10 Ways to Increase Oxytocin Levels
- Catherine Moscatt
- Apr 20, 2023
- 3 min read
10 Ways to Increase Oxytocin
Oxytocin is known as one of the four “feel-good” hormones. Here are several “cheats” so you can increase your oxytocin levels.
1) Have sex. This is the most obvious answer. Oxytocin is also known as the “love hormone” so naturally making love would increase it (this helps if you actually orgasm which, as we know, doesn’t always happen).
2) Have a baby. Like having sex, this is not always practical. I’m certainly not going to get pregnant for some feel-good hormone. But it is released during childbirth and lactation. Watch the videos of women giving birth during medieval times, Colonial times, or even now. They don’t look like they are having a good time. But I suspect oxytocin is released to promote bonding with your baby.
3) Getting (or giving!) a massage. The next night you and your sweetheart are alone break out the massage oil, put down a towel, play that Alice Cooper (no? Just me?), and get to work. Or rather play. And sometimes number three leads to number one. And sometimes number one leads to number two.
4) Sing in a choir. Being together, a swell of voices, makes you feel as though you are not alone (which you aren’t by the way). Maybe that’s why gospel singing is so empowering and unifying. In 2015, several jazz singers were asked to participate in a study. Four were asked to sing a composed song, while four were asked to improvise. Those who improvised reported feeling happier. This was probably due to higher levels of cooperation amongst the singers.
5) Tell someone you love them. You don’t have to rent an airplane and fly a banner across the sky but letting someone know you care, whether it be through words or gestures boosts your oxytocin levels. And I bet it makes them feel pretty great too.
6) Caffeine. Surprised? I’m not. I freakin love this stuff. Caffeine apparently (and this part is news to me too) releases oxytocin. Not all caffeine is created equal so be mindful of what you are drinking. It can be dangerous in excess and mimics panic attacks. Drink it in moderation (I need to take my own advice) and not too close to bed.
7) Herbs. No, not that herb. I will not put out my opinion on that subject (but those close to me know I’m not really a fan). I’m talking about herbs like chamomile. A nice cup of chamomile tea can calm a racing heart and prep us for bedtime. And apparently, make us happier? Apparently not only does it increase oxytocin it also decreases cortisol which is what makes us feel like danger is impending.
8) Acupuncture. Those who aren’t such big fans of the needle won’t like this but it’s been proven by researchers to work. Even I have to cringe when I think of ear acupuncture. That’s right, needles are inserted into the ears. Childbirth is looking better and better. But apparently, auricular acupuncture is more effective than regular acupuncture. Go figure.
9) Pets. Much more appealing than sticking needles in your ears, amirite? Petting your cat or dog (or goat, I guess. Whatever you have) increases oxytocin levels. This is particularly true for dogs, though I’m always a champion of the cat. Even looking into your pet’s eyes for a sustained period of time can do the trick.
10) Extreme temperatures. I actually did know about this. My therapist recommends that when I feel extremely depressed (to the point of wanting to cut) I should expose myself to extreme temperatures as much as my body can tolerate. A few suggestions are holding ice cubes in my bare hands, a face ice bath and taking a frigid shower fully clothed. These suggestions are so unpleasant I have only done them on the rarest occasions and they have a tendency to jolt my body back to baseline.
I hope these suggestions bring some smiles to your faces. It’s been a rough week for me but my friend’s band is playing tomorrow and the weekend is almost here. Plus my boyfriend is coming over for dinner. All good things.
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