Oxytocin is known as the bonding hormone and it’s the source of those good feelings we get when we feel connected to others.
Making time to connect with the people you care about is really important for mental wellbeing, so it’s something worth prioritising.
Maybe it’s creating more opportunities to meet up with friends or just improving the quality of time spent with loved ones. Here are some ideas to try:
Join or start a book club. This is a great way to create a regular get together with people who share an interest with you. Sometimes talking about books can be easier than talking about real life, especially if you’re tired and not feeling full of conversation right now.
Combine your exercise times with socialising and meet friends for a walk or join a boot camp or exercise class catering specifically to new parents. Sometimes you can even bring your baby along, and it means you’ll get to spend time with other people experiencing the same things as you.
When you do get the chance to connect with someone, really lean in to that moment. Put your phones away, give each other your full attention and practise active listening. Take the opportunity to let people know how much they mean to you. It helps to strengthen that bond and, as well as lifting their spirits, it can give you a boost too.
If you can’t get out and about then pick up the phone and call. Reconnecting with an old friend, or calling someone you trust to chat about how you’re feeling is a really good way to look after your mental wellbeing.