Your Body's Natural High- Say Hello to Dopamine and Endorphin

I have seen quite a handful of people use the neurochemicals endorphins and dopamine interchangeably. The issue here is, they hardly ever get it right.

---

^src

---

What exactly make an Endorphin, an Endorphin and what make a Dopamine, a Dopamine? When exactly do you use which and how do you know which your body is secreting at the moment ?

Let's explore this in a fun and lighthearted way

Meet Dopamine

^src

---

---

Now, in terms of labeling with a bit of personality, Dopamine is like the ultimate party host in your brain, imagine the master of ceremony whose sole purpose is to make you have fun and feel alive in a party, thats it. It's the chemical responsible for those moments when you feel like shouting, "Woo-hoo!" It's your brain's way of saying, "Hey, that's awesome! Let's do that again!"

Okay, you know what, lets Imagine you're playing a video game, and you finally defeat that super hard boss level, that same one you have been trying to defeat for days on end. Your brain does a little happy dance, releases some dopamine, and you suddenly feel like the king or queen of the gaming world.

Dopamine's like your brain's high-five to itself. Think or how you feel when someone compliments you gives you a pat in the back or an high five for doing a great job. You certainly feel good about yourself. Thats dopamine in action, a rewarding hormone. You do well, you get rewarded by your own body. Call it the reward pool for a job well done.

But wait, there's more! Dopamine isn't just about video games; it's also the MVP of motivation. It's that little cheerleader in your head saying, "You can do it!" So, when you tackle a challenging task and finish it, your brain showers you with dopamine, making you feel like what you feel best .

The good thing about our body is that our brain knows exactly when and when not to shower us with Dopamine. Now thays awesome.

Introducing Endorphins:

---

^src

---

---

Now, meet endorphins, the body's very own pain relievers with no side effects, unlike opioids and NSAIDs. Endorphin is like a twin brother to Dopamineq. They're like those energetic pals who show up to rescue you from a bad mood or pain. Endorphins have a unique superpower – they can make you feel "high" in a good way but without the need for a cape or tights.

Ever heard of a "runner's high"? That's endorphins in action. When you exercise, your body releases these little heroes, and suddenly, you're not just jogging; you're floating on a cloud of euphoria. Endorphins are like your body's way of saying, "Thanks for moving; here's a burst of joy!"

They're not just about exercise, though. Endorphins can also kick in when you're laughing your heart out, enjoying a delicious meal, or even sharing a warm hug. It's like your body's secret stash of happiness that it releases when you least expect it.

So, next time you're feeling on top of the world after a big achievement, or you're giggling like crazy with your friends, remember your buddies dopamine and endorphins are the ones throwing the party in your brain and body. They're the ultimate duo that makes life's moments a whole lot brighter and more enjoyable!

Thanks for reading, stay rewardingly happy and keep feeling good 🖐️

---

---

Resources Consulted

---

• https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/23040-endorphins
• https://healthyliferecovery.com/endorphins-vs-dopamine/
• http://www.medparkhospital.com/en-US/lifestyles/endorphins
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3104618/
• https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/feel-good-hormones-how-they-affect-your-mind-mood-and-body
• https://www.researchgate.net/publication/362433880_Pleasure_and_Achievement_Dopamine_and_Endorphins

---

---

Credits

---

^{First Image from .here
Second Image from .here
Third Image from .here}