Why Women Need Oxytocin More Than Ever (And How to Naturally Boost It Every Day) podcast ep. 342

Why Oxytocin Matters for Women’s Nervous Systems — and How to Gently Boost It Every Day

In today’s dopamine-driven world, many women are unknowingly living in a state of chronic stimulation and nervous system burnout. We chase, we scroll, we achieve — but we often feel more anxious, disconnected, and exhausted than ever before.

One missing piece behind this? Oxytocin.
Known as the "love hormone," oxytocin is crucial for a woman’s nervous system health, emotional well-being, and even her ability to manifest her dreams.
Without enough oxytocin, the body struggles to feel safe, soft, and receptive — all states that are essential for true abundance and peace.

Why Oxytocin Matters for Women

Oxytocin is the hormone of connection, calm, bonding, and trust.
When it’s flowing through your body, you naturally feel:

• Safe in your own skin

• Warm and connected to others

• More loving and compassionate

• Open to receiving support, money, love, and new opportunities

Oxytocin is like a balm for the nervous system.
It shifts you out of the "fight-or-flight" stress response (which dopamine constantly triggers through overstimulation) and into the "rest-and-receive" state — the feminine, magnetic, peaceful state where healing, attraction, and manifestation happen naturally.

Signs You Might Have Low Oxytocin

Many modern women unknowingly have low oxytocin because our lifestyles constantly stimulate dopamine instead.
Here are some signs your oxytocin may be low:

• Constant anxiety or restlessness

• Difficulty trusting yourself or others

• Feeling lonely or emotionally numb

• Struggling to feel connected even when around people

• Trouble receiving compliments, love, or help

• Chronic self-criticism and perfectionism

• Lack of creativity, playfulness, or joy

• Trouble manifesting desires despite working hard

• Feeling stuck in survival mode (fear, scarcity, control)

The good news?
There are simple, nourishing habits you can weave into your life to naturally boost your oxytocin and heal your nervous system from the inside out.

Habits That Help You Release More Oxytocin

Unlike dopamine spikes, oxytocin rises slowly, gently, and sustainably.
Here are 10 beautiful & simple ways to nurture more oxytocin every day:

01. Create a cozy home sanctuary
(soft blankets, candles, warm lighting, comforting spaces)

02. Take a walk in nature
(trees, flowers, ocean, or even just a quiet street)

03. Engage in a creative ritual
(build a mood board on Pinterest, collage, write a blog post, paint, journal)

04. Enjoy a bubble bath or skincare ritual
(slow, sensory self-care that soothes the body)

05. Thrift or mindfully shop
(the joy of discovering special treasures boosts oxytocin — especially when it's relaxed and playful, not rushed or stressful)

06. Spend gentle, undistracted time with loved ones
(hugs, laughter, eye contact)

07. Practice small daily gratitudes
(catching little moments of beauty throughout your day)

08. Cuddle with a pet or loved one
(physical touch directly releases oxytocin)

09. Watch a romantic comedy or engage with laughter
(laughter and loving feelings directly release oxytocin)

10. Savor warm foods and drinks mindfully
(feeling cozy and nourished)

The key is slowing down, softening, and savoring.
When your body feels safe and connected, oxytocin flows naturally — and your entire life shifts.

Certain vitamins and foods can support the natural production of oxytocin by nourishing the body and helping balance hormones. While oxytocin itself isn't directly sourced from food, consuming nutrients that boost overall hormonal health and nourish the nervous system can create an optimal environment for oxytocin production.

Here are some key nutrients and foods that can help:

Vitamins and Nutrients to Support Oxytocin Levels

1. Magnesium

   • Magnesium is essential for relaxation and calming the nervous system. It's involved in over 300 biochemical processes in the body, including hormone regulation.

   • Foods: Dark leafy greens (spinach, kale), nuts and seeds (almonds, pumpkin seeds), avocados, bananas, and dark chocolate.

2. Vitamin D

   • Vitamin D supports overall hormone health and has been linked to better mood and well-being. Adequate levels of Vitamin D can support oxytocin's effects, making you feel more positive, connected, and calm.

   • Foods: Fatty fish (salmon, mackerel), fortified foods (milk, cereal), egg yolks, and mushrooms.

3. Omega-3 Fatty Acids

   • Omega-3s are excellent for brain health and help maintain a balanced nervous system. They also enhance the flow of neurotransmitters that are linked to mood regulation, including oxytocin.

   • Foods: Fatty fish (salmon, sardines), chia seeds, flaxseeds, walnuts, and algae oil.

4. B Vitamins (especially B6 and B12)

   • B vitamins, especially B6 and B12, are key for brain function and mood regulation. They also contribute to the synthesis of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, helping to balance the stress response and support oxytocin's calming effects.

   • Foods: Poultry, eggs, dairy, leafy greens, legumes, whole grains, and fortified cereals.

5. Vitamin C

   • Vitamin C is known for its antioxidant properties and ability to support the immune system, but it also plays a role in reducing cortisol (the stress hormone) levels, which can help balance oxytocin.

   • Foods: Citrus fruits (oranges, grapefruit), strawberries, bell peppers, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts.

