Exercise and Endorphin Release

Did you ever wonder why you feel so incredibly relieved after you have exercised? Sure, there is the feeling of being tired and a little out of breath, but there is also this feeling that you have had a burden lifted off your shoulders, a feeling of content and euphoria. A natural high. That is because that is exactly what it is. When you exercise endorphins, which are compounds that the pituitary gland and hypothalamus produce, are released in moments of exercise and excitable moments. They are even released during moments of injury and pain. They are the body’s natural … Continue reading

Insecurity in Adopted Children

Our adopted children occasionally struggle with feeling secure with their new family. Some of the behaviors are obvious and expected, while others are not. Tommy came to our home from a brief stay in a foster home which had followed a stay in an inner city shelter. He was 30 months old. He was prone to throwing rages. Many of them were triggered by insecurity issues. Tommy would become hysterical when either of us left the house. It was even triggered when he heard one of us discussing running an errand. The mere sight of a suitcase or a packed … Continue reading