You Give Me Premature Ventricular Contractions

Photo courtesy: Google

It is again that time of the year that all couples look forward to and all single people dread. It is when Facebook walls are full of relationship posts from Thought Catalog or when friends suddenly burst into singing ‘Do you want to be my Boyfriend.’ Insides of malls are practically painted with shades of either pink or red and one should probably prepare their anti histamine medicine because flowers will be sold almost everywhere.  Yes dear reader, it is once again, Valentine’s Day – that special day where we celebrate love and cherish our loved ones.

Why do we love, Love?

Regardless of gender or nationality, all human beings love the idea of love. This is probably the reason why Valentine’s Day or the Day of Love has been celebrated ever since the 19^th century and is massively being marketed by several companies in the world today.

But why do we love, Love?

From a biological perspective, Love has something to with the survival of the human species. Our interaction with the opposite sex makes procreation possible and we do it not only because of our need to reproduce but also our desire for our offspring to survive. But while we think that Love is a process of the heart, it is actually an undertaking of the brain. Did you know that the brain of a person in love is similar to the brain of someone in cocaine? Happy hormones are released from our ventral tegmental area that lowers the threshold of our pleasure centres. In short, it makes us feel pleasure. 

Now that explains why we say ‘para kang adik’ to our friends who are in love.

Happy Hormones

So what are these hormones that make us feel so happy and elated?

Photo courtesy: AsapSCIENCE

Dopamine and Norepinephrine are neurotransmitters that are critical in regulating our mood and behavior. It gives us the motivation, desire and craving to be with the person we love and it also triggers sexual arousal and a racing heart. These two neurotransmitters are also used to treat depression.

Aside from these two, a hormone called Oxytocin also surges in the brain when a person is in love. It helps reinforce attachment or bonding among mammals that’s why it’s also called the Commitment Nueromodulator. Hugging someone is said to release Oxytocins which lowers our cortisol levels, the hormone responsible for stress.

There are more physiological and psychological components that can be related to the Science of Love but little is still known to explain everything about it. What’s important is that we now know that love doesn't only have positive effects in our outlook in life but to our physical and mental wellness as well. So whether you’re in a relationship or not, find something you can cherish or love starting this Valentine’s Day and keep those happy hormones coming!

Photo courtesy: Google

Posted by: Rielle Alcantara

References:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eDMwpVUhxAo

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valentine's_Day

http://www.livestrong.com/article/17497-dopamine-norepinephrine/ http://breakingmuscle.com/health-medicine/hugs-are-awesome-and-good-for-your-health-too