You might have heard of the hormone oxytocin, perhaps when hearing about bonding with your baby. Oxytocin is sometimes called the ‘cuddle hormone’ or ‘love hormone’, but interestingly, studies have found that oxytocin levels also increase when we are stressed. It is thought that this might be in order to encourage us to seek out social contact, so if you are feeling stressed it might be time for a hug!
TED Talk - Kelly McGonigam: How to make stress your friend...