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A recent research has proved that hearing your mother’s voice is the best stress-buster. We find out how true it rings
‘Mom...’ it is usually the first word that escapes our lips when we are in pain. And no matter how old or young, there are times when all we need or crave for is our mother’s assuring touch telling us that all will be alright, and suddenly all problems seem a thing of the past.Every child and every mother knows this special bond, however, now a recent study has proved this and has possibly figured out an explanation too.
According to a research carried out by University of Wisconsin-Madison, a mother’s voice is the best stress relief and that talking to her is as good as a hug. The research claims that hearing your mother’s voice can quickly calm frayed nerves and a telephone call often has the same effect as a hug. These findings could help explain why our mother is often the first person we turn to in tough times, even when we are adults ourselves.
The researchers looked at the role of oxytocin, a hormone involved in sex, sexual attraction, trust and confidence. Known as the ‘cuddle chemical’, it is released into the blood during labour — triggering the production of breast milk — and floods the brain during breast feeding, helping mother and baby bond. It’s also the likely key to a mother’s ability to calm her child and relieving stress. Researcher Leslie Seltzer concluded, “It was clear from the results that a mother’s voice can have the same effect as a hug on their children.”
This result is something that our celeb brigade as well as aam junta will agree with whole-heartedly.
Bollywood beauty Vidya Balan, who dotes on her mother says, “I just call up my mom when things get a little too much for me to handle. She’s an instant stress-buster. Our work requires us to travel a lot and though I miss having mom around many times, just talking to her helps.”
It’s not too different for Minissha Lamba either. “Mom is my comfort factor in life. Talking to her or just listening to her, even if she is scolding me is very comforting. In fact, sometimes I don’t even have to tell her and she knows what I am thinking. That’s the scary part,” says the actress.
For Rocket Singh actress Shahzan Padamsee too, her mom’s an instant stress buster. “I always turn to my mom, whether I am stressed or not. When the going gets tough, there’s no better stress-buster than to talk it all out to her.”
And they are not the only ones. Even Bollywood hunks like Hrithik Roshan, John Abraham, Ranbir Kapoor, Abhishek Bachchan... have all admitted to turning to their mothers when in times of stress. Clinical psychologist Seema Hingorrany attributes the finding of the research to the bonding that happens between a mother and an unborn child. She says, “There is a very strong bond formed between the mother and a child, right from when the child is in the womb. This bond only grows stronger as the child grows up. Children find their mother’s voice soothing, comforting and calming. And this applies to children even as adults. Hearing their mother’s voice instantly connects them to the cocooned feeling of security and comfort.”
According to Kunti Kumari, a teacher, and a mother of three, the unconditional love and acceptance that one gets from a mother is unparalled. She adds, “The mother and child relationship has undergone a lot of change. Our hectic lives leave us with very few hours to enjoy with our children. But no matter how far we are or how less time we spent with each other, a mother always understands her child in ways no one else can. There’s nothing more comforting than putting your head in her lap or hearing your mum’s voice and that’s irrespective of how old you are.”
Actress and a proud mom, Neetu Kapoor concurs, “A child is a part the mother and who can understand a child better than the mother. We can understand their pain even before they tell us about it. And though as sensitive and emotional, we can be solid as a rock, when children need us to be their support.”
So, put down the choc and quit hunting for de solutions online. Mom stress-buster — is just a call away.
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