“It seems like the more I give, the more I get. And that is the way it’s supposed to go in life.” – Dolly Parton
Endorphins – those rascals! They seem to sneak in to many of my columns; maybe that is because they know how important they are to our well-being.
I recently was blessed to spend a week in my beloved mountains of North Carolina and was reminded of how influential hormones are to our physical, mental, emotional, and, yes, even spiritual health. I will explain more about this and how we can, through our outreach to others, regulate and enjoy the benefits of these endorphins.
However, I would like to remind readers that the devastation that I recently witnessed – two years almost to the day after the tragedy of Hurricane Helene – is still shocking. Near Asheville, the communities of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure resemble a war zone. The erosion and washing away of interstate roads and habitats and homes of all kinds has been breathtaking.
It’s been two years since our columnist witnessed Hurricane Helene’s devastating power. Here you see a part of Interstate 40 washed away in western North Carolina. (Photo provided by Sharon McMahon)
As we have also witnessed the loss of life and homes here in central Indiana due to recent flooding, we have some idea of the force of Mother Nature.
How does this all tie in with endorphins? Let me explain.
Endorphins are hormones in your body which regulate many physical, mental, emotional, and even spiritual aspects of one’s health. Endorphins can relieve pain, reduce stress, regulate appetite, lower blood pressure, and provide us with a sense of pleasure. Endorphins can reduce levels of cortisol; the “stress hormone” which is all too prevalent in today’s society.1 Scientists at the National Institutes of Health found that when people give to charities, regions of the brain associated with pleasure and trust are activated, creating a “warm glow” of happiness. When they viewed the MRIs of subjects who practiced philanthropy, they found that giving stimulates the reward center in the brain, releasing endorphins and creating what is known as the “helper’s high.”
Bringing this information back around to my recent trip to North Carolina, although the area we visit has always seemed welcoming and comfortable, there is another layer of community and well-being in spite of their now two-year-old catastrophe. I believe it is because the communities of Asheville, Black Mountain, Swannanoa, and others have banded together to help displaced citizens, businesses, and animals find shelter, resources, and a helping hand. Two years of resilience and determination are evident.
Truly, just as we should not only donate funds to charitable organizations just for the tax benefit, but finding those which you truly care about, so too should we reach out where we see a true need and feel a passion to help. The physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual benefits are significant.
We did our little part while visiting there by following suggestions in the local newspaper for needed items to be donated to the Swannanoa Christian Ministry (toilet paper was at the top of the list) and I have a feeling that most of my readers are among the most generous and giving for those in need.
To those providing help: thank you for your generosity and your body thanks you for those health benefits!
Sharon McMahon, CNWC
The opinions expressed in this article are not intended to replace advice of your personal physician or licensed health professional. Please consult your physician for to any issues you may have related nutrition or fitness activity.
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