Feel-Good Chemistry: Oxytocin, Cortisol, and You! šŸ«€šŸ§¬šŸ§ 

Hi to all of you! I want to talk about an intriguing subject I learned while reading Marian Rojas EstapĆ©’s book “Find Your Vitamin Person” today. book on Amazon. But first, let’s clarify what these terms represent before we get started

Oxytocin Ā isĀ a hormone that’s produced in the hypothalamus and released into the bloodstream by the pituitary gland. ā€œlove drugā€ or ā€œlove hormoneā€.

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/915286324255331264/

Cortisol isĀ a steroid hormone that your adrenal glands, the endocrine glands on top of your kidneys, produce and release.Ā Cortisol affects several aspects of your body and mainly helps regulate your body’s response to stress.

Pinterest : https://www.pinterest.com/pin/172896073188671447/

Promoting emotional well-being requires knowing how to control cortisol levels and increase oxytocin, especially in today’s stressful world. The biological indicator of empathy and emotional intelligence is oxytocin. Overwhelmed by anxieties, whether they are rooted in personal, professional, financial, or health-related issues, people frequently become caught up in a stress loop that prevents the release of oxytocin. This makes sense from an evolutionary standpoint; when there is a perceived threat to existence, the brain gives priority to overcoming the current problem.

This scenario can play out in a number of ways, such as when someone who is experiencing severe self-doubt or social anxiety seeks reassurance from a supportive person. Their decision-making becomes easier as a result of the relief they feel, which releases oxytocin and lowers cortisol levels. Being aware of and utilizing oxytocin’s advantages can help you effectively manage your feelings of fear, threat, and uncertainty. A hug or other show of affection can reduce the discomfort of being afraid and give you the confidence to face obstacles head-on. Understanding this brain process helps you get a better understanding of the experiences and reactions you have in life.

Fear and anxiety, however, can be reduced when one is able to release oxytocin in socially awkward or distressing situations. For example, let’s say you have a public presentation coming up and you’re nervous, causing your cortisol levels to spike. The unexpected ability of a supportive friend, peer, or coworker to make a friendly face can dramatically lower cortisol levels. The brain’s emotional center, the amygdala, slows down as a result, and you start to feel more assured and comfortable.

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/813392382697530875/
Unknown's avatar

About Karen C

Hello everyone! I’m Karen Chij. I am a junior at the University of Maryland Baltimore, County (UMBC) at the Universities at Shady Grove (USG). I was born in Guatemala, and I moved to the U.S. a couple of years ago. I recently graduated from Montgomery College where I got my Associate of General Studies SSAH-core. I started my first semester as a junior in Social Work with a minor in Psychology. I want to pursue my desire to become a social worker so that I can advocate and work with people to help them successfully find well-being, self-esteem, and practice self-care, etc. In addition to being a student blogger. I keep a few other extracurricular activities in check. I am currently the treasurer Psychology Student Association (PSA). Also, I am also in the USGLeads Emerging Leadership program at USG and also actively seeking internship opportunities. I enjoy hiking with friends and spending time with my family. I’ve started this year with my journeying and have a list of topics I intend to write about including self-care, hobbies, adventures, struggles as a first-generation student, manifesting, burning out, and other things that are on my mind!
This entry was posted in Uncategorized and tagged , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Leave a comment