Maintaining healthy relationships with family and friends is good for your health, memory, and longevity.
Have you ever heard of the hormone “oxytocin”? If you haven’t, it’s a hormone that acts as a neurotransmitter that is critical for healthy reproduction. Most of you might be familiar with its association with initiating labor and the release of breastmilk. In men, oxytocin helps move sperm.
Oxytocin is better known as our hormone of “connection” and is the one we, as humans, crave the most. Research has shown oxytocin has relationship-enhancing effects.
These include:
- Trust
- Gazing
- Empathy
- Positive Relationship Memories
- Fidelity
- Positive Communication
- Processing of Bonding Cues
Oxytocin is really the glue in our relationships but how does it influence the rest of our health? Research has shown it has stress-reducing effects. Some studies have shown oxytocin is an antidote to cravings due to providing a feeling of satisfaction of hunger. It’s been associated with a reduction of withdrawal symptoms from addictive drugs, including opiates, cocaine, and alcohol. Oxytocin is associated with triggering protective instincts and improves social skills. It can also help induce sleep as it has a calming effect and leaves you feeling tranquil and loving, which certainly helps your path towards sleep.
To ensure you’re getting enough oxytocin in your day, maintain good relationships with your family and friends.
Here’s to Being Healthy!
#HealthFactFriday
#AreYouReallyHealthy
