Behind the feeling you experience when you pet a loved one or your pet is oxytocin, a molecule produced in the hypothalamus. Because of its ability to act as both a hormone and a chemical messenger, it is responsible for forging emotional bonds between people and influencing a wide range of physiological and emotional processes essential to our health and well-being.

According to various studies, oxytocin has the following benefits:

7 natural ways to release oxytocin

Experts recommend that spending quality time with other people and activities such as meditation are good ways to release this hormone associated with well-being.

2. Cultivate positive social interactions: laugh with friends, have meaningful conversations, maintain eye contact, and express appreciation. A 2023 article in Trends in Cognitive Sciences (Feldman et al.) highlights that high-quality interactions, characterized by mutual support, are powerful releasers of oxytocin. “The quality of our relationships is a fundamental determinant of our health and happiness,” notes Dr. Dana Suskind.

3. Practice acts of kindness: Helping others, volunteering, or even a small, selfless favor doesn’t just benefit the recipient. A 2023 study in the Journal of Happiness Studies (Curry et al.) concluded that generosity is consistently associated with greater well-being and can induce the release of oxytocin. “When we are kind and generous, we not only help others, but we also receive a biochemical ‘high,’” says Stephen G. Post, professor of bioethics.

5. Meditate and practice mindfulness: disciplines that promote full attention,Meditation in particular stimulates feelings of compassion and connection. A 2022 meta-analysis in Mindfulness (Golebiowski et al.) found that these practices increase feelings of social connection by indirectly influencing oxytocin-related systems. Meditation teacher Sharon Salzberg explains that this practice “may influence neurochemistry, creating an internal environment that is more conducive to oxytocin release.” 6. Connect with your pets: Petting and playing with a dog or cat is not only rewarding, but it’s also a proven source of oxytocin. A 2023 study in Frontiers in Psychology (Mueller et al.) confirmed that interactions between owners and dogs result in reciprocal increases in oxytocin. “The bond between humans and animals is a powerful oxytocin catalyst,” says Lisa Horn, Ph.D., a human-animal interaction researcher. Exercise regularly: Although physical activity is linked to the release of endorphins, it can also influence oxytocin, especially if done in a social context. A 2023 review in Sports Medicine – Open (Scheve et al.) suggests that regular physical activity improves mood and reduces stress, with oxytocin playing a role. “Exercise is a polypill for mental and physical health,” says Harvard’s Dr. Daniel Lieberman.