Expand your perception and your mood
This practice is a deceptively powerful and fun practice lift your mood, and bring you into a more receptive and creative state very quickly. The following slides explain how the practice goes.
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Guidance
- Imagine the experience fully and deeply, this is not a mental practice, it is an experiential one.
- Play with it - with anything and anyone - you may be surprised by the unexpected effects you notice
Studies supporting the benefits of this practice include:
| Studies | References |
| Explores the relationship between social support, oxytocin, and stress. Oxytocin, often referred to as the “cuddle hormone” or “love hormone,” is released in response to social bonding and feelings of care and support. Research has shown that experiencing caring relationships and social support can increase oxytocin levels, which in turn promotes feelings of trust, empathy, and overall well-being. Oxytocin has also been linked to stress reduction and lower levels of cortisol, the stress hormone. | Heinrichs, M., Baumgartner, T., Kirschbaum, C., & Ehlert, U. (2003). Social support and oxytocin interact to suppress cortisol and subjective responses to psychosocial stress. Biological Psychiatry, 54(12), 1389-1398. |
| Examining the relationship between social support, serotonin, and depression. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in regulating mood and emotional well-being. Research suggests that supportive social interactions can boost serotonin levels in the brain, leading to improved mood and reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety. Positive social connections and feeling cared for have been shown to increase serotonin synthesis and release. | Albert, P. R., & Benkelfat, C. (2013). The neurobiology of depression—revisiting the serotonin hypothesis. II. Genetic, epigenetic and clinical studies. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 368(1615), 20120535. |
| Investigates the impact of social support and dopamine release. Dopamine is another neurotransmitter associated with pleasure, reward, and motivation. Positive social interactions, such as receiving care and support, can trigger dopamine release in the brain, leading to feelings of happiness and well-being. Studies have shown that social support and caring relationships can enhance dopamine transmission and improve mood. | Taylor, S. E., Eisenberger, N. I., Saxbe, D., Lehman, B. J., & Lieberman, M. D. (2006). Neural responses to emotional stimuli are associated with childhood family stress. Biological Psychiatry, 60(3), 296-301. |
