Powering Down

How we plan to make the most memorable moments and why we are keeping them all to ourselves!

For us any holiday is a time for connection, love, and laughter. While we are guaranteed to weave in a whirlwind of parties, events and adventures we also respect that a holiday is an important time to slow down and savour some moments and time just for us. 

What are you doing to make your time together meaningful and special this holiday?

Here’s how we plan to make the most of our holiday this season. We have pre-agreed to prioritise mindful moments and spend ‘real quality time together’. This means we have agreed on (ddddddrrrrruuummm roll please) a Digital Detox! Yup! A full disconnection from technology to focus on real-life connection for 5 days. The phones are going in the safe for 5 days so we can focus on truly being together, enjoying ourselves, one another, relaxation, good food, good sights, being outside and enjoying nature!

Think you couldn’t do a digital detox?

Try it! Whenever we do this, it really is a powerful tool in helping us disconnect, recharge, and reconnect with ourselves, our love and the world around us.   

There are so many benefits! Aside from how all that constant exposure to screens and social media contributes to stress and anxiety, a digital detox can help you truly unwind and relax. 

It gives you time to pause and re-examine your relationship with your social media and technology and think about how it affects you. 

Plus removing your phone from your bedroom can be a game changer (if the last thing you do before going to sleep and the first thing you do when you wake up is scroll through your phone, remove this distraction…)

Not ready to go cold … turkey?

Try these bite-size tips to get you started.

1. Start small and go offline, but only for a limited time. 

2. Decide on a time to unplug when you will have the best chance at success. Maybe that’s on mornings or afternoons. You may have noticed I've started to pull-back on my usage already, priming myself for the full powering down!

3. Just decide what’s best for you and stick with it. Small actions like simply limiting online usage to only the necessities. Make simple realistic rules about what you will and won’t allow yourself to do. e.g. If you’re driving on vacay and need directions, then only use your phone to get you where you need to go.

Just remember before you power down to be sure you communicate with important people about when and how long you’ll be offline (as one thing that hits hard, is how demanding some people are, e.g. they're used to us responding to their every whim!) So, tell key people how they can reach you in an absolute emergency. 

Taking any steps to limit screen time is guaranteed to improve your most important relationship, and relationships in general which can positively impact your life in many ways! 

Make this holiday season one to remember. Instead of rushing through the holidays, take time to be present and enjoy each moment! 

Sleigh The Holiday Hustle

As the holiday season picks up speed, it’s easy to get caught in the whirlwind of doing, achieving, and being everything to everyone. We juggle office parties, gift shopping, family gatherings, holiday planning - and let’s not forget our already-packed daily schedules and the traffic jams we navigate. Amidst all the festivities, it’s so easy to forget the one thing that matters most, you!

I had a wake-up call this week at a Wellness Expo. Ever had one of those "whoa" moments where you see yourself as a bunch of numbers and data? Let’s just say, stepping on a full-body scan machine is an eye-opener and really drives home the reality that, yes, we are only human - flesh, bones!

But here's the thing, as we dive into this holiday season here in the beautiful Cayman Islands, self-care is no longer a luxury—it’s a must. Without taking care of you, how can you show up for everyone else?

Here are four of my top tips for sleighing the holiday hustle and sustaining your festive vibes while you juggle the chaos:

Make Self-Care Non-Negotiable

Self-care isn’t just about bubble baths and spa days (though those are really, really nice of course!) It’s about eating when you're hungry and sleeping when you're tired, these basics are crucial to your human existence. Don’t just schedule in time for yourself—prioritise it. Your body, mind, and spirit will thank you. 

Set Boundaries and Advocate for Yourself

It’s easy to fall into the trap of feeling like you should be saying "yes" to everything during the holidays, but here’s a festive reminder - you are allowed to say "no"! Advocate for yourself by setting healthy boundaries and sticking to them; be selective and pace yourself. Your time and energy are precious, so protect them like the valuable resources they are.

Take Breaks that Actually Recharge You

Breaks aren’t just for grabbing a coffee or running errands; they should revive you! For me, this means taking a quick walk outside and also doing some simple stretches. These little and often pauses throughout the day help refresh my mind, boost my focus, and give me the energy to power through the day.

Reflect

As we charge into this busy season, remember; the holidays are supposed to be meaningful, festive, and full of joy. They’re also a time to check in with yourself. Are you taking care of your whole self? How would rate yourself out of 10 for each of these areas? Ten being the highest and one the lowest. For me, technical is going to be one key area of focus this season!

