Have you heard of oxytocin? It’s also known as the love hormone or cuddling chemical!
Oxytocin is a hormone and neurotransmitter that is made in the brain. It gets released when we do certain things such as:
- Positive physical contact – such as a hug or a pat on the back
- Happy relationships with people
- Social alliances – such as being part of a group – any group – a choir, a knitting group, a meditation group, a Saturday brunch group!
- Volunteering
- Petting animals
The beauty of oxytocin is that it is a quick and natural buffer to our stress hormone, cortisol.
Try this – think of someone or something you love dearly. It could be a person, a pet, a place, a memory. Do you notice that it is IMPOSSIBLE to feel anger or stress at the same time? This is because your oxytocin is working! So, releasing oxytocin is a quick and very effective way to immediately reduce stress levels.
Do give it a try and let me know how you get on!
Wishing you all health and happiness.
Dr. Maria