If you’re feeling sad – I’ll tell you who to call...

Have you called your mother lately?

A recent study found that hearing your mother’s voice is the best stress relief out there – even for adults. Researchers say the oxytocin that is released into the bloodstream during labor – and which floods the brain during breastfeeding and cuddling – is what creates the unique bond between mother and child. For most of us, that bond will last forever.

When we hear our mother’s voice, even on the phone, oxytocin levels rise and it can have the same effect on our brains as a physical hug. If you happen to have a message from your mom on your voicemail, you might want to save that one as a pocket dose of oxytocin.