"Often called the "cuddle chemical," oxytocin is released during positive connections: a warm hug, a kind word, or snuggling your pet (Schneider et al., 2023). It lowers stress, supports wound healing, and boosts your immune system. Give or receive a hug. Cuddle under a weighted blanket. Take a warm shower or bath. Reach out to a friend, share a kind gesture, or volunteer."
"At the front of your brain, the prefrontal cortex (PFC) governs decision-making, planning, impulse control, and social behavior (Friedman, 2021). It is particularly sensitive to stress, fatigue, and aging, but can be strengthened: Practice loving-kindness meditation-even five minutes helps (Desbordes et al., 2012). Practice mindfulness and meditation: Regular mindfulness meditation can improve focus, emotional regulation, and cognitive flexibility by promoting PFC activity. Engage in strategic and problem-solving games: Playing chess, Sudoku, or brain-teasers challenges your executive functions and encourages planning and foresight."
Oxytocin release from positive physical and social contact lowers stress, supports wound healing, and strengthens immune function. Simple behaviors like hugging, cuddling under a weighted blanket, warm baths, and kind social gestures raise oxytocin. The prefrontal cortex governs decision-making, planning, impulse control, and social behavior, and is sensitive to stress, fatigue, and aging. Strengthening strategies include loving-kindness and mindfulness meditation, strategic games, goal-setting, learning new skills, and impulse-control exercises. Aerobic exercise and sunlight increase serotonin, which improves mood. Prioritizing sleep and consistent restorative habits further optimizes brain function and recovery.
Read at Psychology Today
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