So what makes us feel good, what makes us sizzle? According to an article by Salynn Boyles from the archives of WebMD, athletes who encounter unavoidable injuries in playing sports can play through the pain because they have a higher tolerance than a “couch potato.” The report expands the theory that physical activity boosts levels of chemicals that mimic the effects of “feel good” and pain-relieving opioids, known as endorphins. Seems as though we can get a feel-good high from physical exercise – we “sizzle.”
However, Allan Basbaum, Ph.D., of the University of California, San Francisco indicates that it’s both the brain and the blood that “sizzle” with endorphins when our body is charged and feeling good.
A study in Time Health (Fall 2018 p. 11) relates that sexual experiences with a committed partner give rise to a personal reaffirmation and a sense of benevolence that is beneficial to the relationship. This sort of sexual experience seems to improve well-being through a rush of emotions that spread hormones throughout our brain and body – again we “sizzle.” Humans’ deep need to belong is likely at the root of this effect according to Todd Kashdan et. al., at George Mason University who published a paper in Emotion. This study also indicated that the day after the sexual encounter occurred the people involved were less concerned with how others viewed them and they held themselves in higher esteem – indicating that the “sizzle effect” is lasting. Romantic relationships flourish with satisfying and intimate sexual contact which gives rise to personal reaffirmations. Sex is important in the well-being of an adult relationship.
Maybe you don’t feel like “sizzling.” You’re tired, worried about work, don’t feel good, your partner relationship has gotten boring or your energy level is just plain empty. There are some suggestions that might help. An article by Gina Shaw in WebMD indicates a little spice might be needed. Biological evidence shows that participating in new and novel experiences stimulate the chemical dopamine which affects the pleasure center of your brain – again you “sizzle.”
Tom DiChiara suggests yet another option. Grunting, bench pressing, Downward Dogs, sprinting, boxing and stopwatches may not be a dream date with your significant partner but that may be exactly what your relationship needs. Working out as a couple gets both of you into a training routine. Since you already know that physical exercise stimulates “feel good” endorphins both you and your partner can “sizzle” together first at the gym and afterward at home.
Sex and sports helps us “sizzle”, what’s not to like – I’ll leave you with that thought.