So this is a topic near and dear to my heart. It's no secret that my mom and I have a mildly strained relationship, and it's also no secret that for years we have been trying to make amends. It's even been my new years resolution in the past: to work on my relationship with my mom. I went as far as buying "The 5 Love Languages" so we could read and discuss, and suggested counseling. I finished the book and gained great insight; my mom only got through the first chapter or two. And we never saw a counselor. Ah well.
I see my friends and how they interact with their mothers.. at times falling into their parent-child roles when needing assist or advice, and on other occasions viewing their moms as friends. I definitely long for a closer relationship with my mom, but the older I get the more uncertain I am that it will ever happen.
Anyway, today's post is about calling your mother, and it sites a study out of the University of Wisconsin-Madison that shows just hearing your mother's voice can lower cortisol levels (that would be the stress hormone) and elevate oxytocin levels (that would be the love hormone). I find this fascinating, as for me it can sometimes have the complete opposite effect. Whenever I'm home, I actually can feel my blood pressure rising. My pulse quickens. I feel nauseated. I can't say that my stress levels are being reduced. They are in fact increasing. I hate that I have such visceral reactions to being home, but I guess years of coping have created a Pavlov's dog type response.
Despite this, there are times when my mom is the only one I want. I guess it goes back to the feelings we develop as kids that mom can always make things better. I just wish this was more consistent. Perhaps it's time to try, try again to attempt to build a relationship. Or at least a healthier one.
And with that, I guess I'll go call my mom.
I see my friends and how they interact with their mothers.. at times falling into their parent-child roles when needing assist or advice, and on other occasions viewing their moms as friends. I definitely long for a closer relationship with my mom, but the older I get the more uncertain I am that it will ever happen.
Anyway, today's post is about calling your mother, and it sites a study out of the University of Wisconsin-Madison that shows just hearing your mother's voice can lower cortisol levels (that would be the stress hormone) and elevate oxytocin levels (that would be the love hormone). I find this fascinating, as for me it can sometimes have the complete opposite effect. Whenever I'm home, I actually can feel my blood pressure rising. My pulse quickens. I feel nauseated. I can't say that my stress levels are being reduced. They are in fact increasing. I hate that I have such visceral reactions to being home, but I guess years of coping have created a Pavlov's dog type response.
Despite this, there are times when my mom is the only one I want. I guess it goes back to the feelings we develop as kids that mom can always make things better. I just wish this was more consistent. Perhaps it's time to try, try again to attempt to build a relationship. Or at least a healthier one.
And with that, I guess I'll go call my mom.
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