29/05/2025
Does love and affection regulate CORTISOL HORMONE??
Love, affection, and attention have a significant impact on cortisol levels, the primary stress hormone. Here’s how they interact:
1. Lowering Cortisol Levels
Physical Affection: Acts like hugging, holding hands, or cuddling can lower cortisol. These activities stimulate the release of oxytocin, often called the “love hormone,” which counteracts cortisol production.
Emotional Support: Receiving attention and emotional care reduces stress by providing a sense of security, lowering cortisol levels.
2. Regulation of Stress Responses
Positive social interactions can dampen the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity, which governs cortisol release. Feeling loved and attended to signals the brain that there is no immediate threat, calming this system.
3. Long-Term Benefits
Consistent affection over time can lead to better cortisol regulation, which helps prevent chronic stress and its associated health issues like high blood pressure, anxiety, or weakened immunity.
4. Influence of Reciprocity
Giving love and affection can also lower cortisol. Acts of kindness and expressing care release endorphins and oxytocin, reducing stress for both the giver and the receiver.
In short, love, affection, and attention create a physiological buffer against stress, promoting better overall well-being
