In which of the following situations would you most likely anticipate the release of endorphins?

• A. When experiencing mild boredom at work
• B. During intense physical exercise such as running a marathon
• C. During a routine grocery shopping trip
• D. While studying quietly in a library

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand what endorphins are. Endorphins are neurotransmitters produced by the brain that act as natural painkillers and mood elevators, often released in response to stress or pain.
2. Step 2: Identify situations that typically trigger endorphin release. These usually involve physical stress or exertion, pain, or intense emotional experiences.
3. Step 3: Analyze each option in the problem: mild boredom, intense physical exercise, routine grocery shopping, and studying quietly. Consider which of these involves physical stress or exertion.
4. Step 4: Recognize that intense physical exercise, such as running a marathon, is a well-known trigger for endorphin release because the body responds to the physical stress by producing these chemicals to reduce pain and improve mood.
5. Step 5: Conclude that among the given options, intense physical exercise is the situation where endorphin release is most likely to occur.