Sex also promotes production of these pleasurable neurotransmitters, because of the enjoyment of physical contact. Laughter is another good source of endorphins, which is why watching a good sitcom will generate enough hormones to keep you contented all evening. And as we all know, there's nothing like a bar of chocolate to give you a lovely rush of wellbeing. Studies have shown that when a group of overeaters was given a drug to block endorphin release, they no longer craved chocolate.

But what if there were a less fattening, less strenuous way of achieving a happy high? According to therapist Bodel Rikys, endorphin meditation is the answer. Rikys holds weekly classes and one-to-one sessions, where she shows clients how to tap into the feelgood factor within.

"You can reduce stress, promote self-healing and make positive life changes by invoking your endorphins,'' says Rikys, who has practised meditation for more than 30 years.

"It's not a case of emptying your mind - that's very difficult to do. It's about filling it with pleasurable thoughts, which in turn will produce a feeling of wellbeing. The endorphins will turn off the stress hormones, adrenaline and cortisol, and have a positive impact on your body chemistry.''

It sounded so simple that I was immediately rather skeptical. If it really was that easy to feel marvellous, why hadn't we all been doing it for years? There was only one way to find out so I signed up for a session.

I've long been intrigued by meditation, but the rather formal, stiff-backed, legs-crossed posture always put me off. It was a relief, then, to be told I could sit or lie on the floor - however I felt comfortable. I chose to recline on a large cushion, with my knees bent.

I was told to close my eyes and breathe deeply into my abdomen. Then, in my mind's eye, I was to scan my body "with kindness,'' paying great attention to any places of tension or soreness. By offering myself sympathy, I was creating a soft, receptive frame of mind, which is apparently crucial to summoning up my endorphins.

Then I was to think about something that made me feel happy: an activity or place. Just as I was beginning to feel fretful because I couldn't visualise a vivid enough image, Rikys reassured me that it was enough to see colours and hazy impressions.

I chose to remember snorkeling on a holiday in the Caribbean, when I spent hours watching silvery shoals of fish glint and shimmer in the refracted light.

Guided by Rikys' soft tones, the more I conjured up the cool feeling of the water around me and the sun's hot rays on my back, the happier I felt, and I began to smile. And smile. Part of me felt ridiculous, as I imagined how I must look, lying on the floor grinning from ear to ear, but I couldn't help myself.

"Imagine there is a bright sun just where your ribcage ends, and it is filling you with light, every part of you,'' said Rikys. "Now think of a golden trickle of endorphins, like oil or honey, streaming through you, soaking your bones with happiness. Wherever your body is in pain or needs healing, the golden flow will deepen until you are saturated.''

By now, I am slightly embarrassed to recall, I was actually giggling. I felt excited and elated, yet simultaneously conscious that I was in a completely artificial situation. Rikys then went on to talk about nature and how I was connected to the world around me, which was so soothing, I promptly fell asleep.

As she gently asked me to wiggle my hands and toes, I stirred, and reluctantly opened my eyes. As I sat up, I have to confess I felt wonderful.

"The effect of this kind of meditation is cumulative,'' said Rikys. "The more you do, the better you'll feel. If you stack up endorphins in your body, it's like building up a reservoir of wellbeing, as opposed to a reservoir of stress.''

For the rest of the day, I had a definite spring in my step, and two friends separately observed that I appeared to be on tremendously good form. Even the next day, I felt more energised than usual. It was a remarkable experience. Simple yes, but deceptively so.

When I subsequently tried to repeat the meditation, at home, I couldn't maintain my concentration. For me, having a relaxing voice talking me through the process was crucial. I'd love to be able to conjure up my golden endorphins at will, but in the meantime I've done the next best thing. I've booked another session for next week. THE DAILY TELEGRAPH