forget chocolate

Really, we just want some oxytocin for Valentines Day.

If you aren’t giving birth, nursing, or getting busy, here are a few quick, easy ways to increase oxytocin (trust/bonding hormone, love molecule, empathy's bff, pain reliever, calming chemical, craving reducer, immunity booster) into your system:

Hugs. 8 hugs a day is optimal, according to Dr. Paul Zak. If that sounds like a lot, think quality not quantity. Researchers have determined that after 20 seconds of hugging, oxytocin begins to secrete.

Get a massage. Just book one for yourself!

Dance. Whether you are in your car, in the kitchen, or playing Just Dance with the kiddos, shake it up!

Prayer and Meditation increase oxytocin.

Sing in a choir.

Hang out. Share your company over a meal or a cup of tea.

Pet your pets.

Enjoy the feeling of connection provided by social media.

Enjoy the feeling of connection provided by eye contact, "listen with your eyes".

Do something nice for someone with no expectation of anything in return.

Cheer on your favorite team or do something thrilling like ride a roller coaster with someone.

Offer a sweet kiss.

But, enjoy the oxytocin increase while it lasts because the half-life is only 3 minutes.

So consider giving the gift of oxytocin this Valentines day to yourself and to others. The more you practice increasing oxytocin, the easier it becomes released in your body and you will receive more benefits from this natural wonder molecule.

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Happy Valentines Day!