#physical 

#occupational 

#intellectual 

#spiritual 

#financial 

#environmental 

#spiritual 

#emotional 

#social 

#technical 

Make self-care a priority because without you, where would the holiday magic be?

Mind Cart Carnage

Did you know that once you add something to your cart (online or IRL), it starts to feel like yours? Psychologists call this the endowment effect! Once it’s in there, you start to picture yourself with it and before you know it you’re on the hook. At this time of year, with Black Friday deals galore - it’s personal people!

I get myself into absolute knots asking myself, am I really saving money, or is this just marketing? If you’ve ever had the “Should I? Shouldn’t I?” conundrum, well welcome to the club! Black Friday doesn’t just encourage this chaos in the mind; it actually survives and thrives on it. It’s the one of those times of year when perfectly sane adults are prepared to physically fight and/or get up at 4am for a discounted toaster – but why?

There are many psychological tricks at play. Let’s look at three!

1.      FOMO is real, people – read the sign … ONLY TWO LEFT! LIMITED SUPPLY! ONLY WHILE STOCKS LAST! ONE DAY ONLY!

OMG. Suddenly, your pulse quickens, your palms sweat, and your brain screams, “buy, buy.”

It’s marketing at its best. Scarcity triggers a fear of missing out (FOMO), making us panic-buy like it’s Black Friday or bust. Psychologists call it loss aversion, which is fancy talk for “missing out hurts”. Ahhh, the proverbial one that got away! 

2.      Social Proof = Your Frenemy

You weren’t even planning to shop Black Friday, but then you see your friend’s IG… Ever heard of a bandwagon? Well, this is the called the bandwagon effect. If my friends are in on it, shouldn’t I be, too? 

Crowded stores, trending hashtags, influencer posts, live radio reports, the hype creates social proof, making you think, if everyone’s doing it, it must be good. It is a contagion!

3.      The Illusion of “Savings”

The Black Friday Jedi mind trick that rules them all - the price! That $399 TV with the “original price” of $799? It’s truly possible that the $799 price point never actually existed. Retailers love to slap inflated prices next to discounts to make you feel like you’re getting a deal, a steal even. Meanwhile, you’re too busy high-fiving yourself to realise you just dropped $400 on a TV you probably didn’t even need.

So, what to do? 

First, let’s all take a deep breath! Black Friday might be a jungle of marketing and psychological mind games, but you don’t have to fall for them. Here are three tips to reclaim your sanity and to actually score a deal!

• Plan your buys. Make a list (and check it twice). Tis the season! Know what you need and check price histories – is that “deal” actually a deal?
• Ask yourself, do I need this, or do I just want it or want the dopamine rush of a “bargain”?
• And remember, the best savings might just be the dollars you don’t spend!

Rewired

It was once thought that by the time you stopped physically growing so did your brain. Not true. However, do you ever find yourself locked into the same repetitive thoughts? Or facing another version of the same issue? Have you seen or heard of Erikson’s stages of Psychosocial Development?

Erikson's model shows us that as we grow through each stage of life there maybe potential crisis that we meet and potential outcomes and virtues arising from each stage which can shape our self-perception for years to come. 

What is one repeated negative thought that you have about yourself? 

What virtues show up in your life?

Let's take self-doubt. I mean, who hasn’t had moments of self-doubt, those niggling thoughts that whisper, "I’m not good enough"?

The difference is, these moments stretch far beyond mere moments in time, for instance, it is not uncommon for me to encounter in my work, a really high performing individual who is tirelessly striving to prove themselves competent at the absolute highest level, because they harbour huge self-doubt; fear they are not good enough; not competent enough. They punish themselves needlessly striving to be absolutely perfect. Labels are applied such as, imposter syndrome, perfectionism, control freak and micro manager etc. The constant grind of self-doubt impacts all dimensions of their live; their ability to relate to others, how they prioritise (fail to empower and seek control), their relationships, ability to let-go and have fun, as behaviours are based on feelings of self-worth (which lurch up and downlike a yo-yo).

Here’s the good news, our brains aren’t static, they’re dynamic, ever-evolving organs capable of incredible change. This is where neuroplasticity comes in. Just like a muscle, our brains capacity to learn, adapt and grow is immense, and with intention and practice our brains, moreover, you have the power to rewire your brain and overcome negative thought patterns, like self-doubt, mistrust etc. 

