Florida’s Seniors

Take them on a roller coaster. While most people might associate this with endorphins and adrenaline, the rush from amusement park rides also helps you create a bond with the person next to you, boosting oxytocin.

Binge on those cute cat and baby videos you have bookmarked. If you don’t have a dog or cat, just the act of seeing a cute animal or baby will cause your brain to react much the same way as if you were physically with them.

Give them a day of pampering all to themselves. Send them to the spa with a gift certificate and let them choose their own massage and aromatherapy.

Spend the day seeing who can do more random acts of kindness. Helping others is a great feeling, plus it can boost your mood as well.

Show empathy, not sympathy. Instead of “I understand what you are going through,” try saying something that acknowledges their feelings, like, “you were let down and that really hurt, didn’t it?”

Ask open-ended questions. This reminds them that you genuinely care about their feelings and gives them the floor to express their emotions and work things out.

Make them a cup of hot tea. Studies show that warm drinks mimic the warmth of human touch and promote those warm, fuzzy feelings.

Get out and volunteer with them at a local charity. Find something that helps them connect with others,like serving food at a soup kitchen or working with senior citizens.

Turn off the TV and host a reading day. Studies show that happy people were 21% more likely to read a newspaper or book than watch TV.

Hide a note saying what you love about them in their purse or wallet. Knowing that you went out of your way to make them smile will flood their brain with the warm, loving effects of oxytocin.