Reading a Romance, Enjoying the chase

As many have heard me confess one of my procrastination past-times is reading magazines to find what-ifs to throw at characters or research for character and plot development. Last week, I came across two studies in Psychology Today that caught my eye...

One study made me glad I am in the writing profession and romance is the genre through which my creativity flows. The study found that reading a romance novel triggers the same positive physical responses falling in love does, including lowering the levels of Cortisol, the body’s stress hormone. The overall feeling carries over into everyday happenings, making life and your mood all the more happier. This is something I intend to point out to my hubby the next time he arches his brow at my book purchases! Although, I think he's a firm supporter of my addiction by now.

The other study revealed that the libido can be jump-started by playing a competitive game. One that gets you moving, like tag. *g* Competition raises your testosterone level...In case you didn’t know that’s the hormone that boosts your sex drive. Participating in a competitive event can raise it 49% in women, just anticipating the competition raises it 24%.

Men’s levels rise too. But unlike women, whose levels stay peaked win or lose, if he loses his testosterone level plunges. So ladies, I guess it’s in our own best interest to let him win. *wink* I guess the phrase "the pursuit of happiness" really does fit.

Implementing all kinds of fun and games, that competitive edge between characters as they discover and grow in their relationship...oh the scenarios that come to mind! back to writing for me...


May you enjoy the conquest, whether by reading the heated chase of hero and heroine in a romance novel or in pursuit of your own true HEA.
HUGS
Mari