Page 92 - Women’s Health - Australia (February 2020)

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GET A GRIP

ON YOUR Ser o t o n i n
s e a r ch in g
MOOD

Skin-on-skin contact is a proven
antidepressant: touch, massage
and stroking have all been linked
with an oxytocin boost (which
then triggers serotonin) and are
thought to be particularly potent
when employed in a relationship
you perceive to be positive. Indeed,
oxytocin levels have been shown FAKE IT
to be higher among happy couples
who live together. Free and single? Granted, the phrase
Weighted blankets are designed ‘smile, it might
to replicate the feels of a hug – never happen’
you’ll get all the warm fuzzies probably makes
without the human contact. you want to scream,
but there could be
something in it.
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Marathon world-
record-holder Eliud
Kipchoge employed
a technique known
as ‘periodic smiling’
to break through
the pain barrier. It’s
thought that smiling
could be a valid
Try a nice spice tactic in conserving

Saffron, the most exxy spice in the world, may well energy, by way of
justify its price tag (about $13 for as little as 100mg). promoting relaxation
A study by Murdoch University found that supplements over tension. Try it
containing saffron extract had a similar effect to drugs at work – it might
that act on the brain’s serotonin receptors. Sprinkle make the office
some into your seafood paella, or combine 20 threads
of crushed saffron with 450g of strawberries to make comedian’s jokes a
a jam that will, ahem, preserve your mental wellbeing. little more bearable.

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