Creating opportunities for…

feeling alive.

Now and then, we awake feeling weighed down. What brings this about? I’m sure our collective human reasons are too long to fit on this screen. (And why bother because treading in victimhood can just lead to quicksand.) For me, the critical question is, “how do I choose to address this added weight on my heart?” Do I want to walk around looking and feeling as if I’m carrying rocks on my shoulders? No. I’m cognizant of how that emotional weight impacts my body AND the state of my heart in negative ways. This is inclusive of my outlook for the day opening in front of me.

No! (No, what?) NO to letting the weight on my shoulders be the only tea leaves that I read today. Where’s my power, my agency, my “Jan deserves to enjoy this day, even if it’s as hot as hades outside.”  Peeking inside myself; the power is there.

Okay, okay, it’s nice that the power to change is present, but how the heck do you access it?

So glad you asked!

Oxytocin. Oxy - what? Uh oh, this is not a commercial for some drug, is it? Don’tstop reading (please!) but to some degree, it is about a drug - a brain hormone we all can create in our bodies. (Please, please tell me this is not going to be a lecture. Boring.) Nope, this is about opening our own interior pharmaceutical cabinet. No RX needed (yay, no MD visits!)

Okay, in a nutshell (and pick any nut you like.) This ol’ brain hormone, oxytocin, induces well-being in humans (that would be us.) For those curious about the science, I’ve included several links. For those who are not curious and just want to get to know how the heck you stimulate oxytocin to feel better, you’re still in the right place.

I’ll start with myself. As the one feeling weighed down this morning, I decided to do an oxytocin workout. No, no, don’t be frightened off by my words. All I’m talking about is taking a walk in my neighborhood, which I proceeded to do. Made it outside early enough that the heat was not oppressive.

• Ran into some friendly deer and felt immensely cheered (bonding with animals produces oxytocin.)

• Exchanged pleasant words with several neighbors who were also out and about (social bonding as oxytocin creator);

• Felt great moving my body in a walk (exercise produces oxytocin.)

• Returned home and discovered my arthritic knee felt better (oxytocin modulates pain.)

Oxytocin-producing well-being? That would be this human when I arrived home. Most of the weight had lifted and I was smiling (also an oxytocin producer.) I really, really have no desire to create a reputation as a drug pusher, but oxytocin is another story. Here’s a hint - it’s also known as the love molecule. Go forth and produce…