Emotions take time & energy.

In my work as a mental health professional, I often teach or remind my clients about this. Emotions are physiological phenomena; they trigger neurochemicals which can cause muscle tension, heart-rate & respiration changes. They can impact our thinking by activating different brain centers. This means they consume calories, and impact our perspective as well as our sense of safety & well-being. They also have a lingering half-life before our bodies re-regulate; this can be lengthy & leave us susceptible to being ‘triggered’.

Stressful times are very emotional. During those periods, it’s important to increase our self-care routines and our patience with one another.

One simple form of self-care is giving & getting hugs. Hugs, physical touch, & sitting close to someone all release oxytocin, often called the “cuddle chemical.” Oxytocin had many benefits. It can lower anxiety, blood pressure, & the stress hormone norepinephrine; it boosts immune systems.