10/02/2023
Love in Micro-Moments π₯°
With Valentine's day around the corner, we start to think more about the big L word 'LOVE' β€.
The way we define and measure love is actually always changing. Research by Psychologist Barbara Fredrickson on positive emotions found that love can be achieved in MICRO-MOMENTS of connection with other people. This can be your partner, family, friends, neighbours, and even strangers.
A few seconds of connection with others triggers a flood of pleasant emotions. Oxytocin, the hormone of attachment and bonding also spikes during these micro-moments π.
Our Social Experiment π§ͺ
After reading about this a few years back, my now husband and I decided to put it to the test and consciously practice 3 micro-moments throughout each day, "Time for an M&M" as we call it.
How does it work? It's so simple ππΌ
The key is not in the length of time but in the QUALITY. This means that you and your partner both need to be physically TOGETHER, OPEN, and fully PRESENT in the moment. It doesnβt have to last long, just a few seconds can be enough for it to work its magic β¨
A few EXAMPLES include:
β’ A long meaningful hug
β’ Holding hands whilst watching a movie or lying in bed
β’ Cuddling or spooning
β’ Simple eye contact
β’ Forehead to forehead
β’ Having a good belly laugh
β’ Saying I love you to each other
For us, creating these micro-moments meant that even when we were busy and didn't have much time together we would still feel connected and feel loved by one another π₯°. If we ever did feel disconnected, due to stress or feeling blue, having a micro-moment would reconnect us right away.
These little moments are everywhere, not just with your partner but with everyone π.
Remember you can CHOOSE to create more feelings of warmth and connection. Just like you get what you expect, you also get what you project. And what goes around, comes around π₯°