Hugs & Oxytocin
Hugs
Hugs!
There is nothing like a good hug, one where the connection is felt. I am not meaning sexual although that is key as well when in a committed relationship. Apparently this is especially important for women - hug a woman in your life today, increase her oxytocin.
Kayla Osterhoff, PhD in an interview on Gaia TV speaks to "Reshaping Society with Female Neuroscience" and the difference between male and female brains. "The male brain is dopamine regulated, reward-driven. Dopamine is the master neuroregulator for the male neurology and for the neuro-endocrine cascade that happens - dopamine is the supportive driving factor. The female brain is oxytocin regulated. Oxytocin is the master neuroregulator for women which means that the female brain and female physiology is more creativity and connection-based."
No surprise there and yet, research has historically been mostly done on men (Kayla suggests that women's monthly cycles/fluctuations have made it more difficult due to our historical approach to scientific research), which makes it difficult to provide the optimum health information specific to women. And our culture is far more geared toward dopamine production - achievement and productivity focused, action, getting things done, social media, checklists....
Kayla also notes that dopamine suppresses / inhibits oxytocin resulting in burnout for women. And although hugging someone can give you some oxytocin, that’s not all it is, it’s about feeling connected, about understanding emotions, about compassion, about empathy. So therefore less dopamine and more oxytocin for those of us who are women or the women in your life... hugs, connection, creativity, compassion, understanding, empathy and ...more music and singing 🎶...
Neurolaunch, a mental health online library suggests:
"There are several natural ways to stimulate oxytocin production in the body. These include:
1. Physical touch: Hugging, cuddling, and physical affection can trigger oxytocin release.
2. Social interaction: Engaging in positive social experiences and building strong relationships can boost oxytocin levels.
3. Pet interaction: Spending time with pets, particularly dogs, has been shown to increase oxytocin production.
4. Meditation and mindfulness practices: These activities can help reduce stress and promote feelings of connection, potentially increasing oxytocin levels.
5. Listening to music or singing: These activities have been associated with increased oxytocin release."
Of course some suggest there are foods too like turkey, chicken, eggs, cheese, bananas, sweet potatoes, pineapple, salmon, etc. that can help.
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