As Sandra discussed in a recent blog post, many couples over time begin to feel disconnected and distant emotionally and physically. The cool thing is that Nature has a way of boosting that feeling of connection through a hormone produced in our bodies called oxytocin. One of the ways this hormone is released is when people connect through loving touch. The release of oxytocin in the body has many benefits, including: stress relief, increased empathy and emotional bonding, increases trust, promotes growth and healing, and even increases one’s pain threshold. Some of those benefits, like increased trust, empathy and emotional bonding, create a safe physical and emotional environment for intimacy in a relationship. Researchers are also finding that oxytocin may also increase attraction toward one’s partner. Who couldn’t use these benefits in their relationship??
So, how do we naturally increase oxytocin? Here are some simple ways to begin:
- Give a hug
- Look deep into your partner’s eyes
- Take a warmth bath
- Cuddle
- Massage
- Eat “comfort food”
- Think compassionately about someone
- Smile and laugh
- Attentively listen
- Meditate
- Pray
- Do an act of service
- Snuggle with your pet
- Watch a heartwarming show or movie
- Listen to calming music
- Call an old friend
- Get (or give) a massage
- Exercise
- Take a warm bath or shower
- Play an instrument
Make it a goal to do at least one of these things every day to increase your oxytocin levels. The more oxytocin you have in your system, the softer, more nurturing and connected you will feel toward yourself and your partner.
