WELCOME to The WELLNESS FOURplay Podcast Episode 10: Happy Hormones, Part 2 - Oxytocin   We KNOW that Knowledge is the "foreplay" to your Wellness, so we want to make sure you are equipped to optimize yours! Equipping you with the KNOWLEDGE you need to have the HEALTH you so desire!   Hormones that play roles in many bodily processes and they travel through the bloodstream. Four are specifically known for promoting positive feelings, happiness and pleasure: Dopamine, Oxytocin, Serotonin, and Endorphins. Make sure to get YOUR Daily D.O.S.E.!   Here are the FOUR questions: 1. WHAT IS OXYTOCIN? - Oxytocin: the “love hormone” that is essential for childbirth, breastfeeding, and strong parent-child bonding. Made by the hypothalamus in the brain and released into the blood by the pituitary gland. Oxytocin is a powerful hormone that acts as a neurotransmitter in the brain. 2. WHY IS OXYTOCIN SO IMPORTANT? -Oxytocin plays an important role in the reproduction, initiating contractions before birth as well as milk release. Helps promote trust, empathy, and bonding in relationships. Considered “the cuddle hormone” or “the love hormone” due to its association with pair bonding and helps to reinforce the early attachment between mothers and their infants, as well as the bonds between romantic partners. 3. WHAT AFFECTS IS COVID HAVING ON OXYTOCIN LEVELS? -Social distancing, poor lifestyles, weight gain, low confidence all lead to less personal interaction between couples. Parents and children have been separated for long periods of time leading to less hugs, laughter and smiles. Less personal care, massages for example. Decreased social interactions with family and friends leads to reduced oxytocin levels and can lead to anxiety, fear, loneliness, depression and suicide. Social interactions on Social Media can increase oxytocin, but not near the level of personal interactions. 4. HOW CAN YOU INCREASE YOUR LEVELS OF OXYTOCIN? - Increases with Social Behaviors, encounters. - Stay connected to family and close friends, make plans... even the anticipation of the event can increase oxytocin. New mother’s... if you can, you need to breastfeed your baby! Oxytocin levels are increased during breastfeeding and cradling the baby. Oxytocin is also increased in hugging, cuddling, and having sex. Listen to/or make music, connect with your friends, practice listening deeply, share your feelings of how much you care. Massages, getting or or giving. Eating FOOD with people you care about. A.R.K.: Acts of Random Kindness. Pet your Dog! Episode #11 will continue the Happy Hormone series with a focus on Serotonin & Endorphins! Equipping you with the KNOWLEDGE you need to have the HEALTH you so desire! #WellnessFourPlay​ #HappyHormones​ #Hormones​ #Oxytocin​ #Love​ #EmpoweredWellness​ #wellness​ DondeeAndMarci.com