Much of this fabulous feeling has to do with neurotransmitters produced in our brains. Endorphins, which are feel-good molecules released by laughter, stress, pain, sexual activity or exercise, can result in a pervasive sense of happiness and well-being – just the thing to get rid of the mid-winter blues.

Known as the body's natural painkillers, endorphins have a similar action to opiate drugs such as morphine, heroin and cocaine, in that they produce analgesia (pain relief) and a sense of well-being. The release of endorphins also lowers blood pressure and increases immune function. So, do yourself a favour this month and cheer up your mid-winter with some perfectly legal, endorphin-inducing tricks.

Create your own endorphin rush

Indulge in chocolate and sweet goodies: Cakes, biscuits, chocolate and fudge often bring great pleasure, not only because they dance so sweetly across the taste buds but because the sugar stimulates the pleasure pathways of the brain and the release of endorphins. The result is a feeling of calm happiness and a surge of energy. This is particularly true of chocolate. The good news is that it only takes one or two little blocks of chocolate to trigger an endorphin release.

Get high on exercise: People who run frequently talk about 'runners high' – the sensation of feeling great when strenuous exercise has taken them over the threshold at which endorphins are released. It takes long, continuous workouts of over 30 minutes to bring on the feel-good factor, so try running, swimming, soccer or aerobics. If the exertion doesn't make you feel fabulous, the satisfaction of completing a challenge, will.

Chomp a chilli: Because the release of endorphins is caused by pain, eating spicy foods can bring on a rush as your body goes into protection mode at the explosive burning sensation in your mouth. There are curry lovers who claim that eating hot chilli peppers can become an addiction. But addict or not, mid-winter is a great time to eat hot food, so cook yourself a scorching curry.

Tackle your lover: Beat winter chills by heading to bed with the love of your life. While it takes an hour of running to bring on a rush of endorphins, you can have the same effect with an orgasm. It's a lot less effort and more fun.

Brave acupuncture: This form of traditional Chinese medicine, which uses needles to restore health and well-being and releases pain, is believed to trigger the release of endorphins.

Terrify yourself: Have you ever wondered why people love to ride on roller coasters, jump off bridges on the edge of a bungee rope or watch scary movies with menacing soundtracks? Sheer unadulterated terror can be a marvellous stimulant. Of course no one wants to actually get hurt, we just want to get close enough to feel the thrill of cheating death.

Try to get some winter sun: Endorphins can also be released by exposure to ultraviolet light. While sunlight has its perils, just seeing the sun on a cold winter's day can make you feel more happy and cheerful.

Join a drumming circle: Even as an amateur, drumming can bring on the release of endorphins. The idea is to get into a rhythm, especially at a slow and steady beat that makes you feel relaxed. This is when those endorphins flow, giving you a wonderful sense of well-being.

How do you beat your winter bleughs? Tell us in the comment box below.