In 20 seconds you can become happier, more relaxed and less afraid. All you have to do is hug someone. Simple right?! Not in corona times. I give you 7 ways to make the 'cuddle hormone'.
Cuddling or loving touches are not only nice, but is also healthy. It can be a medicine for both physical and mental complaints. It reduces stress and gives a calm, relaxed feeling. Acts as a pain reliever and promotes healing and growth. Increase your ability to learn. Helps your digestion. Makes you more social, friendlier, less aggressive. And also more loving. more peaceful. The wonder drug that causes this is Oxytocin, and the good news is that it's free and available to everyone. Day and night.
Cuddle hormone
During the touch of a hug, caress or kiss, the hormone Ocytocin is released. Also known as the 'cuddle hormone'. This panacea is produced by your body itself.
The benefits of Oxytocin:
- It makes you happy. Hugs pave the way for the 2 happiness hormones: Dopamine and Oxytocin. A natural anti-depressant.
- It strengthens relationships. Oxytocin is also known as the 'love hormone'. It strengthens feelings such as commitment, bonding and trust.
- Strengthening confidence in yourself and others
- It reduces stress. The drop in blood pressure and heart rhythm makes you calm and relaxed.
- Decreased feeling of aggressiveness and fear.
In addition, studies have shown that the more oxytocin is produced, the easier it is to produce more. So that means that if you take the following actions, it will be easier and easier to feel good.
Cuddle
According to some scientific studies, physical contact is just as important as eating and drinking. Without warm physical contact, we threaten to become cold and chilly inside. Babies who are not cuddled clearly develop less well. It's like they don't have a battery to charge them. They grow more slowly, have difficulty learning, are more susceptible to diseases, and find it more difficult to put themselves in someone else's shoes.
Do you have roommates? So grab them more often and longer. Make time for group hugs and give your partner a kiss, and when you put the kids to bed, give them another big hug! A high five, pat on the back or a massage also counts.
No roommates? It seems that it also works when hugging objects. So do you need a hug yourself, but is there just no one around? Hug a tree, a pillow or a big teddy bear. However you're going to manage it, Cuddle! Because cuddling is healthy when you want to cuddle. Simple, right? Or, get a pet! (or a pet sitter).
Encouraging words
Giving and receiving compliments also increase your oxytocin production. Words are powerful tools to make others feel good and you feel good. They convey kindness, compassion and love. They also connect us to others, increasing oxytocin levels in both individuals.
Listening to others
Listening is also an incredible way to increase this hormone. Everyone wants to feel recognized. We all want to know that we are heard and accepted. When you are physically present while listening to the other person, it creates a connection between the two of you. Listening attentively and ignoring all distractions gives an incomparable sense of reward.
Listen with your eyes, without being distracted by your phone or anything else. Don't multitask when someone needs your attention. Give all your attention to the person talking to you.
Meditation
Meditation relaxes the body and mind. A form of relaxation for body and mind. When you are not in a flight-or-fight situation, oxytocin is produced. This balance lowers blood pressure and relieves stress.
Movement
Movement is not only good for keeping the body healthy. You also produce endorphins and oxytocin. You don't have to go to the gym or run for this. To walk doing a few light exercises outdoors or at home is all it takes to raise oxytocin levels and feel better quickly.
To cry
How nice is it to cry a bit every now and then? Bottling up your emotions causes stress and physical problems. Your oxytocin level drops. Cry air up and let your oxytocin levels rise.
Be generous and give to others
Giving and receiving makes us happy. Being generous in giving your time and attention to someone else creates feelings of gratitude and connection. As a result, large amounts of oxytocin are released.
Another gesture that releases oxytocin is a making a gift for someone from the heart . To do this you don't need an excuse like a big success or celebrating a birthday. What really releases oxytocin is thinking of the other person with affection and feeling the desire to make them happy. Who are you going to make happy?
