Nice to Know: What Does Valentine’s Day Bring to Mind for You? Candy? Flowers?
Valentine’s Day
How about something that actually helps your body and mind. i am talking about hugs!
Is there enough Oxytocin in your blood? If not, you need to hug your spouse/lover/partner a little longer. Yes, that will do it. What am I talking about? Oxytocin, also called the “bonding hormone,” is a very important feel-good hormone in the body. Research indicates that (1) it “inspires the feeling of meaningful connection with others;” (2) it is “also linked to reducing blood pressure and the risk of heart disease.” Some refer to it as the “happy hormone.”
Research has discovered that there is something magical to having long hugs. They have figured out that Oxytocin is released when we hug for at least 20 seconds. A short, quick hug, like those at the church door, will not produce Oxytocin. Perhaps that’s good. We do not want to be bonded to the wrong people. Another lesson is that we need to avoid having long hugs with individuals with whom we are not connected or those with whom we should not be romantically connected. This is a good tip for our loved ones who may be inclined to hug a bit too long.
Remember it is 20 seconds. Even if you have to practice before with a doll or timer, do it. Keep on doing it.
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