get a little closer - a mindful morsel

Aug 28

estimated reading time: 2 minutes

Happy Wednesday to your beautiful heart 💚

Today’s Mindful Morsel leans into some science with a kind reminder that self care isn’t only a solitary activity for regulating or recovering after something.

You might already know that cortisol is a stress hormone in your body — it shows up whenever you experience stress (it doesn’t matter what kind) — and this causes a whole slew of chain reactions in your body that just don’t feel good (to keep it simple).

Enter the goodness of oxytocin.

Oxytocin is known as the bonding hormone: the one responsible for the joy explosions. Science tells us that the more oxytocin floods your system, the more likely your cortisol levels are going to drop (bon voyage, high stress!), and that you’ll feel more resilient next time something causes your cortisol to spike (hello, feeling more resourced!).

So self care also includes connecting with others on a regular basis. Proactively. Before things go sideways and you get stuck in recovery mode.

Take this as full permission/a reminder/a gentle nudge to indulge in all the ways you bond with those who hold meaningful places in your life (including your own self) –cuddles, hugs, sex, good conversation, even snugs with your pet.

We are, after all, a community, and it’s also just way more pleasurable to do the things that promote oxytocin production, so use this as an opportunity to choose your own adventure with your time and energy.

✨ May this week give you ample opportunity to find deep, cleansing breaths ✨

With good energy,