Everyone wants love or to be in love, but what keeps some people in love while others fall out of it? My mom brought up the fact that the ‘being in love’ feeling lasts two years at best. This is coming from someone who has been married for 43 years, so I’m guessing she is on to something. Of course there are many factors that keep couples together, but many of these are tangible (i.e. children,monetary issues, social pressure, respect and responsibility). There must also be something happening on physiological or psychological level that causes attachment that remains even after the initial stages of love have worn off.

When we are attracted to someone and we hug or kiss them, our bodies release chemicals that trigger feelings of happiness and pleasure. Dopamine is released and a feeling of bliss comes over us. When people are in love their energy is usually elevated and their mood is usually very good. Typically this lasts 6 months to 3 years. Enter Oxytocin. Oxytocin is refereed to as ‘the love drug’, which is created during the initial stages of infatuation/falling in love. The interesting thing about Oxytocin is that it does not go away, in fact it increases with time.

Oxytocin is produced by the hypothalamus and stored in the pituitary gland. Oxytocin spikes during kissing, touching, hugging, sex, birth, breastfeeding and snuggling. Oxytocin causes blood pressure to lower and feelings of safety and trust. That is why the longer two humans are together “bonding”, the more oxytocin is being created. The love hormone plays roles in orgasm, social recognition, pair bonding, monogamous relationships, strengthening friendships and building trust. In fact studies have shown that the higher the levels of oxytocin the more likely a couple will still be together after 6 months.

Oxytocin has been prescribed for postpartum depression and is available online in a nasal spray.  I’m guessing the real thing is better.  Love, love, love.

“You need to stretch’, “don’t forget to stretch, “feel free to stay after class and stretch” are just a few of the messages we hear and read everyday.  But like everyone else, I can’t seem to find the time. I used to be obsessed with yoga so stretching was not an issue. Now I’m creaking out of bed in the AM.

My new plan is to stretch at night, before bed maybe while watching TV. A foam roller is really essential to any healthy exercise routine. If you don’t own a roller there are a few household items that you can use. A tennis ball or a golf ball can be used to roll out the bottoms of your feet and calves. Standing upright, place a ball under your foot and gently press down on it while moving your foot back and forth. This stretches the flexor digotorum brevis(that big muscle right down the middle). If you get sore on the inner part of the foot (abductor hallicus), turn your foot onto the ball and repeat the same motion. A pointing and flexing exercise also works well for this muscle.

If you’re really desperate you can use a rolling pin to roll your muscles out. Take the rolling pin and gently roll your calves out. You can lie on your stomach and have someone roll the back of your calves out.  If you’re sore this is going to hurt, just FYI.

Daily stretching can keep soreness at bay along with proper hydration and lots of rest. Let us know some at home stretching techniques you use.

Just a few of our favorite things we’ve seen lately. ! The MET is exhibiting Punk:Chaos to Couture on exhibit and it looks amazing! It examines Punk’s influence on fashion, hence all the gothic/punk fashion statements made this year at The Met Gala. Vivianne Westwood and the Sex Pistols!!

If you’re looking for a movie, I saw Frances Ha last week and feel in love with (writer/actress) Greta Gerwig. This movie is funny, smart, sweet with just a touch of melancholia. Think Garden State meets Annie Hall meets an episode of Girls. One of the most honestly written and acted movie in a long time.

Today I am also loving the gladiator sandal. Yes this has been around awhile, but they’re back and I love them. Now that it has finally stopped raining in NYC, we can wear sandals! I think gladiator sandals toughen up any sweet sundress and elevate jeans shorts/short skirts to a higher level of chic.

Last but not least New York finally got Citi-bikes. Not sure why were one of the last cities to get this awesome bike rental program? The rental stations are all over the city and I plan to try one out this weekend. I don’t even ride my own bike in the city! Citi-bikes belong in the park I think, which is where I will take mine. And yes, I will wear my helmet…..

Hope everyone has an awesome fun filled weekend.  What are your fun plans??