What are enkephalins?

Enkephalins are special messages your body uses to help you feel calm and not too hurt.

Imagine you're playing on the swings, and suddenly you fall off, ouch! Your brain sends out a message to tell your body: "It’s okay, don’t be too scared." That message is like an enkephalin. It helps make the pain feel softer so you can keep playing.

Think of your body like a big playground with lots of different areas. When something hurts, like a bumped knee, your brain sends out enkephalins to that area, kind of like a friendly note saying, "I know it hurt, but it's not so bad."

These messages are made in parts of your brain and travel through your body using special roads called nerves. Once they get to the place that hurts, they help you feel more relaxed and less sore.

Enkephalins work a lot like your favorite comfort blanket, they make everything feel better when things are tough. And just like how your blanket can be there for you every time you need it, enkephalins are always helping you stay calm and happy, even when life gets a little bumpy.