6 Unusual Ways To Love Yourself More Every Day (scientifically proven!)
POSTED ON February 14, 2015 BY Lilla Bessenyei, Pharm.D.

Written by: Lilla Bessenyei
Did you know that you have something in your body that can be called the love, trust, moral, or life molecule? The first thing scientists discovered about this important molecule is that it is released during sex in both men and women and when a woman is in labor. More recently, studies have shown that this hormone can play a huge role in relationships as well.
What am I talking about? OXYTOCIN.
It wasn’t an easy task to explore the benefits of oxytocin, for it has a very short 3-minute half-life and degrades rapidly in room temperature. So, how does this relate to love?
Recently, researchers found out that this molecule has numerous health and social benefits, including:
- It reduces cortisol (the stress hormone) levels
- It increases trust between people and (due to this) helps build stronger and deeper relationships; it’s crucial in forming romantic relationships
- It has a strong impact on your social behavior
- It helps you become emotionally connected with others
- It makes you happier
So how can you reap these amazing benefits, every single day? Here are some tips.
1. Hug More
Dr. Paul Zack’s (a.k.a Dr. Love) first recommendation is to get at least 8 hugs a day.
His secret? “I just refuse to handshake at all.” Hugging releases oxytocin even when you are embracing complete strangers.
Incorporate more hugs into your daily routine. If you are bold enough, try to hug as many people as you can each day, including strangers.
2. Laugh More
Laughter can also boost your oxytocin levels. If you spice this up with some great company, it can be a powerful weapon against boredom and gloom.
Watch some funny videos with your partner or friends and have a laugh attack. It will make you feel awesome within just a few minutes.
3. Sing More
According to Dr. Love’s research, singing with other people triggers oxytocin release.
Karaoke, choir, or just rocking out with your friends should do the trick. Plus, it’s fun!
4. Get More Massages
This technique is one of the best ways to trigger oxytocin release. It increases hormone levels in the person receiving the massage as well as in the giver. Massage therapists are proven to be more abundant in oxytocin. Massage has copious other benefits like reducing stress, boosting your immune system, easing muscle pain, helping you relax, improving your sleep and many more.
Get or give a massage… and do it as soon as possible.
5. Dance More
When Dr. Love measured oxytocin levels before and after a night of dancing, he found they showed an 11% increase. Dancing with your partner can make you feel closer and more connected with each other and will help enhance previously mentioned benefits.
You don’t have to go out to have a romantic dance together. Just dance wherever you are and enjoy the moment.
6. Pray More
Feeling connected to something bigger than yourself is a great way to elevate oxytocin production. Worship or praying in a group will help you be more connected with others. These two are a powerful combo.
It’s simple and easy. And you can pray anywhere and everywhere to feel connected with whatever Higher Power you hold belief in, whether it be God, Buddha, the Universe. That part’s up to you.

Lilla Bessenyei is a pharmacist and writer. It has been through her own experience that she realized that health and happiness start with what you put in your body and mind - including your thoughts. She is an avid researchers and has learned a lot about health and medicine. In her studies, she found that cultivating healthy emotions were just as important (if not more so) as a healthy diet. She is a fitness junkie, enjoys the numerous benefits of a vegan diet and enjoys helping people discover true health and happiness.
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