There can’t possibly be a universal answer to this perplexing question… but maybe there is!
Humans are always looking for ways to be happy, to feel good, and to reduce stress—it seems like such an elusive pursuit that has been going on for thousands of years. In order to answer this question, it may be helpful to first understand where happiness comes from.
The simple answer: endorphins.
Endorphins are our body’s most powerful drugs. These chemicals produced by the central nervous system relieve stress and pain—this is the chemical that makes us feel good and happy.
So what can we do to produce endorphins? Is there a way to trigger this reaction in our brains?
The number one way of releasing endorphins is physical exercise.
I’m not a doctor and I’m a real dummy when it comes to medical science, but after some Googling, I can tell you that when we get our heart rate up, our blood pumping, and our feet moving, the brain begins to produce endorphins and the chemical reaction that occurs within our bodies causes us to feel less pain, boosts our overall mood, and reduces stress and depression.
The actual science behind it is far more complicated, but just know that endorphins are good! If you search for ways to produce more endorphins, essentially every website says the same thing: EXERCISE.
If you’ve ever gone through an intense workout, you may remember experiencing a ‘high’ feeling. That’s the endorphins at work. From my own experience, it’s best to exercise every single day, not just when you think you need a boost of endorphins.
Think about it this way—wouldn’t you rather go to the dentist on a consistent schedule to maintain the health of your teeth, versus waiting until you have a toothache to take a visit to the dentist? It’s the same with our mental health. Don’t wait until you’re feeling down in the dumps to go exercise in hopes of feeling better.
Instead, be proactive and go exercise before you’re feeling down—this way you can avoid stress and depression altogether.
Now that you know the best way to feel happy, get out there, work up a sweat, and produce some endorphins!
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