We’ve all been guilty of turning to those good old vices or unhealthy addictions to find relief from stress, sadness, or frustration. Those times when we could use “a little pick me up”, we’ve turned to the TV, the ice cream, a glass of wine, or an old relationship. In these moments, we know we could be making a better choice… but those crutches are so easy and familiar!
Have no fear, better options are here!
Here’s the scoop. There are 2 kinds of highs: Ones that take you farther from yourself, and ones that bring you closer. A natural high increases your life force, or Qi, and thus brings you closer to who we truly are. This is the ultimate feeling of joy and freedom, because it is your truth.
Here are 7 positive, healthy and productive ways to get a natural high:
- Breath and Meditation
Breath is the giver of life. Breath heals, cleanses and releases. Conscious breathing rejuvenates our body and quiets the mind, especially when combined with the stillness of meditation. There are various breathing techniques that have the capacity to heal our bodies on a cellular level. These techniques give our system such an influx of Q,i or Life Force, that releases endorphins, and creates a buzz that surpasses any drug. During certain types of Breathwork, some experience a feeling of spiritual ecstasy and even report that they feel as though they were making love with the Universe! Who knew oxygen could be so fun? Go ahead and get quiet with your mind, and frisky with your lungs.
2. Exercises like Qi-Gong and Yoga
The goal of both qi-gong and yoga, is to connect with the Source of energy that nourishes and feeds us on all levels. Both are focused on movement and postures combined with breathing that and have the ability to be incredibly transformative if applied correctly. Across the globe Yoga has grown in popularity, while Qi-gong has stayed relatively quiet among the masses.
Qigong is a 5000 year old “energy strengthening art” that combines powerful breath techniques, flowing movements and postures that support the healthy flow of energy in the body. It’s multitude of benefits include raising energy levels, enhances whole body circulation, stimulates the appetite, metabolism and weight loss, increases sexual function, enhances the assimilation of nutrients, improves digestion and elimination, decreases the need for sleep, strengthens the immune system, enhances focus and mental acuity, invokes a sense of peace and relaxation, improves results of hands on healing, catalyzes spiritual growth by realizing we are all energy, and evokes a feeling of unity. When doing QiGong, people report feeling high, happy, euphoric, and peaceful. Pump up your Qi with Yoga and QiGong family!
3. SuperFoods
SuperFood is a term given to foods that are packed with vital nutrients that are healing and energizing to the body, mind and spirit. They are found in Nature and are superior sources of antioxidants and essential nutrients that our bodies need. Not only that but one of the greatest benefits of being in this information age is that superfoods from all over the planet are available to us and most of them can be delivered right to your door. Just about anyone can get highly prized superfoods that were only available to royalty in the past.
When you eat a clean diet packed with nutrient dense food that gives your body an extra dose of life-force, you can’t help but feel amazing. However throwing a couple superfoods on top of a poor diet won’t necessarily give you a natural high (except maybe Maca!), but eating a healthy diet with fruits, veggies, greens, and superfoods, has the potency to boost your mood, energy, confidence, health and happiness.
4. Exercise
Who doesn’t love getting high on some exercise!? Exercise is one of the quickest ways to feel energized, sexy, and powerful. The euphoria that some people report from exercise is often referred to as a “runner’s high,” though it’s been linked with a range of other activities, from swimming, to biking, to workouts at the gym. The euphoric effects of exercise are due to the increase of of endorphins as well as other chemicals including serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine. Not to mention the sheer enjoyment that comes from doing an activity you love.
5. Massage
Touch is a powerful way to evoke a euphoric state. Touch doesn’t just feel good, it’s needed! It is known that an infant even if well fed, clothed and sheltered will die without human touch.Our spirits are lifted when we experience friendly, affectionate touch. When we are lovingly massaged by a friend, love, or practitioner, our bodies release oxytocin, which is sometimes called the love hormone.
Massage supports your body in healing, boosting energy, reduces recovery time after an injury, eases pain, and enhances relaxation, mood, and well being. Massage improves a person’s emotional health by reducing stress and increasing serotonin. This reduces depression and pain, enhances immune function and thereby reduces illness as well.
By increasing the amount of touch, massage harnesses the health-promoting effects of by producing more oxytocin and dopamine, along with reducing anxiety and promoting a general sense of well-being. And massage after a tough workout can help prevent stiffness and soreness the next day.
6. Music
Music and dance go hand in hand. Music is the Universal language that transcends cultural boundaries and dogmatic beliefs. It has the power to inspire the heart, and awaken the human spirit. It evokes heightened ecstatic states while energizing your morphogenetic field with resonant frequencies that connect you to your joy and inspiration. One of the best and most unique things about music (and why we put it last) is that it goes with all the other modalities in this list, and enhances their effect.
I personally love when the two are together! I mean, what good is peanut butter without jelly? No good at all! There is nothing better than waking up in the morning and putting your headphones on with your favorite song, and starting the day with a good boogie. Or getting down on a Saturday night to your favorite Dj, dancing with a sea of heart pumping, body shaking, ‘full of life’ bodies on the dance floor. It has been said, that dancing is the most effective way to connect us with our joy more than any other medium of expression. Dancing has been present in all cultures across the globe and holds a certain magical property that is difficult to put into words.
7. Sex
Heart pumping, sweaty, primal, ecstatic love making. Sex is a big part of who we are. Unleashing our creative life force/sexual energy is a euphoric and fulfilling way to experience ourselves. As we ride the wave of orgasm, we can enjoy the ripples of dopamine during, and well after our sexcapades. While making love we have an exalted opportunity to experience the spiritual celebration of Oneness. Merging with someone that you love while tapping into your primal, sensual side is fun to say the least… and also has a myriad of other benefits. Sex relieves stress, boosts immunity, improves mood, confidence, and more. Make sure to ride the waves of your sensual nature with a safe person that loves and honors you.