Eat Hot Peppers
Your brain releases endorphins when it needs to block pain. When you eat spicy foods, such as hot peppers, your brain associates the heat with pain. To stop the pain, your body releases more endorphins.
Peppers contain a compound called capsaicin that produces the spicy taste. Thanks to the ability of capsaicin to stimulate endorphins, it may provide an effective way to temporarily relieve fibromyalgia pain.
Get a Massage
Many fibromyalgia sufferers use massages to help relieve muscle tension. These massages may also help relieve some of your pain. Research performed at the TOUCH Research Institute found that a massage increases the level of dopamine and endorphins. A 15-minute massage may even increase serotonin levels, helping to relieve depression and boost your mood.
Sniff Vanilla or Lavender
Simply sniffing a vanilla or lavender candle or essential oils may increase endorphin levels. Several studies have found that smelling these aromas can increase your mood, reduce anxiety, and even fight insomnia. You can use an oil diffuser or place several dabs of essential oils on your wrists. Every so often, take a sniff of the oils to help release more endorphins.
Drink a Glass of Wine
The connection between alcohol and endorphins is widely known. Drinking alcoholic beverages can make you happy and increase endorphins, especially after your first glass. However, drinking too much can have a depressant effect. To maximize the benefits, limit yourself to a single glass of wine in the evening.
