When you choose a partner and commit to a mutually rewarding intimate relationship, your brain produces the hormone oxytocin, known as “the bonding hormone.” Oxytocin is associated with social behavior such as trust and empathy. High levels of oxytocin support memory and help relieve stress and cognitive problems related to stress. Oxytocin is also known to influence “prosocial” behavior— that is, things like cooperation and caregiving.
Women have higher levels of oxytocin, which may improve their ability to choose one partner (and also helps them bond with their newborns), while men’s levels increase five fold following orgasm. So commit to (and have sex with!) some- one for optimum brain health.