Oxytocin Boosters
Something that I recommend my postpartum clients do is create a list of oxytocin boosters. Simple things that make you feel good & elevate your mood. These things don’t have to be elaborate - in fact it’s best if they aren’t, we want the items on your list to feel tangible and achievable even if you’re sleep deprived, anxious, feeling a bit disheveled or only have 5mins to yourself.
What I’ve come to realise is that it would actually be beneficial for everyone to have an oxytocin boosting list - because when you feel good it’s easy to go out and do the things you enjoy, but when you’re feeling stretched and life feels challenging it’s not as easy to think of ways to bring yourself out of the darkness.
Things that are on my list include;
- Going for a walk at the beach
- Painting my nails
- Baking to some feel good tunes
- Sitting with the sun on my face
- Citrus oils in the diffuser (wild orange, citrus bliss, bergamot, grapefruit, citrus bloom)
- Listening to an Abraham Hicks meditation and focusing on my breath
- Washing my hair, doing a face mask + putting on something nice
- Tapping accompanied by personalized coping statements
- Chatting to a friend on the phone whilst going for a walk
- Reading a book with a cup of tea
- Jumping into the bath and listening to my “intuition playlist”, Marconi Union or a lighthearted podcast ep.
- Putting my phone on flight mode, sitting outside and taking note of the things around me
- Watching funny or cute animal videos
- Gratitude journalling
Once you’ve created a list of things that you can do to create good feeling thoughts and emotions pop it up somewhere that you can see or easy access it. Set the intention that when you start to feel yourself sinking into a negative space or frame of mind you will refer to your list and pick a couple of things that feel suiting to your current needs.
It’s not always easy to pull yourself out of a negative tail spin, especially if you’re burnt out, suffering the effects of birth trauma or vicarious trauma or if you’re already feeling overwhelmed with your “to do list”. However, if you don’t make the time for put your mental and physical well-being on a regular basis now, prepare to have to make time for illness later.
Working through dark and negative emotions and sensations on your own isn’t always easy, or in some instances even possible. Having someone who is non-judgemental and understanding of the challenges you are facing hold space for you as you navigate your path through the fogginess can be incredibly liberating and empowering, whether that be a mentor, a therapist, a counselor, a midwife or a doula. You don’t have to go through this alone.
