Who doesn’t love a good story? When I was a kid, my parents would tell us family stories at different times. Hearing stories about their childhood helped paint a picture of what they were like when they were younger.

While we might think of it as just a pastime, there are actually numerous health benefits to storytelling. According to research, listening to someone tell a story increases oxytocin, a hormone related to bonding and empathy and lowers cholesterol stress levels. A study found that children who listened to someone telling stories for thirty minutes showed a decrease in cortisol response levels compared to the control group.

At its core, storytelling allows us to understand others’ perspectives and experiences. When people tell stories about their lives, it gives us a glimpse into their world and experiences. As a result, we become more empathic.

So the next time your child or grandchild wants to tell you about their school trip to the planetarium, take it as an opportunity to bond with them. Perhaps you can also tell them about the school trips you went on as a kid too. Even across generations, we’re connected by the stories we tell. In fact, they help both parties feel better.

By Peter Yurek, BSc. Phm.