Published: 13th February 2026.
Last updated: 13th February 2026.
Author: Martin Strahilov.

 

 

Oxytocin, or the “love” hormone as it’s more commonly known, is a hormone responsible for encouraging a sense of calm, increased social interaction and reduced feelings of fear. In some studies, oxytocin has been shown to activate regions of the brain that are related to emotional and social processing, supporting and strengthening your ability to form or nurture social connection.

However, oxytocin is more than just a key player in romance and bonding, it can also help individuals improve wellbeing and emotional health. So how do we get our hands on the stuff? This Valentine’s Day we’re sharing your oxytocin cheat sheet so that you can find ways of releasing oxytocin whether you’re single, loved up or just in need of a little boost in mood.

 

Activities

Whether you are celebrating Valentines, Galentines or Palentines this year - or taking yourself on a well-deserved date, there are plenty of activities that you can do to mine that sweet, sweet oxytocin. Designed to naturally boost oxytocin levels, be inspired to undertake activities that can promote a greater sense of happiness and calm.

Meditation, Yoga and Breathwork

These calming practices not only encourage mindfulness and relaxation, but they also allow oxytocin levels to rise naturally. While meditation and breathwork can help lower cortisol levels – which is often called the stress hormone - Yoga also provides a fantastic way to get in gentle exercise. Rhythmic breathing and gentle movement also helps to stimulate the vagus nerve, supporting heart health and emotional balance alongside improving flexibility, focus and sleep if practiced over time.

Listening to Music

Listening to, or creating, music – whether by yourself or with others – can trigger oxytocin release by stimulating feelings of connection, joy and belonging. Music also helps to regulate mood, reduce anxiety and even lower blood pressure and heart rate. Singing or dancing adds a physical element that can provide enhanced benefits. Listening to slow-tempo music has also been noted to be associated with increases in salivary oxytocin and decreases in cortisol.

Our online learning platform has several free mental health modules with tips and advice on simple self-care strategies and activities that you can implement including our Understanding the Importance of Self-Care and Stress Management modules.

 

Social Connection

Social connection and oxytocin are deeply intertwined, both biologically and psychologically. Often called the “bonding hormone”, oxytocin has a strong link to social behaviours, empathy and attachment. Whether the connection appears as friendships, romantic relationships or parent-infant bonding, oxytocin not only creates social connection, but it is also powered by it.

This sense of connection is also at the heart of both mental health and first aid training, empowering people to notice changes in others, step in, help and feel confident doing it.

Strong social networks are also linked to better outcomes in emergencies whether that’s knowing who to call, how to help, or having access to essentials like a well-stocked first aid kit at home or at work. Here are some ideas for how you can increase your social connections.

Making, Eating or Sharing a Meal

A ritual performed by humans since the dawn of time, preparing, consuming and sharing food has been a firm favourite activity for our species. Sharing a meal with others is a classic way to foster bonding, cooperating and social support. Supported by a study by the University of Oxford, findings saw that people who eat socially often feel better about themselves and have wider social networks. Whether you treat yourself to a meal out, your favourite dish or use food as an opportunity to spend time with friends and family, mealtimes can offer a natural feel-good boost.

Eye Contact

Direct eye contact is one of the simplest ways that humans can connect non-verbally. Studies have shown that interactions such as eye-gazing and mirroring can increase oxytocin levels. What’s more is that this activity can work not only with humans, but with pets too. Even with your fluffiest friend, gazing triggers oxytocin release in both human and animal - so if you prefer a dog to a person, you’re in luck. Clear communication, calmness and reassurance, all strengthened by eye contact are also essential skills we teach in our mental health courses. You can find a free module on how to enhance your Empathetic Communication skills on our online training platform.

Spend Time with Loved Ones

Rooted in our evolution, humans are fundamentally considered pack animals due to the innate need for social connection. Therefore, spending time with loved ones is a straight-forward way to activate natural oxytocin. From sharing food, to chatting, relaxing, sharing stories, reliving old times and paying compliments to one another, tap into the connection between the love hormone and supportive social bonding.

Acts of Kindness

Kindness, like oxytocin, builds trust. Thinking about and committing to a few small acts of kindness throughout a period of time, developing outside connection and positive social exchanges not only fosters a culture of consideration but will also grant the benefits of oxytocin release. Both giving and receiving kindness can help facilitate the release of oxytocin given both are involved in the process of bonding. Consider paying a stranger a compliment, give to charity or help someone else achieve something the next time an opportunity arises.

Laughing

Laughing with others is always a good time. A shared experience guaranteed to spread positivity and happiness amongst others. Laughing together builds bonding, lowers stress and most importantly, releases the oxytocin that is tied to social affiliation and emotional trust. Find your funniest friend to break through this low-barrier route to the oxytocin system.

 

Romance and Intimacy

Ever wondered why holding hands, sharing a kiss or even experiencing deep conversations with someone you love can make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside? Well, that’s the magic of oxytocin. Playing a key role in bonding, trust and emotional closeness, it’s no wonder that romance and intimacy sit right alongside those access pathways.

Physical Touch – Hugs, Kisses and More

Physical affection is one of the most direct ways to trigger oxytocin. Gentle touch, as mentioned before, can activate oxytocin neurons. Physical contact whether it be a hug, a massage or something more can lead to higher levels of the oxytocin hormone as well as creating a greater sense of well-being.

Date nights and spending time together

Spending a pre-determined amount of time that is solely dedicated to creating an enjoyable date night, night out, meal out or activity at home with a romantic partner creates the positive interaction, emotional connection and shared experience that we now know creates the perfect conditions for oxytocin release. Spend some time thinking of the best way to spend a few hours that you will both enjoy, get creative with crafts or enjoy your favourite meal together to create shared memories and laughter.

You could even share a learning experience like attending a course together, or set yourselves a challenge to complete like hosting or attending a fundraising event, to strengthen bonds while building valuable skills.

 

Don’t Forget to Have Fun

This Valentine’s Day, you don’t need expensive dinners or grand gestures to feel connected. Simple acts such as meaningful words, self-care or time spent with pets can have real biological power. Take some time to re-align yourself with the things, or people, that you care about as you take steps to foster trust, strengthen bonds or help your brain feel more aligned. It’s time to focus on connection, presence and warmth this Valentine’s Day!

 

Sources

University of Oxford, Taylor & Francis Online, National Trust, Psychology Today