How to feel the love this Valentine's Day

Too many chocolate treats might not be great for your health—but boosting your feel-good hormones? Always in style. Sharing hugs, kisses, and affection doesn’t just make hearts flutter—it lowers stress hormones and gives your mood a lift. And let’s be honest: February 14th is the perfect excuse for a little self-care too!

Here’s how to really feel the love this Valentine’s Day.

1. Release those happy hormones

Oxytocin – the love hormone.

Oxytocin is triggered by closeness and bonding—think hugs, cuddles, and intimate moments. Often called the cuddle hormone or the love drug, oxytocin helps you feel connected and calm.¹.

Ways to boost it:

Hug a partner, family member, or friend
Enjoy music, touch, or cooking together
Spend quality intimate time with someone you love

Even simple moments can spark oxytocin and make your Valentine’s Day feel extra special!

2. Spice up your life

No better day to get creative in the kitchen! Cooking together can trigger dopamine and endorphins, while sharing the meal adds an oxytocin boost.²

Try adding happy-hormone-friendly foods:

Tryptophan-rich: salmon, cod, chicken, turkey, potatoes, cheese, quinoa, chickpeas (serotonin precursors)
Tyrosine-rich: chicken, cheese, avocados, soy, sesame seeds (dopamine precursors)

We’ve got you covered for gut-healthy meal inspiration too with Spaghetti Bolognese, Fajita bowl, or Miso and Tempeh Stir-fry. Check out our healthy Apple Crumble dessert recipe for something sweet for afters! Cooking together = fun, delicious, and scientifically happy.

3. Indulge in dark chocolate

Let’s be honest—Valentine’s Day isn’t complete without chocolate. Dark chocolate has a bunch of proven health benefits; it’s packed with antioxidants, magnesium, and iron, may improve heart health and brain function, and gives you a mini-mood boost.³

Check out our Valentine’s Day chocolate brownies recipe for a delicious dessert. These tasty brownies are so good you’ll want them all for yourself, but remember to share for that added oxytocin release 😉

4. Self-love is the best love

“If you can’t love yourself, how in the heck are you gonna love somebody else?”

Valentine’s Day is a great reminder to check in with yourself. Prioritising regular “me-time” is important not only for your mental health but also for your gut health. Prolonged stress reduces your bacterial diversity and is almost always felt in digestion.

Ideas for self-love:

Schedule a solo date night (meal, bath, meditation, yoga, journaling)
Try compassionate meditation to boost oxytocin
Relax with lavender products like Calm Down Goat Milk Soap or Sing Me to Sleep Tea
Or… just do nothing. It’s allowed!

Wishing you a happy and healthy Valentine’s Day from the Chuckling Goats X

Any questions? Contact one of our Nutritional Therapists via live chat, weekdays from 8 am to 8 pm.