13 Ways To Catch the Love Bug

You know that warm, fuzzy feeling that washes over you when you’re in love?
 
That's your LOVE hormone, Oxytocin, in action.
 
It helps encourage us to bond with others. Like a mom & her baby while nursing.
 
Although physical touch is the fastest way to boost your Oxytocin levels, there are some simple moves you can do to get that loving feeling going.

Just a 10-20% increase will promote the relaxation response- hello Relaxed Body!
 
Oxytocin increases your mood, empathy, trust, and openness to connect with others. It decreases cortisol, inflammation, the pain threshold, stress, and even withdrawal symptoms. 
 
Signs that it’s low include muscle aches, poor sleep, irritability, anxiety, sugar cravings, poor communication, and difficulty achieving orgasm.
 
It definitely has some powerful jobs in the body so let’s get it flowing.

13 Moves To Boost Your Love Hormone, Oxytocin:

• Hug someone you trust
• Pet an animal – looking into your pet’s eyes  also works
• Get a massage
• Do Yoga
• Schedule some Social Recovery- talk to your friends/loved ones by phone or in person
• Give gifts
• Make meaning- volunteer, mentor 
• Listen to slow tempo music- bonus points if you sing to it
• Work on having a Healthy Gut- add probiotics & in particular Lactobacillus Reuteri
• Take Vitamin C & D supplements; Magnesium; Chamomile
• Consume caffeine
• Watch Movies- emotionally compelling movies can boost it by 47%!!!
• Practice the Loving Kindness Meditation (instructions below)

 
Lovingkindness Meditation (say out loud to yourself):

May I be happy.

May I be safe.

May I be free of physical pain and suffering.

May I be able to recognize and touch harmony and joy in myself.

May I nourish wholesome seeds in myself.

May I be healthy, peaceful, and strong.

Spread the Love: You can say it for other people you care about as well but only after you’ve said it for yourself first.  You can even expand it to strangers or a larger community.  When you say it for others, change the word “I” to the name of the person (or group) you would like to say it for. Example: May (name of loved one or group) be happy.  May (he/she/they) be safe.
 
 
OVER TO YOU:
 
Pick one of the Oxytocin Moves above to boost or bring back that loving feeling. See which ones work best for you.
  
You don’t have to be into the hoopla around Valentine’s Day this year, but it's a great reminder to #1 do something that brings you joy and #2 find time to connect with others this week.

Ender, Teddie and I will probably do a movie night tonight, but started the week off enjoying that awesome Super Bowl. On Friday, I'm looking forward to a karaoke happy hour I've got planned with some old friends. That'll hit a few moves on the list for me.  What about you?

Hope you have time to play & have some fun too!
 
Happy Valentine's Day!
Mollie

P.S. No pet? No problem. Just stare into Teddie's eyes...

P.P.S. Want more Relaxed Body Moves to add to your Rest Toolbox? Get started with this 3 minute Active Recovery Workout: Download Now