The sound of a mother's voice can trigger the production of the love hormone oxytocin, which lowers stress levels, according to Dr Susan Albers, a psychologist at the Cleveland Clinic. Oxytocin is produced in the brain region that regulates mood and is released into the bloodstream, reducing cortisol, the stress hormone.
Since we hear our mother's voices even in the womb, our brains are wired early to associate her voice with safety and security, a connection that can last into adulthood, Albers explained. Research from 2010 shows that hearing a mother's voice can be as effective as receiving a hug, one of the quickest ways to feel good.
In the study, young girls aged 7-12 who were stressed by solving math problems in front of strangers had their cortisol levels spike. However, whether they were comforted in person or by phone, the calming effect was virtually the same and long-lasting, said University of Wisconsin researchers.
For those who have lost their mothers or cannot speak to them, Albers suggests imagining her voice in your head. Your brain stores the memory of her voice and can turn it into an internal dialogue that provides comfort during stressful moments.
