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5 Healthy Ways to Achieve an Endorphin High

woman enjoys endorphin high after exercise

Early sobriety can seem dull if you haven’t found a way to replace the endorphins you received from feeding your addiction.  Unfortunately, experiencing an endorphin rush due to drug or alcohol use comes with far too high a price. There are plenty of natural and healthy ways to boost endorphin production and experience a bit of euphoria in your life without harming your body or creating an addiction.

  1.  Exercise

You are going to hear this one over and over in recovery, but it remains true that exercise is one of the easiest and healthiest ways to produce endorphins.  That endorphin rush is what it means to have a “runners high”. But you don’t need to run to experience the overall sense of wellbeing that comes from exercise.  Swimming, going on a hike, taking a walk, and even dancing around your living room can improve your mood and help you forget about stress and anxiety.

  1. Laugh

Laughter truly is the best medicine.  Spend time with someone you find hilarious, go to a comedy show, or watch your favorite sitcom.  A good hearty belly laugh produces mood-enhancing endorphins that can leave you feeling high on life for hours.

  1. Eat Chocolate

There’s a reason chocolate was the antidote for fighting the effects of the soul-sucking dementors in Harry Potter.  Chocolate makes nearly everyone happy, and contains chemicals that improve endorphin production, so feel free to indulge!

  1. Listen to Music

Good music is powerful, and listening to some upbeat songs on high volume can entirely change your mood.  If it’s music you love, you will immediately feel the effects of a great endorphin boost!

  1. Take Ginseng

Ginseng can fight fatigue, stress, and high-blood pressure, and may also improve endorphin production, allowing you to feel a little bliss along with your improved health.

Sobriety doesn’t have to be dull or depressing, and with the right help you can find many ways to create lasting excitement and fulfillment in your life.  At Arbor Behavioral Healthcare, you will meet knowledgeable, compassionate professionals that understand addiction in all its forms. The Arbor uses an integrative and holistic approach to treat addiction and mental health issues.  No treatment is one-size-fits-all, and at The Arbor you will have a team of experts prepared to create your customized treatment plan. We offer care for your mind, body, and spirit, so that you can heal from the inside out and look forward to a lifetime of sobriety and wellness.  If you are ready to take the first step in your recovery, please call us at 844-413-2690.