7 pleasant ways to increase the levels of oxytocin in the body

Oxytocin is much more than the "love hormone" as it is commonly known.

Along with promoting social interaction, it lowers blood pressure and cortisol levels, increases pain threshold, reduces anxiety and promotes all kinds of positive social interactions. In addition, it stimulates growth and healing.

Oxytocin's effects, just like other chemicals that send signals to the brain, are due more to changes than to absolute levels. It helps us to respond adequately to the demands of our social environment and to critical situations, changing our concentration in different areas of the brain.

There are some ways to increase oxytocin levels to reduce stress and feel better. Studies show that the more oxytocin that is released, the easier it is to release more of it, which means that if we practice the things we'll list below, it will be easier and easier for us to feel good, even when difficulties, pain and stress lurk around the corner.

Physical contact

Oxytocin triggers our reward system, which is activated and deactivated in romantic relationships. Sexual intercourse is known to increase oxytocin levels. However, it is only released when we orgasm from contact with someone we have an emotional connection with.

Sexual contact isn't the only thing that increases oxytocin levels—hugging, kissing, and caressing also help boost those levels quickly. It is important to emphasize that we do not need to have sexual relations with someone or even a partner to do the above. Hugging, kissing and petting can be practiced with friends, family members and even pets.

Encouraging words

A compliment can encourage us, comfort us, and make us feel good about ourselves. These encouraging words can make us feel loved and appreciated. Interestingly, our sense of well-being also increases when we encourage others.

Words are powerful tools for making others (and ourselves) feel good. They can be an expression of kindness, compassion and love. Words connect us to others, which increases oxytocin levels in both them and us.

Listening

Listening is an amazing way to increase oxytocin. Everyone wants to feel recognized; to know that he is heard and accepted. When we are physically present while listening to the other, it creates a connection between us. Listening attentively and ignoring all distractions provides an incomparable sense of reward.

Listen with your eyes too without being distracted by your phone or anything else. Don't multitask when someone needs your attention. Give it completely to the person speaking to you. Look him in the eye as you listen to what he tells you.

Meditation

The meditation relaxes the body and frees the mind from stress. We usually think of it as a tradition with deep roots in Eastern culture, but that doesn't mean we can't reap its benefits too.

In Western culture, the word "meditation" comes from the Latin term meditatio, which originally meant a type of intellectual exercise. In this sense, meditation is a useful tool for relaxing both body and mind—when we are not in a fight-or-flight state, oxytocin has a chance to be released. Balance lowers blood pressure and unlocks the senses. Here is a link to Milena Goleva's magnificent collection of guided meditations

Physical exercises

Exercise is not just about keeping the body healthy. They also increase the levels of endorphins and oxytocin, stimulating the supply of oxygen to the brain and other parts of the body. The amount of hormones that are released in the brain during exercise is also of great benefit.

To get all these benefits, you don't have to go to the gym, run or ride a bike if you can't or don't want to. A walk or moderate physical exercise at home is enough to release oxytocin and feel better quickly.

Crying

Studies show that trying to hold back our emotions lowers oxytocin levels. The build-up of energy from suppressing our feelings causes stress and physical problems.

Crying is an act of releasing this energy. Think about how you felt after those moments when you just couldn't stop crying. You probably felt calm, as if you practiced meditation or moderate exercise. This is why the effects of crying on oxytocin levels are similar to those we described in the previous points.

The generosity of giving to others

We feel good when we give to others and when they give to us. Being generous and generous, as well as giving your time selflessly to someone, makes feelings of gratitude and connection flourish, releasing large doses of oxytocin.

Another gesture that triggers the release of this important hormone is to give someone a gift from the heart. It's not about a big occasion like an anniversary, birthday or promotion. What actually releases oxytocin is thoughts of affection for others and the desire to make them happy.

Translated from exploringyourmind.com

Source: Framar.bg