Oxytocin is known as the stress-busting, love and bonding hormone. It is a powerful neurotransmitter that is produced in the hypothalamus.
A stressful lifestyle is not only bad for you, but it can actually alter your genes. It can set off a series of mechanisms in your body that can interfere with the production of oxytocin. Fortunately, there are a few simple things you can do to boost your oxytocin levels naturally.
1. Exercise Everyday
When you get a great workout and break a sweat, your body produces oxytocin and endorphins. Circulation is improved, and oxygen is sent to the brain and other regions of the body. Not only is regular exercise essential to keep your body fit and healthy, but also to regulate the production of hormones. If you can’t hit the gym every day, you can get the same benefits by going for a walk in the park or doing yoga.
2. Explore Your Creativity
Doing something creative with your free time is a great way to de-stress. When you’re completely engrossed in your creativity, you aren’t worrying about anything else. Try painting, gardening, sewing, writing or learning to play a new instrument— anything that gets you out of your usual routine. This will allow good hormones to flood your brain as endorphins and oxytocin are released.
3. Seek Comfort in Familiarity
Immersing yourself in comforting and familiar thoughts, memories, smells, and sounds is a great way to boost oxytocin. Music has excellent therapeutic and mood-boosting benefits, and listeners derive comfort and pleasure from it. So, the next time you’re feeling low, bake your grandmother’s signature cookies, go for a walk along a familiar trail or tune into some music that brings your joy.
4. Get in A Good Cry
You may have noticed that you feel better after a good ugly cry. Suppressing emotions is bad for your mental state and lowers oxytocin levels. Sometimes the best thing you can do for your mind is to let it all out. If you’re holding on to pent-up frustration or sadness, give yourself the permission to release these emotions. Confide your sorrows to a good friend or watch a movie that tugs at your heartstrings.
For the sake of your mental health, it is important to find healthy ways to release stress. The tips mentioned in this article are natural ways to increase oxytocin levels and take care of your health and wellbeing.
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