Extreme Kindness

Have you ever looked at a baby, let slip an awwwwww, and felt all your worries dissolve?  Or maybe you’ve been fighting with someone and they’ve unexpectedly apologized or shown you some surprise tenderness and you can feel your Ph flip from acidic to lovesick?

Of course you have.

Ever wondered what’s happening in your body when you feel it physically go from granny-smith-bitter to maple-syrup-sweet?

Chances are your pituitary gland has released some oxytocin into your system.  Oxytocin is a hormone produced in the body and also acts as a neurotransmitter in the brain.  It is released when humans touch and show gentleness to one another or when we see something we’d call “heartwarming”, like good movie.  Not surprisingly, oxytocin is found in very high levels in those that claim to be falling in love.

This hormone reduces blood pressure and cortisol levels which increases your tolerance to pain and reduces anxiety.  Translation: doing good and being around those who spread love is good for your heart and will make you a healthier person.

So get out there and let the oxytocin flow, yo!

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