1. Becoming aware is the key! 

• reflecting on Erickson’s diagram may help

• asking yourself, what is the negative thought(s) I constantly have? 

• keeping a note of reoccurring thoughts or themes

• engaging with a coach or someone really close for a candid conversation

• if you are in a position of management seeking 360 feedback 

2. With awareness, you may begin to notice your thought patterns, and when and where they show up as well as their impact. Then you may want to consider how to start challenging yourself, even setting goals to e.g. cultivate a more positive mindset for a happier you.

• We are all capable of adjusting our perceptions it just may take a little effort as your neural pathways, are likely deeply ploughed and carved out. Think of them as toll-free, fast-track superhighways that you have used daily perhaps for decades. So creating a new path, think of an untouched field of tall thick grass, with not even a clear path laid out, you will have to intentionally forge a path through it and use it repeatedly or the grass will regrow, this is how good intentions are lost, because your brain will want to jump onto the superhighway, it's the proverbial path of least resistance, even if the super-highway no longer serves the way of life you desire or seek. 
• Try this - brush your teeth or write with your non-dominant hand - it's hard right!? You have to really think about it, it takes a lot of effort, your brain is urging you to do what you've always done, you have to consciously reject that urge to finish brushing or writing, likely your hand/arm aches a little - but with practice and intention you will get good at it!

3. This is why practices like, writing goals down and having vision boards that you refer to often are considered good practices, as they visually support the brain and keep you conscious of what you actually want, otherwise, your brain will just seek the path of least resistance.

The takeaways? 

• Don’t be misled into thinking oh, I'll never be able to change because honestly your brain shouldn't be something you feel hopeless about. 
• You really can change, be it; your thinking, your career, your relationships, your resilience, ability to trust - throughout your life, the ability to get rewired is a beacon of hope to be embraced!

5 Ways in Which I Try To Live My Best Life

Why do I take it as a humongous compliment when someone tells me I'm a "cool person". 

Cause I know it isn't about money, (as honestly, I really don't have any) or 

expensive possessions (have you seen the car I drive?) 

I believe it’s more about cultivating genuine respectful connections, 

being a compassionate human and exuding confidence.

So here goes, 5 ways I ‘try’ to live my best life!

Be Here Now

In my 20s I was introduced to the idea of 'Be Here Now', it was so powerful and stayed with me as an aspiration, wherever and whoever I'm with I aspire to be fully activated and engaged. I try! Being curious and listening shows respect and is the foundation of understanding others. Not easy, for me as I’m hearing impaired, so I’ve had to really learn to tune into people and try to read the non-verbals too, I think being present is such a powerful tool though for building new relationships, activating empathy and strengthening existing relationships. 

Kindness and Jai Yen

Be there for humanity, both in good and hard times, if you can help or support another, do it. It may cost you a little something or nothing, but I guarantee it will make you feel connected in ways you never imagined. Gratitude, appreciation and patience goes a very long way absolutely everywhere in the world I've lived, worked or travelled to. Patience in my view, is seriously under-rated as a virtue that can help you navigate many of life's challenges, when I lived and worked in Thailand Jai-Yen (Cool Heart) was the only way to get things done. The mere sniff of Jai Rawn (Hot Heart) shut people down. Calmly being there for others boosts positive emotions and reduces your own stress. I feel that there are so many things in the world today that we are hostage to, and that can cause us distress - so I try to practice a cool heart and kindness - to be a positive force for good. Plus, kindness triggers the release of oxytocin.

Smile! Laugh! Be a Good Sport!

It's simple, humour releases endorphins, which can improve our mood, reduce stress as well as make us more relatable. Couple good humour with sportsmanship and just say yes and then laugh it off afterwards. I think when we don’t take ourselves too seriously it makes us more likeable, and things in life just go smoother for us when people like us! I’m naturally very smiley, energetic and enthusiastic so I have to dial this one back on occasion, for as long as I can recall I have been picked out of crowds for all manner of shenanigans I just have that face!

Embrace Failure 

Stepping outside of your comfort zone stimulates your brain and expands your horizons. Think of the amazing people you might meet, the awesome experiences you could have and opportunities that may open up for you! Failure gets a bad rap, and it shouldn't. Failure is simply to be expected, healthy and should be normalised as part of the human experience. I’ve had many set-backs and fails enough to fuel blog content for a year! Failure offers us growth and insight into ourselves, giving us a valuable learning opportunity and when coupled with a positive attitude can attract positive people and experiences. Think of the things you could do!

