Tend and Befriend

Source: Photo by Hian Oliveira on Unsplash

Whereas Selye’s model has dominated the concepts of stress response, Shelley Taylor and her research group posit a female stress response model they call Tend and Befriend. This model adds a dimension to the fight or flight/freeze concept and suggests that women (and other female animals) respond to stress by engaging in activities of care and connection; tending to the care of offspring and family and engaging in behaviors that support social connection, affiliation and attachment. Oxytocin is considered to mediate this response biologically; it is the main neurohormone responsible for social behaviors and empathy. It is produced primarily in the hypothalamus and is associated with the thymus and immune function and has been shown to promote trust and well-being while reducing fear and blood pressure. Dysfunction of the oxytocin system may be involved in the development of PTSD and combining administration of oxytocin via nasal administration with Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) may be useful in reducing fear, enhancing safety and trust, and supporting social engagement. Touch therapies, such as massage and interaction with animal companions, has many positive effects for treatment, including the increase of oxytocin levels. This reinforces the importance of integrating psychological, biological, and physiological methods and their role in establishing and maintaining strong social connections for the recovery of physical and psychological health after trauma.

Source: Photo by Hian Oliveira on Unsplash

One way that women create connection is via gathering and preparing food for friends and family. This increases oxytocin and provides nutrients for brain health and relaxation.

Suggested Recipe: Organic Slow Baked Beans

This is a meal to help you calm down. These beans are tasty and especially nutritious with the addition of organic blackstrap molasses and anti-inflammatory spices. Blackstrap molasses is rich in B-6, magnesium, calcium, and potassium, all of which combine to produce a very calming meal. This recipe is easy to make with a slow cooker; start it in the morning, and by dinnertime, a rich, healthy meal will be waiting.

Ingredients

• 2 cups dried organic pinto beans 1 onion, diced
• 1 clove garlic
• 2 tbs. Olive Oil
• 1⁄2 cup organic blackstrap molasses 1 6-oz. can tomato paste
• 2 tbs. yellow mustard
• 1 tbs. smoked paprika
• 1⁄4 tsp. cayenne
• 1 tbs. grated turmeric root
• 1 tbs. Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbs. organic apple cider vinegar
• 6 cups water
• Sea salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Wash, rinse and soak the beans overnight. In the morning, rinse the beans and place in the slow cooker.
2. Sauté the onion and garlic in the olive oil and add to the slow cooker along with the rest of the ingredients (save the salt and pepper until the beans are finished cooking).
3. Cover with the water and cook on low for 4-6 hours.
4. Salt to taste.
5. Serve with coleslaw or a chopped green salad and Vibrant Vinaigrette.

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