Touch Benefits: Reduce Stress!
Playful physical touch (like squeezing your partner's butt) can boost oxytocin – which reduces stress, improves blood pressure and heart health, and boosts immunity [https://x.com/i/status/2031674739975246073]. Seems like a fun way to stay healthy!
Oxytocin, often dubbed the "cuddle hormone," is produced in the hypothalamus and acts as both a hormone and neurotransmitter in the brain. It fosters feelings of well-being, relaxation, and bonding. Beyond strengthening bonds between mother and baby during childbirth and breastfeeding, oxytocin promotes trust, security, calmness, and contentment. The cardiovascular benefits of oxytocin stem from its influence on the autonomic nervous system, leading to a reduction in heart rate and contractility, ultimately decreasing arterial blood pressure. Oxytocin also increases heart rate variability, a key indicator of cardiovascular health and stress resilience, by enhancing parasympathetic nervous system activity. This "rest and digest" response promotes healing, recovery, and social engagement. Playful physical touch isn't the only way to boost oxytocin. Activities that promote physical closeness, like paddle boating or watching movies together, can also help. Even petting a furry friend can increase oxytocin levels and decrease the production of the stress hormone cortisol. Getting a massage is another great way to lower cortisol while increasing dopamine and serotonin activity.