Confidence?

Setting boundaries helps you prioritise and reduce stress. When you enforce your own boundaries, you feel better about yourself and boost your self-esteem. Facts! Plus, confidence is an attractive quality (ask anyone!) Your body language speaks volumes. And so, it goes without saying that effective communication helps with your confidence and in turn your ability to create and sustain healthy relationships. Consider, what do you look like when you are happy? Aim for this! 

Confidence largely comes from trust, you trust your predispositions (character) and your potential (character) enough to get through situations a-z. Think about when you're at your happiest, nothing can burst your bubble, bring you down and you're more willing to have a go and let things go. You most likely assume positive intent from the world and are seeing the world through a lens of positivity and possibilities.

So, ask yourself, what things can I put into place in my life that would make me feel like the world is a safe place for me to be the best version of myself. 

Novelty and creating a shared story

So, in one of my previous blogs, I shared a few simple ways couples can tap into that natural love high by triggering oxytocin, the bonding hormone. This week, I’m diving into the magic of shared experiences. You know, the kind where you turn to your partner and say, “Remember that time we…?”

As a couple who basically does everything together (seriously, we’re talking synchronized pant wearing levels of togetherness), I started wondering: does doing all these things together really bring us closer? Or are we just becoming eerily alike in every possible way?

Think about your own adventures with your partner – joining a gym together (making each other regret going too hard on leg day), cooking something ambitious (competitive chopping), or hiking a trail (and figuring out one of you just throws the map out the window and is way too impulsive). Maybe you’ve tried surfing? (Yup - you’ve learned one of you is a potential pro surfer and the other (me) has learned to respect the ocean, read: there was a lot of face planting).

These experiences, as I’ve discovered, aren’t just fun; they’re actually ways of strengthening neural pathways between you and your partner. And yes, that really does bring you closer together! Our brains sync up, literally – it’s kinda like upgrading from bluetooth to full, unbreakable wi-fi. Who doesn’t want wi-fi? Suddenly, you’re more deeply connected in ways only the two of you get! 

Take the simple joys, like cozy nights in. There’s something magical about listening to music, binge-watching a show, or my personal favourite – staying up all night talking about anything and everything. These moments are the oxytocin factories of love! And when you add a new experience into the mix, your brains create a unique memory, that becomes your own secret code, understood only by the two of you. Maybe, you even invent whole new words, phrases or patterns of behaviour that only the two of you understand and that supports that connection even more!

My partner has this thing where he loves when I rub his forehead in a very specific way (don’t ask me why; it’s like our relationship’s secret handshake)!

So, next time you’re planning a date night or getaway, yes, you’re having fun, but you’re also doing some deep-level relationship bonding. I can’t encourage you enough to get out there, go to new places, meet new people and try something new! Besides, nothing says "relationship goals" like two people trying something new for the first time while pretending not to be terrified!

Fear States

What is about masks that I'm so sensitive to? Why do some people not want to be seen? Is it a form of self-protection or a way to reject mainstream notions of to be accepted we must be seen? I'm sure psychologists have a lot to say.

People in masks sets my nerves on edge and even brings me night terrors. Even a trailer for a movie involving a mask is enough to send me over the edge and while I seem a sensitive soul I'm also really not a sensitive soul, you'll find I happily dress up and partake in Halloween celebrations, I just love it as a social endeavour, but a mask! A mask will just tip me over the edge of reason!?

I hear emotional baggage comes in many forms, and pragmatically speaking, all fear is a mechanism designed to keep me safe, isn't it? However, it's also true that our brains tell us whatever we need to hear to keep us safe!

Thinking of brains, perhaps it was it that childhood exposure to the movie Zombie Flesh Eaters which has traumatised me, I can safely say, it's one thing I cannot blame on the pandemic, I was disarmed by masks long before the pandemic poured further kerosene onto my fears. 

My husband loves horror, it's one thing even after 30years we can't agree on. He's tried all kinds of subtle and less subtle tactics over the years, and to be fair I have graduated to vampires (as long as they aren't wearing masks of course). But honestly, immersing myself in fear-based horror scenarios is the opposite of my idea of fun, while he will gladly devote hours to what he describes as thrilling and adrenaline-fuelled entertainment. 

