Bonding and increasing feelings of connection, trust, and empathy can sometimes be as easy as really, truly listening to what someone has to say. So, when your friend or partner wants to talk about something important, put down anything that might distract you, make eye contact, and give them your complete attention.
This close interaction can trigger oxytocin release, helping you feel more connected to each other. Research on chimpanzees suggests sharing food can increase oxytocin.
It makes sense for humans, too — sharing food is a great way to bond. Think back to your middle school or elementary days. Splitting that cookie or packet of fruit snacks may have netted you a friend or two, right? Preparing a meal with friends or a partner can provide enjoyment in addition to nourishment.
Sexual intimacy — orgasm, in particular — is one key way to raise oxytocin levels and demonstrate affection for someone else. Having sex with a romantic partner can help you feel closer and more connected, but you can still see this increase in oxytocin without a relationship. No-strings-attached sex can still improve your mood and make you feel pretty great. Other forms of physical intimacy, like cuddling or hugging, can also trigger oxytocin production in your body.
Hugs, hand-holding, and cuddling can all do the trick. So take a few moments for a good, long hug with your partner, kid, or even your pet. Giving someone a gift or practicing a random act of kindness makes them happy, which can make you feel happy, too.
Feel better? Your dog probably does, too. Research suggests that both dogs and humans see an increase in oxytocin from physical contact, including patting and stroking. The oxytocin produced by your interaction helps you feel a little better.
A therapist can help you explore possible causes and take steps to build stronger bonds with others. Crystal Raypole has previously worked as a writer and editor for GoodTherapy.
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Oxytocin appears to increase the release of prostaglandin E2 PGE2 in cells lining the intestine. This helps to encourage the repair of intestinal injury and to protect against such injury. If this is confirmed, oxytocin could be a useful therapy for preventing chemo-radiotherapy-induced intestine injury, and it could be used to treat irritable bowel syndrome IBS.
Participants in a study were more likely to lie for the benefit of others in the same group after receiving oxytocin. While it is natural to experience hormonal imbalances at certain times in life, such as puberty, menopause, and pregnancy, some hormonal changes are…. Crying is a natural and often uncontrollable reaction we have to sadness, grief, joy, and pain. Is crying good for your health?
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Read on to find out…. A dopamine deficiency is linked to several health conditions, including Parkinson's disease and depression. Learn more about the symptoms. What is the link between love and oxytocin? Medically reviewed by Michael Weber, M. Oxytocin is also a hormone, meaning that the brain releases it into the bloodstream to communicate with the body. Clearly, this little brain chemical has some big jobs—it plays a role in sex, childbirth, bonding, social interaction, emotions, and many other functions important to us mammals.
Our brains produce it naturally, but there's also synthetic oxytocin that is sometimes used therapeutically. Either way, oxytocin seems to not only nudge us towards more pro-social behavior, but it can also play tricks on our minds.
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