Oxytocin Bath

TECHNIQUE — Give yourself a gentle hug, slowly stroke your upper arms, or place one warm hand over your heart and another over your belly. Stay there for a minute or two.

THE SCIENCE — Affectionate touch is closely connected with the body's oxytocin system, which plays an important role in bonding and stress regulation. A newer randomized study also found reductions in stress, fatigue and loneliness.