A take on Self Care

& Another “C” word

Dear Reader

A self-care tip from a recent email

I love it when I open an email newsletter I subscribe to and get a shot of inspiration. Deb Yager’s recent email was one of these. She talked about the trap we fall into of being so busy we forget to care for ourselves. She recently moved house and found her stash of canvasses she was ‘one day’ going to use for her creative project.

We need to make room for activities that have nothing to do with our work ventures. This is what she did – she dove head first into a project that had been on her to-do list for a decade. The result is in the image above.

Thank you Deb! You reminded me to feed my soul and get that Family Tree wall sorted! More on that in a future Newsletter.

This week’s “C Word”

Cox

I thought, since it starts with “C”, I’d have a bit of fun with “Cox”, my married name. It’s a name that brings a lot of joy into my life.

Cox is also my sister’s married name. We have fun re-imagining a world where we married brothers or cousins – which of course we didn’t, at least, not so far as we’ve discovered.

C is for Courage

It takes a lot of courage to be married to me. Nuff said!

C is also for cuddles, and it’s nice to cuddle as we fall asleep.

O is for Hugs

I love it that whenever I want a hug – either because I just feel like it, or because something’s happened to make me need one, I know my hubby is always willing.

But O is also for Oxytocin

It’s fun to play around with our last name. But in the middle of it all is another word that is fun to write and think about. It’s also a word that as humans we don’t always experience. And that word is:

Oxytocin?

Often referred to as the “love hormone” or “cuddle hormone,” oxytocin is a remarkable neurochemical that plays a crucial role in human emotions, social bonding, and overall well-being. Oxytocin is produced in the hypothalamus and released by the pituitary gland and is associated with enhancing feelings of pleasure, trust, and social connection.

What are the benefits of Oxytocin? It:

1. Reduces stress and anxiety, leading to an overall sense of calm and well-being, helping us cope better with stressful situations.
2. Has natural pain-relieving properties. It can reduce the perception of pain, making it particularly useful during childbirth. Its analgesic effects may also extend to other forms of physical and emotional pain.
3. Enhances emotional resilience, helping us bounce back from negative experiences and develop a positive outlook on life. This can be especially beneficial for individuals facing challenges or dealing with trauma.
4. Promotes trust and generosity in our interactions with others. Research shows that higher oxytocin levels are associated with increased trust and a willingness to cooperate with others, essential for building and maintaining strong, supportive social networks.

How do we stimulate Oxytocin?

Through physical touch, one of the most effective ways to stimulate oxytocin production. Hugging, kissing, cuddling, and even holding hands with loved ones can lead to oxytocin release. Sexual activity, in particular, is a potent trigger for oxytocin, strengthening the emotional bond between partners.

By engaging in positive social interactions including spending quality time with family and friends, sharing emotional experiences, and engaging in acts of kindness and generosity.

By engaging in activities that promote relaxation and well-being including meditation, deep breathing exercises, and yoga.

Through regular physical exercise. The “runner’s high” experienced during and after exercise is partially attributed to oxytocin. This helps explain the sense of euphoria and well-being that often accompanies physical activity.

These are just a few ways to improve our overall quality of life and strengthen our connections with others through our understanding of the remarkable Oxytocin hormone with its wide range of benefits. See what other ways you can stimulate this love hormone in your life.

finally, X is for Kisses

We have a little ritual: whenever we leave the house without each other we kiss goodbye. It’s lovely to have the reminder of our love on my lips as I go about my day. The kiss goodnight, the kiss good morning, are sweetness itself.

And never lose the wonder

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Our morning walk last Sunday was divine. We often stop on the walk bridge across the river and admire the view, often facing north. On Sunday, the view south grabbed my attention. Every day the river is different. The water levels, the human life on the water and the paths either side of the river, and the reflections – all add to the most beautiful of views. I’m always inspired, uplifted, and enriched. Sunday was no exception.

Have I mentioned before that this walk bridge started life as a sewage pipe across the river? It fills me with wonder to think that Council’s engineers and recreation people turned a utility structure into such a wonderful community amenity providing safe access from one side of the river to the other.

Known locally as the ‘poo bridge’, it is not the only such structure we cross on our walks. I’ll give you a glimpse of the other two sometime in a future email.

There are wonders all around us, we just have to look for them. Some are the result of a creative use of utilities. Others in nature itself. Still other wonders lie in a glimpse into the human heart.

Enjoy the wonders in your life during the next couple of weeks until we connect again.

Much love

Stephanie

A Friendly Reminder

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On Saturday 13 January 2024 at The Sculpture Park at Waitakaruru Arboretum between 10 am and noon the Writer’s Chat event will be held in the cafe area shown in the photo. I’ll be joined by fellow creatives Phoebe Wilby, my daughter visiting from Ireland, and Bella Hessell, my granddaughter from Waiheke Island. Phoebe is also an author and Bella is an artist and illustrator.

Save the date, for those who are close by. Join me, Phoebe and Bella and enjoy the park at the same time (and morning tea!)

My thought for Living Life in 2023 and beyond:

“Write it on my heart that every day is the best day of the year”Ralph Waldo Emerson

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