6. Zinc

   • Zinc plays an important role in neurotransmitter function, particularly in the brain's ability to respond to stimuli that may trigger oxytocin release.

   • Foods: Pumpkin seeds, chickpeas, cashews, lentils, oysters, and beef.

Foods That Can Help Boost Oxytocin

1. Dark Chocolate

   • Dark chocolate (70% or higher) contains compounds that promote the release of serotonin and endorphins, hormones that are closely connected with oxytocin in creating a sense of pleasure and relaxation.

   • Eating small amounts can help boost your mood and set the stage for oxytocin production.

2. Honey

   • Honey has been linked to brain health and overall well-being. It contains antioxidants that help promote a positive mood and can potentially stimulate oxytocin release. A spoonful of honey might also support relaxation.

3. Bananas

   • Bananas are rich in magnesium, vitamin B6, and dopamine, which contribute to a sense of well-being and a calm, happy state, indirectly supporting oxytocin levels.

4. Chili Peppers

   • Eating spicy foods can trigger the release of endorphins, which in turn can help raise oxytocin levels. The heat from chili peppers provides a pleasurable sensation that can promote the feeling of happiness.

5. Avocados

   • Avocados are rich in healthy fats, magnesium, and vitamin B6. They help nourish the nervous system, and when eaten regularly, they can support a balanced mood, which is important for oxytocin production.

By including these foods and nutrients in your diet, you’re not only supporting your overall well-being but also promoting a hormonal environment that supports the natural release of oxytocin — the love, connection, and calming hormone.

How Oxytocin Supports Manifestation and Money Flow

One of the most magical things about oxytocin is how deeply it supports the manifestation process — including money, opportunities, and abundance.

Manifestation happens most easily when you’re in a receptive, trusting, magnetic state — not when you’re frantic, stressed, or controlling.
Oxytocin creates the inner atmosphere where miracles can happen by:

• Calming the nervous system

• Building feelings of trust and openness

• Anchoring the belief that it’s safe to receive love, money, and blessings

• Shifting you from chasing to attracting

In fact, money manifestation in particular relies heavily on feeling safe to receive.
When oxytocin is low, your body may subconsciously push money away because it doesn’t feel safe or possible.
When oxytocin is high, your body feels at ease — and abundance flows naturally toward you.

"Oxytocin creates the inner atmosphere where miracles happen. It shifts us from scarcity to abundance, from striving to receiving."

Manifestation happens most easily when you’re in a receptive, trusting, magnetic state — not when you’re frantic, stressed, or controlling.
Oxytocin creates the ideal inner environment for this kind of soft receiving. It helps you:

• Trust your desires instead of doubting them

• Feel safe enough to receive bigger blessings

• Relax your nervous system so intuitive ideas and money opportunities can flow in

• Stay energetically open, playful, and magnetic

In other words, the more oxytocin you nurture, the more effortlessly you align with the energy of abundance.

Oxytocin Manifestation Rituals to Try

You can intentionally pair oxytocin-boosting activities with manifestation practices to amplify your results.
Here are some ideas you can start today:

1. Morning Receiving Ritual

• Place your hand on your heart before checking your phone.

• Say softly: “I’m open to receiving love, abundance, and support today.”

• Breathe it in slowly and let your body soften.

2. Manifestation Mood Board (Pinterest or Physical)

• Make a mood board of your dreams in a cozy, playful state.

• The creativity and beauty you experience naturally raise oxytocin and help you align vibrationally with your desires.

3. Sensory Self-Love Practices

• Wrap yourself in soft textures, light candles, sip warm tea, indulge in scents you love.

• Nourishing your senses builds deep trust and openness in your body — making it easier to attract good things.

4. Nature Walks for Receptivity

• Walk outside and gently affirm: “My life is blossoming naturally.”

• Moving your body in a peaceful environment while saying kind words to yourself connects you to the flow of abundance.

5. Scripting After a Cozy Ritual

• After a bath or skincare routine, journal your desires as if they already happened.

• Your softened, oxytocin-rich state will imprint the manifestation deeper into your subconscious.

6. Micro Moments of Gratitude

• Catch three tiny moments each day (like the feel of sunshine or the taste of coffee) and let yourself really feel gratitude for a few seconds.

• Gratitude, like oxytocin, keeps you open and magnetic.

Your Softness is Your Superpower

In a world that glorifies hustle, urgency, and constant dopamine hits, women are being called back to something deeper: softness, connection, and trust.
Boosting your oxytocin is one of the most loving things you can do — not just for your nervous system, but for your entire life.
When you soften, you open.
When you open, you receive.
When you receive, you manifest with ease.

Let your body and soul remember: you are meant to feel safe, connected, and abundantly loved. The more you nourish your oxytocin, the more your life will naturally blossom in the most beautiful ways.

Listen to the episode here:

11 Ways to Nourish Your Nervous System and Expand Your Capacity to Receive {podcast ep.338}

curious about how to Nourish Your Nervous System and Expand Your Capacity to Receive? This post is for you.

