Appendix: The Oxytocin & Cortisol Lifestyle Questionnaires

## Oxytocin Lifestyle Questionnaire

For each statement below, rate how well it describes your experience over the past week on a scale from 1 (Strongly Disagree) to 5 (Strongly Agree).

1. In the past week, I shared a meal with someone I care about (family, friend, or partner). 2. In the past week, I hugged someone. 3. In the past week, I took part in a group activity such as team sports, a religious service, or volunteer work. 4. In the past week, I did at least 20 consecutive minutes of exercise intense enough to leave me out of breath. 5. In the past week, I ate plenty of vegetables (excluding canned). 6. In the past week, I met up with someone and had a good, extended conversation. 7. In the past week, I made eye contact with or hugged a pet. 8. In the past week, I shared a meal with someone or sang together with someone. 9. In the past week, I gave or received an expression of gratitude. 10. I tend to prefer home-cooked meals, fresh vegetables and fruits, and slow food over processed or fast food.

Scoring

My Strategies for Raising Oxytocin

1. _______________________________________________ 2. _______________________________________________ 3. _______________________________________________ 4. _______________________________________________ 5. _______________________________________________

Discuss with family or friends: what can you do to raise your oxytocin levels?

## Cortisol Lifestyle Questionnaire

For each statement below, rate how well it describes your experience over the past week on a scale from 1 (Strongly Disagree) to 5 (Strongly Agree).

1. In the past week, I had difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. 2. In the past week, I spent a lot of time on things I did not want to do. 3. In the past week, I frequently felt lonely. 4. In the past week, I felt I was falling behind compared to others. 5. In the past week, I was weighed down by work or academic pressure. 6. In the past week, I felt physically and mentally exhausted. 7. In the past week, I had difficulty connecting or communicating with others. 8. In the past week, I was troubled by digestive or intestinal problems. 9. In the past week, I experienced headaches or stomachaches for no clear reason. 10. In the past week, I frequently had trouble with memory or concentration.

Scoring

My Strategies for Reducing Stress

1. _______________________________________________ 2. _______________________________________________ 3. _______________________________________________ 4. _______________________________________________ 5. _______________________________________________

Discuss with family or friends: what can you do to bring your stress levels down?