Here's how to relieve stress and anxiety by boosting your bonding hormone

Darielle Britto | Aug 21, 2019, 13:11 IST
A feel-good hormone called oxytocin is responsible for making you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. However, when you feel stressed and anxious you tend to quickly forget what bliss feels like. However, there are a few ways you can boost your oxytocin levels, a.k.a bonding hormone, to manage anxiety and improve your mood.

Scientists commonly refer to oxytocin as the love hormone or cuddle hormone. This is the hormone that helps a mother bond with her baby. It is also the hormone that helps you connect with your partner on a deeper level.

Anxiety can be extremely difficult to manage and can affect the quality of your life. Here are a few ways you can boost your oxytocin levels in order to lower anxiety.

1. Ensure your hormones are balanced

Your hormones and anxiety have a strong relationship. When cortisol or oxytocin crash, it can upset the whole system throwing you out of whack. That is why it is important to make sure your hormones are balanced in order to deal with anxiety. Progesterone can help tackle the effects of estrogen, which has a very soothing and calming effect. This will help reduce anxiety and make you feel sleepy. To gain these benefits, you need to stay clear of sugar andrefined carbs.

2. Find ways to manage stress stress

From big issues to small, there are plenty of reasons to stress. Any kind of stress can have an impact on your oxytocin levels and cause your cortisol levels to skyrocket. Some strategies that can effectively reduce stress are meditation, prayer, acupuncture, and a massage. You can even treat yourself to a mani-pedi. Studies conducted on animals have found exercising regularly can increase oxytocin and reduce down anxiety.

3. Maintain a healthy gut

Gut issues can lead to mood swings and feeling of anxiety. Therefore it is important to maintain a healthy gut. This means you have to make sure you are eating the right foods. Make sure your body is receiving vital nutrients like probiotics, prebiotics, and fibre. Making this change will also have a positive impact on your hormones.

4.Give adaptogenic herbs a try

Adaptogenic herbs can significantly improve the way your brain and adrenals communicate. These herbs can naturally reduce stress and anxiety. Rhodiola is a popular choice with many as it can reduce anxiety and stress. It can also help manage cortisol levels and improve one's mood. Lower your anxiety, inflammation and boost your energy and immune system with the help of this herb.
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