Our nervous system is the gateway to how we experience life. When it’s dysregulated, we may feel overwhelmed, anxious, or disconnected. But when we nurture it intentionally, we can expand our capacity to receive abundance, joy, and ease.

Listen to this podcast episode where I share 11 ways I personally nourish my nervous system and create space for more alignment in my life.

In order to be able to become a manifestation queen, your nervous system needs to feel safe to be able to receive and hold your manifestations. Meaning that whatever you are wanting to create in your life, you only are working towards it so that you can experience a feeling. Whether that is joy, bliss, freedom, love, safety, etc. In order for your body and nervous system to feel safe to hold those deep emotions, it has to be able to have those expansive feelings feel safe otherwise, it will shift into self sabotage mode.

So, you will want to understand how to build more capacity for your nervous system to feel safe in any situation.

Steps to Build More Capacity in Your Nervous System

Before diving into the specific ways I nourish my nervous system, here are a few foundational steps to help you build more resilience and capacity:

• Slow down and be more intentional. Pay attention to what you are doing instead of getting caught in a rush.

• Do one thing at a time and take breaks. Multitasking can overwhelm your nervous system and prevent it from properly resting and responding.

• Reduce stimulation. Limit social media, phone use, news consumption, and time in loud or crowded spaces. These can overstimulate the nervous system, especially if you’re highly sensitive.

• Create meaningful connections. Strengthen your relationship with your mind, body, and soul, as well as with others and nature. These connections are essential for overall well-being.

• Learn what works for you. Everyone’s nervous system is different. Pay attention to how your body responds and find the tools and techniques that best support your unique needs.

Now, let’s dive into the specific practices that help me personally nourish my nervous system.

1. Start the Day with Probiotics and Lemon Water

Gut health plays a huge role in nervous system regulation. A balanced gut microbiome can positively affect our mood and resilience to stress. Each morning, I take a high-quality probiotic with a glass of warm lemon water. This helps to kickstart digestion, alkalize the body, and support my microbiome. I also like to have micro greens blended in my water or smoothies.

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2. Practice the 4-7-8 Breathwork Technique

Breathwork is one of the most powerful ways to instantly regulate your nervous system. The 4-7-8 technique, where you inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 7, and exhale for 8, is a go-to for me when I need to center myself. It’s especially helpful in moments of stress or before bed. Watch this guided 4-7-8 breathwork session.

3. Engage the 5 Senses to Ground Yourself in the Present

When the nervous system is overwhelmed, bringing awareness to your five senses can instantly anchor you into the present moment. I love watching Mindful in Minutes with Kelly, which offers short and effective mindfulness practices. Check out her YouTube channel for mindfulness exercises.

4. Connect Breath with Movement

Movement is a powerful tool to regulate the nervous system, but it’s not about intensity—it’s about intention. I focus on yoga, slow weightlifting, and long nature walks, all of which help me stay present and connected to my breath.

5. Free-Flow Journaling

Journaling is an incredible way to clear mental clutter and process emotions. I let my thoughts flow onto paper without judgment. Sometimes, I write out my worries and then shift into gratitude journaling to reframe my mindset.

6. Shake, Tap, or Hum to Release Stress

Physical release techniques like shaking your body, tapping on meridian points (EFT tapping), or even humming can activate the parasympathetic nervous system and calm stress responses. These practices help move stuck energy and bring a sense of relaxation.

7. Eat for Gut Health & Go Grain-Free

What we eat directly affects how we feel. For me, eating grain-free and focusing on gut-supportive foods—like fermented vegetables, bone broth, and healthy fats—has made a noticeable difference in my mood and energy levels.

8. Set Firm Boundaries on Time

This one is HUGE. Time is one of our most valuable resources, and setting clear boundaries helps me stay grounded and intentional. Whether it’s limiting work hours, saying no to draining commitments, or scheduling time for rest, setting boundaries creates space for ease.

9. Find Meditation in Hobbies

Meditation doesn’t always have to mean sitting in silence—it can be found in any activity that fully engages you. For me, gardening and cooking are forms of active meditation. Putting down my phone and immersing myself in something creative is incredibly soothing.

10. Cultivate a Nurturing Environment

Your space deeply impacts your nervous system. I create intentional areas in my home that bring me joy, like a cozy kitchen, a garden space for lunch, or a reading nook. When your environment feels supportive, your nervous system naturally relaxes.

11. Establish a Solid Nighttime Routine

A good night’s sleep is crucial for nervous system health. My evening routine includes magnesium supplementation, a warm bubble bath, and soft pajamas. I switch to red light instead of blue light (or wear blue-light-blocking glasses) and often put my phone away altogether to read before bed. This helps my body unwind and prepares me for deep sleep.

Bonus: Vagus Nerve Stimulation Before Bed

Stimulating the vagus nerve activates the parasympathetic nervous system, helping to reduce stress and inflammation. I practice simple ear massages and make the “VOO” sound, which instantly brings a sense of calm. This is a game-changer for sleep and relaxation.

By intentionally nourishing your nervous system, you expand your ability to receive more ease, joy, and abundance. Which of these practices resonates with you most? Try incorporating a few into your daily life and notice how your body and mind respond!