprised with such a wonderfully emotional gift, but you can still try to release endorphins when you are in pain. When I am in pain The Helpful Hubby often tries to get me to be happy and laugh when I am in pain. During one flare-up I listened to many shows of Garrison Keillor’s “A Prairie Home Companion”. I’ve also watched comedy movies and let myself eat a favorite not-so-healthy food during previous flare-ups.

What do you do to get your endorphins going?