Holiday Love: It’s Scientific: Get Busy!

By Celli Arenas

Ever wonder why your “boo” has such a powerful hold on you? It’s scientific.

The human brain releases chemicals into our bodies that have a similar response to eating tons of sugar, drinking coffee, or anything else that is considered “addictive”. Don’t be scared, love is a GOOD drug.

Lust is the trigger, “This is the first stage of love and is driven by the sex hormones testosterone and oestrogen – in both men and women.” The first glimmer of love is in initial attraction. The human brain knows within 90 seconds and 4 minutes if there is sexual interest and /or attraction.

The second stage is attraction. Attraction is a combination of two chemicals released in the brain: adrenaline and dopamine.

Adrenaline
“The initial stages of falling for someone activates your stress response, increasing your blood levels of adrenaline and cortisol.”
This makes your mouth go dry and your heart pump like that booming bass! Talk about warming things up…

Dopamine
“This chemical stimulates ‘desire and reward’ by triggering an intense rush of pleasure. It has the same effect on the brain as taking cocaine!” Say no to dope. Say yes to love, especially during the Holiday Season.

The final stage is attachment.
Attachment is the bond that keeps couples together. Scientists project that there are two major hormones involved in creating attachment; oxytocin and vasopressin.

Oxytocin
Oxytocin is a powerful hormone released by men and women during orgasm. Scientists add that oxytocin deepens the feelings of attachment and makes couples feel much closer to one another after they have had sex. So, during the holidays get a little closer to the one you love.

“The theory goes that the more sex a couple has, the deeper their bond becomes.”

Vasopressin
“Vasopressin is another important hormone in the long-term commitment stage and is released after sex.”

Vasopressin (also called anti-diuretic hormone) works with your kidneys to control thirst. So when you hear folks say, “he/she is thirsty”, they are absolutely correct. Keep your honey hydrated this Holiday Season!