What better day could researchers of chose to study the science of kissing? During the eve of Valentine’s day in 2009 The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) set out to explore the effects of locking lips.
“‘Chemistry look what you’ve done to me,’ Donna Summer crooned in Science of Love, and so, it seems, she was right. Just in time for Valentine’s Day, a panel of scientists examined the mystery of what happens when hearts throb and lips lock. Kissing, it turns out, unleashes chemicals that ease stress hormones in both sexes and encourage bonding in men, though not so much in women.”
The study concluded that while couples kissed, it was no different than physical contact of holding hands. Couples that were in long term relations, levels of cortisol were also greatly lower.
There is a very good chance you have heard at least one of these crazy myths about our friend stress. Whats even crazier is the fact that somone in your family who heard it from way back when decided to suggest it as a cure all. Its ironic that over generations and generations we keep the flow of chit chat going, but many words and meanings become lost in translation.
Myth 1: Stress is the same for everyone
If everybody where to be lifeless robots, then yes, stress would be the same. All it would take would be a minor patch of code to suppress stress, and move on. However we are not robots, nor can a minor bandage help the problem long term. Stress reacts differently in everybody, let alone the situations which may arise.
Myth 2: Stress is always bad for you
According to this myth, and assuming we are robots, that minor patch of code would cleanse all our problems away. As we take a spin back to reality, we are not robots, and the myth is wrong again. While stress can completely knock us of our feet and land us on our fannies, it can very well be useful. Stress is what helps a animal get out of a sticky situation, and keeps them on their feet. Picture yourself near the point of developing hunger, your not just going to lay around, are you? Stress elevates us to do what we need to accomplish to remain content. Read the rest of the myths!
