Everyone gets down in the dumps from time to time. Sometimes you want to stay in a sulk and wallow in misery, but other times you wish you knew how to pull yourself out of the slump. There are a few ways that you can encourage the release of endorphins into your body, otherwise known as ‘happy hormones’. Your mood will improve and you’ll feel much more positive about life. Here are a few suggestions:

DO SOME EXERCISE

Having a good work out releases endorphins from your brain into your body. The chemical increases your pain threshold, so by pushing yourself to your physical limits you will feel a euphoric high. Exercising also gives you a chance to clear your head of stress, and you will feel much better afterwards.

LISTEN TO SOME MUSIC

If you want a less strenuous way to unwind and improve your mood, take some time out to listen to instrumental or classical music. It’s reported to have a similar effect to muscle relaxers like valium, so your body will feel freed of stress and tension.

IN THE HEAT

Spending time in bright natural sunlight is another way to produce more endorphines, as is evident from the large number of SAD sufferers (Seasonal Affective Disorder). Sunshine cheers most people up, and this is partly due to a chemical reaction in the brain. Also, hot spicy food like curry can trigger the release of endorphins, because the brain reacts to the feeling of your mouth being on fire and tries to combat this.

PLEASURE OR PAIN?

Both pleasure and pain create a similar effect in your body. Apparently, laughing for ten minutes can give effective pain release for two hours; since it’s not much fun to inflict pain on yourself (unless you’re into S&M), try to stimulate intense pleasure instead. Eating sweet foods like chocolate can achieve this, as well as having a healthy sex life. If you’re not sure what makes you happy, try spending some time with a cheap London escort to find out what does it for you; they’re excellent company and will leave you feeling incredible.