All About Love

Love seemed the perfect elevated emotion to discuss so close to Valentines Day.  What can love do for us?  When we fall in love dopamine is created, making couples feel elated and energized by one another.  Who wouldn't dig that pleasure fix?  Oxytocin, another pleasure chemical is released during breastfeeding.  This can cause mothers to fall in love with their babies.  Since falling in love and giving birth are temporary experiences, how can we keep these wonderful chemicals pumping through us?  Hugging, kissing, and cuddling are also associated with oxytocin release.

 Are you feeling grumpy?  Go out and hug someone.  Join a group that nurtures one another with physical affection and praise.  If you are single you might need to get creative about how and with whom you receive affection.  Since we can't force ourselves to fall in love, we have to find other healthy ways to increase pleasure chemicals. You can create an environment of openness to love and affection from animals and human beings.  Having a loving and open attitude will bring new experiences that can increase the chemicals your brain needs for well being.

​www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20568672,00.html#-o-is-for-oxytocin-0