So how do we boost ‘anxiety hormones’ during COVID?
In this COVID-19 world where social distancing is the New Normal, we are all lacking Oxytocin, the ‘cuddle’ or ‘feel good’ hormone.
Oxytocin helps us relax and brings about an overall feeling of well-being. It can reduce feelings of depression and strengthen our immune system. It’s the hormone released when you make love, when you bond with your baby, and when you hug family or friends. For this reason, oxytocin is affectionately known as the Cuddle hormone.
Sự tiếp xúc của con người luôn là một phần không thể thiếu trong sự tương tác của con người. Khi chúng ta ôm hoặc nhận được một cái vỗ nhẹ thân thiện trên da, vùng dưới đồi của não chúng ta sản xuất Oxytocin sau đó được tuyến yên sau tiết vào máu. Oxytocin là một neuropeptide liên quan đến việc tăng cảm giác tích cực, cảm thấy tốt của sự tin tưởng, liên kết cảm xúc và kết nối xã hội. Nó được biết là có tác động tích cực đến tâm trạng và cảm xúc. Nó mang lại cho mọi người cảm giác hạnh phúc, an toàn và tin tưởng.
Một nghiên cứu năm 2015 đã yêu cầu bốn ca sĩ nhạc jazz biểu diễn hai bài hát khác nhau: một ngẫu hứng, một sáng tác. Khi các ca sĩ ngẫu hứng, nồng độ Oxytocin của họ tăng lên. Các tác giả nghiên cứu cho rằng điều này xảy ra bởi vì một màn trình diễn ngẫu hứng đòi hỏi sự hợp tác, tin tưởng và giao tiếp.
A happy hormone
Oxytocin levels are often higher in women than in men. In addition, Oxytocin also plays a role in the mother-infant bond. It is associated with child-birth and lactation. Higher levels of Oxytocin have also been linked to good sleep due to the hormone’s ability to regulate sleep patterns.
Another wonderful thing about Oxytocin, one of the ‘happy hormones’ , is that it reduces secretion of Cortisol, the stress hormone. High Cortisol levels are linked to depression and a variety of other mental and physical ailments. Oxytocin has the ability to undo Cortisol’s effects and restore the body’s balance, improving immune function and your odds of fighting off viruses and infections.
Oxytocin is also associated with reductions in blood pressure and heart rate, and its release decreases activity in the amygdala, a part of the brain that activates whenever there’s a perceived threat, a 2015 study in the journal Behavioral Neuroscience said.
But as we live a life of social distancing to prevent the community spread of Covid-19, friendly hugs, high-fives, or encouraging pats on the back are now a huge no-no. So in these depressing times, what can we do to ensure that our body gets enough of this feel -good hormone?
Cuddling= less stress
Some of the remedies are right in our homes:
Exercise releases endorphins in the brain and helps boost our moods. Yoga is even better – it not only releases endorphins, it also produces Oxytocin. So does Meditation, especially compassion meditation, which involves directing thoughts of love, compassion, and goodwill toward someone you care about.
Setting up FaceTime calls or Zoom/Skype video calls with far away family members, playing virtual games with kids like online Scrabble and reading books out loud with others can help secure Oxytocin’s positive influences during the pandemic.
Petting your dog or cat can release Oxytocin. Also letting people in your life know how much they mean to you, releases more of the Cuddle hormone. Sharing your feelings with a loved one often leads them to reply in kind.
Doing acts of service or kindness for others releases more Oxytocin without compromising on social distancing. Altruistic or selfless behaviours can promote the hormone’s release.
Listening to music or singing or playing an instrument are great Oxytocin boosters. Even if you are just a bathroom singer!
Connecting with Nature boosts Oxytocin levels. Take a nature walk, a trek, listen to the birds sing, or spend time with plants.
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