Sounds strange right? What if you had the secret chemical compound to induce strangers to give you money? Well you do. It’s in your brain. The question is how do you activate it?
It’s commonly referred to as the “Trust”, “Feel Good”, “Everything is all right” hormone. As humans we are hyper-social creatures. This hormone helps us navigate a complex world of social relationships by rewarding positive social behavior with feelings of contentment and relaxation. So what the heck does this have to do with money?
Dr. Paul Zak orchestrated a study which concluded that the “Trust” hormone, Oxytocin, increases a person’s likelihood to trust strangers and give them money. WHAT? Yes, give them money! In the study, participants who were dosed with oxy, were 80% more generous. People in the oxytocin condition were more trusting of strangers they encountered.
How can you take advantage of the naturally occurring oxytocin and maximize its release in your own body and those of others, including strangers who want to give you money?
Here are the top 4:
Physical touch. The most potent release of oxytocin is stimulated by physical touch. Hand shakes, hugs, touching someone’s shoulder, caressing their face, holding hands, snuggling, dance, massage, all appropriate forms of touching. A touch lasting six seconds or more activates the oxytocin in both the sender and the receiver. In Dr. Zak’s study he prescribes at least 8 hugs a day to feel happier and more connected. This in turn builds that trust factor with strangers. Remember trust equals strangers want to give you money.
Social Media. Who knew? Studies have revealed that the use of social media can facilitate the release of oxytocin or even just thinking about someone who loves you or someone you care for is enough to activate the release of oxytocin. So FB, Twitter, Link In or Pinterest away, but be sure to do it in a heartfelt, loving way. Your oxytocin will spill over onto the page and strangers will want to give you money.
Happy Faces. Someone asks you how you are and your response, Fine. Sometimes don’t you want to say: If you’re fine you might want to tell your face. Research has shown that just having a happy face sends a signal to your brain to create more Oxytocin which in turn impacts how you perceive the world. You begin to recognize appreciative, positive thoughts and experiences you would normally overlook, just by painting a smile on your face. Smile equals trust and strangers want to give you money.
Prayer or Meditation. This practice reduces catalysts that produce “cortisol”, the stresser hormone. While the simple activity reduces anxiety, fear, stress, shyness and negative emotions, it has a double benefit of increasing the frequency of oxytocin. Without the cortisol, oxytocin is free to provide its maximum benefit. People trust you more and strangers want to give you money.
A few other fun ways to release oxy:
Introduce yourself to someone new
Make someone smile by being silly
Share a meal
Make music with someone
Go to the movies
Ride a roller coaster
Soak in a hot tub with a friend
Surprise someone with a gift
Pet a dog
Take a hike with a friend
Write a note of thanks to someone
Forgive someone
Go oxy away and see how strangers want to give you money!