How oxytocin helps us feel safe
Ever felt instantly relaxed around someone, like you could just be yourself? That sense of psychological safety is more than a nice feeling. It’s a brain state linked to the release of oxytocin, sometimes called the ‘trust hormone’.
Oxytocin is often released through small social signals: eye contact, a warm tone, listening without interrupting. When your brain detects those cues, it feels safe.
When we don’t feel safe, our brain’s threat system takes over. We may start scanning for danger, second-guessing ourselves, or holding back ideas. But when we feel trusted and supported, our brain shifts gears. We access higher-level thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration. Basically, we do our best work when we’re not using enormous amounts of energy being hyper-vigilant.
The best part? Oxytocin is contagious. When someone feels safe with you, they’re more likely to help others feel safe too. A single moment of kindness or trust can have a ripple effect across a whole team, friendship group, or family unit.
Try simple things: greet someone warmly, give sincere praise, let a friend vent without jumping into fix. Trust doesn’t need grand gestures. It grows in small, consistent ways.
Experiment with oxytocin in action. Your brain will thank you for it.