10 ways to increase your happiness hormones despite isolation.
Happiness is not just love, money and chocolate! In fact, physiologically, happiness comes mainly from the production of the “happiness” hormones, like oxytocin, serotonin, dopamine, endorphin… But you’re in isolation and there is no one to cuddle with? Fortunately, there are plenty of other ways to produce these hormones, even during social distancing!
Like…
Exercise
Doing light, relaxing exercise like taking a walk or doing pilates or yoga.
Sunshine
Getting some sunshine, so get up early, go outside (during the day, ideally!), buy a light therapy lamp or at least drink more milk (with vitamin D)!
Relaxation
Relax and manage your stress by focusing on the present, meditating, better planning your time and projects, staying informed without letting yourself get overwhelmed by rumors on social media…
Self-esteem
Increase your self-esteem by complimenting yourself, helping others or giving yourself small goals and congratulating yourself each time you succeed them (yes, you can do it!).
Interest
Stimulate your interest and your brain by exploring something new, like a new passion or a new talent (especially if you have plenty of free time now!).
Pleasures
Indulge in your little “guilty” pleasures like listening to your favorite TV series, eating your favorite food, drinking your favorite drink (preferably non-alcoholic!), listening to your favorite music, playing your favorite game, but above all, ENJOY THE MOMENT!
Cardio
Increase your heart rate by cardio exercise, laughter, dance (yes, orgasm also works!).
Touch
Use your own hands to simulate cuddles by taking the time to massage, caress and hug yourself (masturbation is also a good way to produce some types of happiness hormones, but they are not the same ones as with platonic caresses!). If the idea of caressing yourself feels weird, check out my DIY: 5 steps for a self-cuddling session!
Warmth
Use heat and pressure to simulate cuddles like taking a warm bath, wrapping yourself in a soft blanket, hugging a big pillow (or your favourite teddy bear!), hiding under a weighted and/or heated blanket or simply burying yourself in the pile of warm laundry coming out of the dryer!
Connexion
Connect with others in an honest and attentive manner and make quality moments out of it; whether in person or online, the trick is to stay yourself, hence the importance of consent!
If you want to learn how to connect better with others through consent or if you need someone to connect with, Virtual Cuddle Therapy is there for you!
