If all you need really is love, then oxytocin may be where it’s at.

This neurotransmitter is categorized as one of the four “happiness chemicals” (in addition to dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins) and is known for its link to feelings of love and connection.

Oxytocin is created in the hypothalamus gland and released by the pituitary gland. It’s a chemical messenger, relaying information throughout the body, particularly when it comes to reproduction, bonding, and even giving.

Known as the love hormone, oxytocin is released during events such as:

• birthing (sending signals for the body to start contractions)
• infant/mother bonding (a feeling of attachment through breastfeeding, cuddling, and caretaking)
• romantic relationships
• sex
• hugging
• connecting with others
• giving to others/showing compassion

When thoughts and actions of love are present, this neurotransmitter is released and can result in higher levels of happiness.

To increase oxytocin in your body try:

• holding hands with your children or spouse
• hugging
• having sex
• cuddling with a pet
• helping someone
• offering kind words of encouragement and/or compliment to someone
• giving to others
• being in the moment and playing with your kids, talking with your spouse, or
• enjoying a meal together without interruption
• ensuring your body is digesting nutrients properly, specifically amino acids as they are the building blocks to oxytocin
• oxytocin nasal spray

Small acts can make a big impact on feelings of love. Take, for instance, the story of 33-year-old Cami Walker and her prescription of 29 gifts.

Cami was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and dealt with debilitating symptoms and negative thinking after this discovery.

During this time, she was given a unique “prescription” from friend and African medicine woman, Mbali Creazzo. Creazzo suggested that Cami give any type of gift to others over 29 days with sincerity and appreciation in order to boost her connection with others, sense of love, and overall state of happiness.

Cami’s experience was wondrous and yours could be, too. Try giving something of yourself over the next month and take note of how you feel, what you experience, and how it changes you.

Is it time to bond with your kids more? Spend quality time with your spouse? Help out a neighbour? Compliment your co-worker?

Think about how you can weave these loving behaviours into your daily life and reap the reward of more happiness.

REFERENCES:

http://www.29gifts.org 
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21250892/

The excitement of an infant sitting up or crawling for the first time.  The wonder of when a toddler takes a few new steps or whirls around on a tricycle.  The awe of a child practicing cartwheels and riding a two-wheel bike.

Not only are these momentous occasions ones of emotional amazement for parents, but they are also healthy balance, motor skill, and brain developmental milestones for little ones!

A child’s sense of balance can easily be nurtured in all stages of development.  Understanding the importance of this growth aspect along with utilizing a variety of ways to encourage advancement can support both physical and mental health.

Why is balance development important for kids?

Balance can naturally develop in children.  One stage leads to another, each building upon the prior to expand the body’s ability.

For example, healthy balance developmental stages for an infant are:

            – laying on the belly

            – crawling

            – sitting

            – scooting

            – standing

            – walking

All of these vital stages contribute to an overall sense of balance and if one stage is skipped, it can have future implications such as difficulties with certain physical movements and/or less confidence in social play.

In addition, there are two specific types of balance:

• static balance – keeping the body steady while staying still (such as standing on one leg)
• dynamic balance – the ability to run, jump, play, and engage in movement

When these types of balance properly mature, the results can include significant health benefits such as:

            – a sense of personal body awareness and body space

            – a boost in motor skills

            – brain development, particularly the formation of neural pathways

            – confident social interaction

            – sport participation/enjoyable movement

            – prevention of injury

which means safely walking across that fallen log during a hike or trying out the balance beam at the park can reap a wide variety of advantages!

How to support balance development in kids

While many children may naturally develop a sense of balance, today’s world can unconsciously promote a sedentary lifestyle and an overabundance of screen time – both of which can impede this well-needed growth.

To encourage balance, motor skills, brain health, and confident socialization in kids, try:

            – belly time for infants

            – a scoot bike (bicycle without pedals) for toddlers

            – wobble boards and balance games for school-aged kids

And keep in mind that balance is well…something to balance. 

A desire to protect a child and avoid injury is a major component to parenting, however, allowing safe, explorative activity can help a child discover their abilities as well as learn natural and normal consequences.  Adult supervision along with safety tools such as helmets and protective gear can encourage growth with mindful attentiveness.

Balance is important in all stages of life.  Whether for development for those starting out or for prevention in older years, balance activities can support overall wellbeing for an entire lifetime.