Yet, this is the same man that screams like a baby if a small frog the size of a shirt button should appear when we are walking our dog. Different emotional baggage? If I was to offer some of the same exposure therapy to frogs I truly believe he may entirely lose his mind!

We all have fears, for some reason, all I can safely state with confidence is that it is a complex emotion for sure and is one that has always played a crucial role in our human survival ... that fight or flight response sure influences our behaviour in so many weird and wonderful ways. 

There are fears I've tackled (sky-diving, swimming with sharks, biking down a volcano) and fears which are no-go's (masks) and fears which hold me back. I’m sure the same is true for you my reader?

Interested in digging even deeper?

I never knew until yesterday that there are 5 generic human fears sorted into a fear-pyramid, did you? Interested? I was!

'Extinction', as the label belies extends beyond existing it's what makes my husbands legs go wobbly when he stands at the edge of a tall building, why you grip your arm rests when the plan lands.

'Mutilation' is aside from the obvious, how I may rationalise my man's frog issues, as mutilation includes the invasion of our bodily boundaries, do you remember vividly that encounter you had with that flying cockroach or spider?

Then there is 'Loss of Autonomy', a loss of control that extends into our social and personal relationships!

Good old 'Separation' which actually includes the silent treatment! That one can drive some people to distraction. Weaponised by teens the world over!

And finally 'Ego Death' sits at the very very top! Yup that fear of humiliation and embarrassment is absolutely real! Fear of public speaking is no joke! We all want to be lovable and worthy! 

There's that famous Roosevelt quote "The only thing we have to fear, is fear itself." Rationalising fear, definitely offers us self-knowledge. Fear is information, a feedback loop to ourselves, a mirror we can choose to look into and learn about ourselves, if we dare.

Dating

In chatting with younger friends, it's pretty clear the world of dating feels like a giant existential question mark for some of them. What does it even mean to be a man or partner these days? Spoiler alert, it’s definitely complicated! Sure, we’re all about equality now, but let’s not pretend men are carbon copies of each other. Masculine energy, feminine energy, whether you're rocking a beard or a beauty blender, men have got different vibes going on…

 

Some guys can be as emotionally deep as the Cayman Trench (deeper than Mount Everest is tall) … just like some can throw down when needed. We’ve all evolved. I mean, look at women! Back in Roman times, we were basically property, couldn’t own anything, sign contracts, vote, and let’s not even talk about violence being perfectly legal. Fast forward to 2018, in Saudi women are finally allowed to drive. Progress? Sure. But in terms of gender and sexuality access to education, jobs, and basic human rights is still a hot mess in way too many parts of the world.

 

Meanwhile, guys, you’ve always had your own macho struggles too, being sent off to every war and conflict like it’s your duty. Surprise! Turns out, that’s not so great for your mental health either!

 

Now let’s get into the juicy stuff ... our gloriously messed-up digital world. Honestly, social media and dating apps make dating feel like we’re shopping for people on Shein. Swipe left, swipe right, “I like this one, no wait, that one, ugh, next!”, it’s all so transactional. 

We’re treating humans like we’re picking out a new pair of shoes. And don’t even get me started on how we’re judging one another based on the most surface-level nonsense like our bodies, gender roles etc, No wonder so many feel psychologically unsafe.

 

Is this unhealthy? Absolutely. Polarising? You bet. How are we all so connected yet so painfully alone? 

 

Yes, society has evolved. But the price tag? Instant gratification, zero patience, and distractability leaving attention spans shorter than a TikTok. And here’s the kicker, there’s so much individual variation within each gender that the whole "men are this, women are that" conversation is old. We’re all walking, talking contradictions. Maybe it’s time we stop overgeneralising and, I don’t know, treat people like unique individuals. 

My motto? Love all!

Mental Health

Isn’t it awful even cruel that the first symptom of a mental health issue is a loss of insight, that you actually lose the clarity that something is going wrong.

Unless you are super self-aware then you have to trust, hope and/or pray, that someone from your family and friend circle has got your back and will tell you straight saying, “Marie, what's going on like you're…”
·       working like a maniac
·       drinking too much, overeating
·       aren’t sleeping enough
·       stopped going to the gym
·       haven’t washed today
·       aren’t socialising
·       don't seem happy
·       aren’t yourself
“… I’m worried about you.”

If you’ve ever had previous experiences (I can personally tick all of the above) then you might just be lucky and recognise the signs next time because you’ve been there before.

