Oxytocin, also known as the “love hormone,” is released in the human body in response to certain stimuli. Once it’s released, it increases feelings of love, connection, well-being, and calmness.
Physically, oxytocin can lower a person’s blood pressure and heart rate, and it can directly fight stress by decreasing the release of the “stress hormone,” cortisol. Oxytocin can also work to boost the immune system. You can learn more here: “Love to Destress: Oxytocin and Stress Relief.”
Oxytocin Producing Activities
Here, we’ve compiled a list of some of the activities known to elicit oxytocin release in humans.
- Hugging
- Cuddling
- Sleeping next to someone you love
- Gazing into your dog’s eyes
- Breastfeeding your baby
- Having sex
- Watching an emotional movie
- Petting or playing with animals
- Dancing
- Connecting with friends online
- Listening to soothing music
- Going for a walk in the sunshine
- Looking into a loved one’s eyes
- Getting a massage
- Meditating while focusing on others rather than self
- Sharing a meal with a loved one
Remember to provide these experiences for those you love as well, to boost their oxytocin. When your loved ones feel happy, secure, and safe with you, they will respond with oxytocin producing actions toward you. So give your friend a gift to boost her oxytocin. Listen intently to your partner while making eye contact to trigger his or her oxytocin. Send a friendly message to a friend to help his oxytocin level increase.
Send as much love-lifting energy into the world as you can and watch it come back to you.