The human body is brilliantly designed, working 24 hours a day to maintain bodily functions that we don’t even think about or take notice of. When the human body is active, moving and/or exercising, it produces neurotransmitters called endorphins, which are produced in the brain’s pituitary gland and hypothalamus gland. These chemicals pass information to neurons in the brain, they activate opioid receptors in the brain and they act similar to morphine, making endorphins a natural painkiller.

Endorphins naturally fight stress, combat pain and can cause feelings of euphoria, joy, peace and happiness. These feelings are activated by exercise, sex, spicy food and chocolate. Other natural “happy hormones” include dopamine, oxytocin and serotonin. We decided that when feelings of stress or discomfort come over us, we will do our best to activate the endorphins and “happy hormones” in our bodies. The more we all recognize the power within, the more happiness we can create. Check out one of our favorite endorphin-booster exercises here.