18/04/2023
Dada J. P. Vaswani - Indian spiritual leader
Ultimately, if we are social species and if we survive because we have others around us who deliver food, shelter, give love or lift us up, wouldnt it be true for supporting others in time of stress, even, or maybe especially, when we ourselves are feeling same way?
What is it about?
„Putting other people's needs before our own can reduce stress and improve mood, self-esteem, and happiness. Here's how it works: Helping Others Feels Good – Helping others promotes a rush of endorphins in the brain brought about by positive physiological changes”
There is also an assumption that stress makes you more active in your relationships with people. It's about OXYTOCINE. It has more functions than we think, it is not only a hormone secreted during cuddling (as I say in my post about cuddles;)) And it is designed to strengthen close relationships, enrich your empathy and willingness to help and support loved ones.
But it is ALSO a stress hormone.
Oxytocin, which is released as a result of the stress response, motivates us to seek support from others, tell others about our feelings, makes sure that you recognize when OTHERS are stressed so that you can support each other. Oxytocin is designed to PROTECT your body from the effects of stress. It helps these blood vessels to stay relaxed during times of stress, but it also helps the HEART to recover from damage caused by stress. So it strengthens the heart. And all these positive effects of oxytocin are underpinned by contacts and support from others. So whether you are looking for support or giving it - thanks to this you build a healthier stress response, or you recover from stress faster!
Isn’t it quite fascinating!
Next time someone complains to you how stressed out he is when you are already stressed out yourself,
you might react differently this time;)
How is this true for you?