The Side Effects of Endorphins

I don’t know if that’s the most relevant question. When answering this question must one must look at several factors.

• What is your bandwidth?
• What benefits are you looking for?
• What joy do you receive while doing that activity?
• What joy do you receive from completing that activity?

I believe this question addresses the third question of what is the most enjoyable activity while doing it. I’ll rank my top three or four rather quickly. This list changes during your entire life. Now that I’m older than 29 some activities are harder than others.

1. Running – I rather enjoy running. Running has led me in so many directions in my life. When I asked the question, what is most enjoyable? With every run, we look forward to it being over and reaping the side effects of endorphins
2. Soccer – I love the sport of soccer. I have been a very good athlete in many sports my entire life. I’m not that good at soccer but it is poetic in its nature.

3. Swarthyball – many years ago, in Williamsburg, Va myself and a few friends invented a game called swarthyball. It involves a kitty pool and a soccer ball and a plot of grass. We made it up on the fly and we used to play it for hours. It doesn’t matter the game. It’s play and creativity.

4. Racquetball – I am so tired and sore right now from preparing the house to go on the market. I have my first league game of the season tonight. I can’t say I’m looking forward to it but once we start it’s going be fun.

I have played many sports in my life. In retrospect, I remember my first wrestling match. I won 21 to 4. I finished that season with a record of two wins and 11 losses and a deep hate for the sport and culture. It sure got me in shape for baseball season though.

I truly believe in a side effect of endorphins. It is one of the best drugs on the market.

And I’ll leave you one with one of the pure pleasures in life. Swimming under the light of the moon.