Hack Your Hormones: The Number One Sunday Times Bestseller

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Yorks DM, et al. (2017). Effects of group fitness classes on stress and quality of life of medical students. Its purpose (outside of childbirth) is to strengthen bonds between humans, help parents bond with their babies, maintain family units and bring mates closer together. Though you may absolutely not want one, a long hug after an argument with a loved one, lasting 20 seconds, will trigger maximum release of Oxytocin (as well as Serotonin, the mood stabilising and happiness hormone) making you feel closer, reducing stress and telling your brain that you feel safe and loved again. Mending the bond that felt broken with the warm, fuzzy, strengthening glue of Oxytocin.

Experts studying the effects of supplements have found varied results. Many studies involved animals only, so more research is needed to help support the benefits of supplements for humans. Krishnakumar D, et al. (2015). Meditation and yoga can modulate brain mechanisms that affect behavior and anxiety—a modern scientific perspective. The enjoyment you get from eating something delicious can trigger the release of dopamine along with endorphins. Sharing the meal with someone you love, and bonding over meal preparation, can boost oxytocin levels. Even if you don’t own a dog, you might also experience an oxytocin boost when you see a dog you know and like. If you’re a dog lover, this might happen when you get a chance to pet any dog at all.Most of us don’t think about our hormones much in daily life, we know they exist, we know teenagers experience changes due to hormones and if you’re someone who menstruates it’s likely you’ve been accused (rightly or wrongly) of being ‘hormonal’ at least once. Exercising! (how many 90s babies knew this already from watching Legally Blonde one too many times?)

If you’re familiar with meditation, you might already know of its many wellness benefits — from improving sleep to reducing stress. It’s normal to experience some stress from time to time. But living with regular stress or dealing with highly stressful life events can cause drops in dopamine and serotonin production. This can negatively affect your health and mood, making it harder to deal with stress. Oxytocin: Often called the “ love hormone,” oxytocin is essential for childbirth, breastfeeding, and strong parent-child bonding. It can also help promote trust, empathy, and bonding in relationships. Levels generally increase with physical affection. Include a few friends: A small 2017 study of medical students found evidence to suggest group exercise offers more significant benefits than solo exercise. Most of us are aware at least of testosterone and oestrogen and the roles they play in human development.Simply being attracted to someone can lead to the production of oxytocin. But physical affection, including kissing, cuddling, or having sex, also contributes to oxytocin production.