The crisp air of a new year can bring with it a sense of renewed hope and a desire for a fresh start.
However, the lingering effects of winter can often leave you feeling sluggish and stressed and may even affect your mood. This can make it difficult to maintain that initial burst of motivation.
Case in point, many people start the year by signing up to a gym, but PA Life reports that Brits will likely waste up to £503 million on unused or abandoned gym memberships. In fact, only 4% remained dedicated for the entire year.
Though exercise is just one of many natural endorphin boosters, if you can’t make it to the gym, you may be wasting your money.
Fortunately, there are ways you can boost your mood and increase your overall wellbeing without signing up for a gym membership.
Keep reading to learn some effective strategies that may help you increase your endorphin levels naturally.
Endorphins send signals to your brain to boost your mood and help with pain
Endorphins are neurotransmitters, which are chemical messengers that transmit signals between your nervous system and your brain. Because of this, they play an important role in various bodily functions.
There are over 20 different types of endorphins, according to Harvard Health, and they’re one of four “feel-good” hormones which control everything from how your body functions to how you feel. Endorphins particularly can act as natural painkillers and mood elevators, and even mimic the effects of morphine.
When your endorphins are low, you may experience increased aches and pains, have difficulty sleeping, and struggle with an array of challenging moods such as anxiety and depression.
If your body produces enough endorphins, you may have improved moods, less anxiety, boosted immunity, improved sleep quality, and even enhanced self-esteem. After all, when you feel good within yourself, it’s easier to feel good about yourself.
5 practical ideas to boost your endorphins
By naturally boosting endorphin production, you could experience a major improvement in your physical and emotional health. Here are five effective strategies to try.
1. Have a good laugh
They say that “laughter is the best medicine” and that certainly rings true in this case. A good laugh can do wonders for your mood. The Mayo Clinic even states that laughter can trigger a cascade of positive physical and emotional responses in the body, including:
- Stimulating the release of endorphins
- Improving your oxygen intake
- Reducing your stress levels
- Boosting your immune system.
So, next time you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed, enjoy a comedy, spend time with funny friends, or try to find humour in the humdrum of daily life.
2. Connect with nature
Spending time in nature can have a profound effect on your wellbeing. In fact, the Harvard School of Public Health states that being in nature could lower mortality rates.
You can incorporate nature into your everyday life by taking walks outdoors, going for hikes, or simply sitting in a garden. You could also bring nature indoors by keeping houseplants or surrounding yourself with natural elements such as wood and stone.
You may even want to try connecting with nature virtually, especially on those cold and windy winter days. Try watching nature documentaries, listening to nature sounds, or browsing wildlife photography for a taste of the outside, inside.
3. Give acupuncture or acupressure therapy a try
Acupuncture and acupressure are both ancient Chinese medical practices that involve stimulating specific points in the body called “acupoints”. While they both share a common foundation, they differ in their approach.
Acupuncture involves the insertion of thin needles into specific acupoints while acupressure involves applying firm pressure to these same areas. So, if needles are not your cup of tea, acupressure may be a good alternative.
Johns Hopkins Medicine notes that by using acupuncture points, you may be able to stimulate your central nervous system. This then releases powerful chemicals, such as endorphins, into your muscles, spinal cord, and brain.
It’s important to consult with a qualified and licensed practitioner for both treatment options.
4. Eat mood-boosting foods
While a balanced diet is essential for overall health, certain foods may have a more direct effect on your mood and endorphin levels.
Spicy foods are popular for this reason, as they can stimulate the release of endorphins. This may be due to the body’s response to the “burning” sensation you experience, which your body combats by releasing endorphins as a natural pain reliever.
Dark chocolate can also be beneficial in moderation, as it contains an amino acid called “tryptophan”, which helps with the release of both endorphins and serotonin (another happy hormone).
Finally, BBC Good Food highlights that fermented foods such as kefir, kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled goods can help support gut health. A healthy gut has been linked to improved mood and reduced stress, which can indirectly contribute to increased endorphin levels.
5. Turn negative thoughts into positive ideas
Negative thoughts can contribute to feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression, which can suppress endorphin production. By identifying and challenging these negative thoughts, you could improve your mood and potentially achieve a more positive outlook on life.
After all, self-critical thoughts can be damaging to your self-image. Altering these may improve your overall happiness, self-esteem, and confidence levels.
When something bad happens, you may find that you sit with the feeling for too long. Aim to recognise when this is happening and consider how you can flip these sentiments upside down. For example, you could mentally turn a failure into a challenge, or a negative outcome into a positive opportunity for growth or change. This type of “cognitive restructuring” may take practice, but it could help you maintain a more balanced and positive outlook on life.
Make wellbeing and physical health a priority
As you navigate the challenges and opportunities of 2025, why not prioritise your wellbeing? While the new year often brings to focus the need for physical health goals, it’s just as important to nurture your mental and emotional health.
From the simple act of laughing to the mindful practice of cognitive restructuring, there are plenty of ways you can tap into your body’s natural ability to produce endorphins and boost your mood.
While we can’t necessarily help with this, we can help reduce the stress that may come with managing your finances. By leaning on our support and guidance, you may find that you have more headspace to tackle other elements of your life you wish to improve.
Get in touch
Talk to us today, whether you’re an existing client or a new one, and let’s work together to find ways to minimise your financial stress and build a plan that supports all your goals, not just the ones for the new year.
Email info@fourseasonsfp.com or call us on 01372 404417.
Please note
This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at retail clients only.
All information is correct at the time of writing and is subject to change in the future.
