Stress is an unavoidable fact of life.
But…there’s an important distinction to be made between stress that is occasional, versus stress that is chronic. While the former is unlikely to impact your health, the the latter can do significant harm.
In fact, a study by the American Psychological Association found that 77% of American adults reported physical symptoms resulting from chronic stress. And 73% reported stress-related mental health concerns.
The good news? Your body has a built-in stress fighter in the form of a hormone called oxytocin.
Oxytocin is often referred to as the “love hormone” or the “cuddle hormone” because it promotes bonding and a desire for closeness. But this hormone does more than just help you to feel connected to your loved ones. It also reduces stress and improves mood.
Keep reading to learn more about how oxytocin can help you to combat the ravages of chronic stress.
Why Chronic Stress Is Unhealthy
When under stress, your body produces an abundance of the hormone cortisol. Cortisol prepares your body for facing stressful situations by increasing your heartrate and your blood pressure (among other things). This mechanism is often referred to as the fight or flight response.
This stress response is helpful if it occasionally enables you to effectively respond to a threat, or if it helps you to focus on something important.
But chronic stress is another matter. Over a long period of time, excess cortisol becomes toxic and can cause any of the following issues:
- Weakened Immunity—Have you ever noticed that people tend to get sick during or right after a period of intense stress? That’s because stress hormones sustained at high levels increase inflammation, and they reduce levels of infection-fighting white blood cells.
- Poor Sleep Quality—Because cortisol is stimulating, chronic stress tends to have a negative impact on sleep. This is important because reduced sleep quality makes it more difficult for your brain and body to recharge and repair.
- Mood InstabilitySustained periods of elevated cortisol can lead to mood swings, anxiety, depression, and irritability.
Oxytocin: Your Secret Weapon Against Stress
Oxytocin is produced by the hypothalamus. Once produced, oxytocin is stored within the pituitary gland until it gets released into the bloodstream.
Your body releases oxytocin during positive social interactions like laughing, hugging, feeling loved and supported, and during sex.
As noted above, oxytocin can go a long way toward combating the negative effects of chronic stress. In particular, oxytocin can do the following:
- It balances brain chemicals like serotonin and dopamine to help regulate emotions and promote feelings of trust and love.
- It reduces elevated cortisol down to normal levels.
- It encourages relaxation.
- It strengthens social bonds.
- It boosts feelings of happiness and personal connection.
- It reduces anxiety, depression, and rumination.It promotes emotional resilience.
How You Can Increase Oxytocin Levels
Supplements that are known to increase oxytocin production include:
- Vitamin D
- Magnesium
- L-Theanine
- Probiotics
You can also encourage your body to release more oxytocin into your bloodstream by doing the following:
- Hug or cuddle with someone you love
- Get a massage
- Pet your dog or cat
- Spend time with close family and friends
- Laugh
- Perform acts of kindness
- Meditate, listen to music, or spend time in nature
- Make good lifestyle choice like eating a healthy diet, getting plenty of rest, exercising, and staying hydrated
Or…you can supplement oxytocin via prescription.
Feel Better with Oxytocin
Want to learn more about oxytocin and other strategies for fighting chronic stress? Renew Youth is here to help. Call us at 800-859-7511 or use our easy contact form to schedule your complimentary 30-minute consultation.