Science Proves Women Handle Stress Better Than Men
By: Luke Zaleski
This week scientists in Austria found (in the words of our friends at NYMag.com) that "Stress Make Women Nicer and Men Meaner." Yep. Neuroscience researchers placed men and women through a series of stressful situations like public speaking and mental arithmetic and measured their ability to recognize other people's emotions and understand their perspectives . And in each of the drills the male participants performed poorly while their female counterparts aced them.
The takeaway? In rough situations men become more egocentric, self-focused, and unable to empathize. While women experience the exact opposite, becoming more "prosocial" and clued in to what others around them are feeling.
So why are men such a**holes?
The scientific working answer to that question has to do with our wiring and the balance between two hormones: testosterone and oxytocin. Men tend to have more of the former and release less of the latter in those stressful moments we encounter every day. Women's bodies produce less testosterone in general and more oxy when under the gun.
Turns out oxytocin has a rep as both a "love" and "moral" hormone, and has been researched in all manner of potential uses - from treating social anxiety to promoting economic stimulus - and can be found in some over-the-counter nasal sprays. Now we're not saying that you should snort a tube of Liquid Trust(™) every time you're on deadline or stuck in traffic, but we are willing to suggest a few straightforward tips to boosting your oxytocin levels so you can keep cool, carry on, and be a little merrier:
1. Hug it out.
Docs say oxytocin levels are pumped up by sharing a bro-hug or high-five or other friendly physical contact.
2. Rub it out.
Which leads to another type of friendly physical contact (the kind between consenting adults, or one adult with a laptop) that aids the release of the so-called "love" hormone. Massage, the kind on your back, shoulders, and neck can work, too
3. Work it out.
Exercise helps stimulate oxy production and has even been researched as a way to explain/promote positive interactions between athletes and team building.
4. Chill it out.
Even if you're not pumping she-levels of oxy, it's worth remembering she is, and if she can keep cool, so can you. Take a walk, or, you know, do any of the above. No need to be a dick, just cause you have one.
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