There were always evolutionary reasons for humans to be stressed, but what's really changed is that the threats now, are psychological things like your partner leaving you, losing your job, your friends not liking you anymore, worrying that you have enough of an income just for the things that you need to keep your basic life on the road. 

Check out the four self-reported reasons for stress stats. Number 1 is … money and number 2 - work.
I had an experience myself with bullying at work where I became extremely stressed, I couldn't even talk to my partner, I just couldn't handle it. I was so burnt out and I thought though that I just wasn't working hard enough. My constant (albeit crooked thinking at the time) was like, I gotta do better. I'm not doing well enough and that all just burnt me out even more. The situation was like a slow train wreck and so many people saw all the signs but few said the words, “I’m worried about you.” It literally broke me and took me a really long-time to move out and off from that. 
Number 3 on the list is health something becoming more of an issue with the passing years. Number 4 is social discrimination and isn’t your identity is at the heart of all you are? 

Here are 3 Things you can you do for you … (and others …)
   1) Connect with people … (inclusively ...)
   2) Learn your own signs of stress … (and be aware of those of the people in your circle ...)
   3) Explore and learn what destresses you, and build those activities into your life … (be there as a support for others ...)
I find for me, when I get myself into a spot, these days, it's very simple things that bring me back from the brink - talking, drinking more water, music, dancing, a nap, a walk, getting bare-foot and going to the beach, taking an Epsom salt bath, getting on a pool floatie in the sunshine and if I’m still not doing great I now know that’s my cue to take a quick break, even if I just take two days off and switch off … I’ll make myself drink mint tea, eat well, read, lounge, chill with my dog, do some self-massage, and begin slowing down and getting some rest. Two days can make a big difference in being able to reset yourself by helping the resetting of your nervous system and help with calming down stress hormones.

Start today making a note of what you think helps regulates your nervous system and work to gradually incorporate more of these de-stressors into your life, and of course, if you’re worried about yourself or someone else, always seek support.
       

 

The Brain, Love and Intimacy

So, you're probably wondering how two people like us ended up in this tropical paradise, living our best blessed and loved-up lives...and how exactly did we become the "vybz couple"?

Well, let's just say it was a chemical reaction that started back in 1993. You know, when your eyes lock across the dancefloor in the club, your heart skips a beat, and you start wondering if you're hallucinating or if this is actually happening? 
Yep, that's the power of love chemicals!
It was like back in the day ... 

Dopamine the reward chemical that gives you that warm, fuzzy feeling when you're around your special someone. It's like your brain is saying, "Hey, this person is awesome! Keep them around!" It’s like that burst of joy when you get a notification that’s happy news! 
Oxytocin the cuddle hormone that makes you feel close and connected. It's like your body is saying, "We're a team now, and we're sticking together, we got each other." It’s an awesome feeling! 
Serotonin? The feel-good chemical that helps to regulate your mood and reduce stress. It's like your brain is saying, "Relax, everything's gonna be okay."

So, how do we keep our love strong after all these years? 31 and counting.
💓We hold hands most of the time. It's like a constant reminder that we're still into each other. 
💓 We sustain eye contact and smile more often than not. It's our way of saying, "I'm still here for you, and I'm still thinking you're hot." 
💓We touch frequently. Hugs, cuddles, and even just a gentle touch on the arm can go a long way. It's like a secret language that only we understand.

I believe people just pick up all these good vybz from us. The name stuck also I’m a die hard Vybz Kartal fan!

Want to feel some extra love in your relationship? 
Start by intentionally boosting oxytocin (your love and bonding hormone) by increasing your physical touch. Holding hands, hugs, cuddles and staring into each other's eyes are all small yet easy ways to do this. The more positive and stronger your relationship is with your partner, the greater the oxytocin release will be. 
Hey, how ‘bout a hug? Share the love! I find most people I meet will naturally embrace me. If in doubt I ask, because biologically hugging is all round good for you! A 20-second hug can decrease pain, reduce stress, and help regulate moods. It's like a free therapy session! When people say "vybz couple" and can't quite put their finger on what it is they love, I'm convinced it's all those feel-good hormones (read: vibes). Because oxytocin is the well-known ringmaster of social bonding and connection! (Yes, the circus is in town!)

Single? Try these ones for starters! 
- Massage, including self-massage, can stimulate oxytocin production. Try it!

- Interacting with pets or even taking a hot bath can trigger the release of oxytocin (it's like a warm embrace), no, a shower won't have the same effect. So, indulge yourself and stay connected!