Fatigue, irritability, lack of motivation… what if your hormones held the solution?

“Our thoughts often focus on what is missing or going wrong.”

Touch is king: “Holding someone in your arms for three to five seconds is enough to trigger a surge of oxytocin,” reminds the British coach. The best part? You’re not the only one to benefit. Even remotely, our interactions circulate oxytocin: a simple text message isn’t enough, but hearing a voice, on the phone or via video call, immediately stimulates its production. But oxytocin doesn’t depend solely on others: being positive towards yourself is just as important, reminds TJPower. Praising yourself rather than criticizing yourself, acknowledging your successes, is like a small revolution for the brain.

Conversely, constant comparison on social media erodes confidence and inhibits the natural production of oxytocin. Another ally of well-being is gratitude. Our thoughts often dwell on what’s missing or going wrong. Cultivating appreciation, expressing gratitude—for example, by noting three positive things from your day before bed—calms the mind and helps you see life from a gentler, more optimistic perspective.

On your plate,
prioritize whole, minimally processed foods. Oxytocin isn’t produced directly from what we eat, but for it to circulate properly, the brain needs to stay healthy. Refined carbohydrates (sugar, white bread, pastries, sodas, processed cereals, fruit juices, etc.) cause sharp spikes in blood sugar, which increase inflammation, oxidative stress, and insulin resistance—the three enemies of the brain, reminds Dr. Georgia Ede.

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