Overview What are endorphins? Endorphins are chemicals (hormones) your body releases when it feels pain or stress. They’re released during pleasurable activities such as exercise, massage, eating and sex too.

Understanding the Context

Endorphins help relieve pain, reduce stress and improve your sense of well-being. Endorphins: What They Are and How to Boost Them - Cleveland Clinic Endorphins are released from the pituitary gland, typically in response to pain, and can act in both the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS). Endorphins are chemicals in your brain that help you cope with pain and maintain well-being. They're responsible for that feeling after working out, eating a piece of dark chocolate, or having a good laugh with a friend.

Key Insights

Endorphins are the body's natural painkillers. Released by the hypothalamus and pituitary gland in response to pain or stress, this group of peptide hormones both relieves pain and creates a general feeling of well-being. The name of these hormones comes from the term "endogenous morphine." Endorphins are the body’s natural pain reliever and also promote pleasure. They’re produced during activities such as exercise, sex, laughter, dancing, and listening to music. Endorphins are "feel-good" chemicals that help improve your mood and relieve pain.

Final Thoughts

Exercise and pleasurable activities boost endorphins naturally. Endorphins are neuropeptides, or chemical signals in the brain, that block the perception of pain. The body makes endorphins. Endorphins are present during pleasure, including emotions relating...