My mother has always been a woman of her word, so I knew when she said I could always call her, she meant it. When I started college, I constantly took her up on that offer. From burnt comforters in the laundry to major life changes, I cannot remember a time when my mom hasn’t picked up the phone. Even now that I’m settled into my own routine, I still call her every day.
Recently, I’ve been curious whether it is my relationship with my mother that makes me feel so joyful after we hang up, or if there is something more universal about the way talking to your mom on the phone makes you feel. I will always view my mom as the greatest in existence; however, I find that my appreciation for her is also grounded in more than just personal bias. With Mother’s Day just around the corner, I wanted to share three scientific reasons to call our moms.
- Experience Stress Relief
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Many people turn to their moms in times of crisis without realizing that simply conversing with them can lower cortisol levels. This happens because your brain is biologically tuned to her vocal frequency, since it is the voice you were most accustomed to as a child. Hearing that familiar, comforting voice reduces the hormones that make you feel overwhelmed. Rather than carrying tension throughout your day, hearing your mother’s voice helps your body return to a calm state. This vocal connection provides a natural sense of stability, making it easier to stay productive and level-headed during a long week.
- Give Your Brain a Hug
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While it may sound unscientific, listening to your mother’s voice actually releases a hormone in your brain that creates a neurological feeling similar to a hug. Chemically, your mind doesn’t strongly distinguish between the comfort of a physical embrace and hearing a maternal voice over the phone, even hundreds of miles away. This hormone, called oxytocin, is often nicknamed the “cuddle chemical” for its ability to boost moods. So, when you are looking for a daily pick-me-up, consider skipping your second cup of coffee and calling your mom instead.
- Better Than Texting
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For those who think texting your mother offers the same benefits as talking on the phone, I have both unfortunate and exceedingly fortunate news. Unfortunately, the extra effort of dialing her number is necessary to experience the psychological advantages I mentioned earlier. Fortunately, active listening during a phone call can strengthen your connection, improving not only your mental health but also your relationship with her. Over time, this bond can act as a neurological anchor, helping your nervous system regulate more effectively.
There is no love like that of a mother. The kind that has the power to build us into people we never could have dreamed of becoming. It’s the type of love that puts its own struggles aside for the sake of being there for someone else. Truly, having a mother to call on is itself a gift beyond measure. Yet, as if designed by the selflessness of mothers everywhere, when we call them, we are the ones who receive the greatest reward. With Mother’s Day approaching, from whatever perspective you value, scientific or otherwise, I urge you to call your mom.