We live for human connection. Have you had the urge to visit a friend, connect, or simply “just be” together with others? There is a reason for that. Stress is pervasive, and with recent events (political unrest, the climate crisis, economic concerns), we are experiencing heightened feelings of uncertainty, disappointment, and exhaustion. The confluence of these events gives us a chance to nurture our resilience, our ability to replenish, restore, and stay grounded in the face of emotional turbulence (Tugade, 2011). More than ever, social connection is key.
The Power of Social Connection
Social connection is a vital human need that can significantly impact our health and well-being. In her book, The Art of Gathering, Parker (2018) says that intentional gatherings are moments to pause as well as engage and make meaningful connections with others. Indeed, we come together for several reasons: to share company, to feel support, to have fun, to escape, to mourn, to grieve. Perhaps most especially, we gather to make meaning of events and understand what our role is in our communities or within society at large.
Moments of crisis are among the most important times to come together. We crave connection under stress. Under intense experiences of stress, our bodies signal the desire for human connection through the release of oxytocin, a hormone that plays a key role in social recognition, relationship formation, and the development of long-term bonds. Oxytocin prompts individuals to seek support by making the brain more attuned to social cues (to identify whom to trust).
4 Ways to Foster Resilience Through Social Connection
1. Focus on Belonging and Building: Find Your People
The need to belong is a fundamental human drive that influences behavior (Baumeister & Leary, 1995). It has an evolutionary basis for survival. Our personal inner circle is often our family, close friends, or those who share our values. They provide support, acceptance, nurturance, and protection – without which individual survival would be compromised. People with strong social ties experience less stress, greater emotional well-being, and improved coping abilities (Wickramaratne, et al., 2022).
Intergenerational community-building provides a unique framework for fostering well-being. It serves as a powerful catalyst for social change, ensuring that the struggles of one generation are not forgotten and that the aspirations of future generations are heard. Intergenerational ties combine experience with energy; strategy with urgency; and tradition with innovation (Brubacker & Brubaker, 1999).
2. Experience Collective Effervescence: Restore, Recharge, and Re-energize With Others
Collective effervescence is a term coined by French sociologist, Émile Durkheim, to describe the feeling of shared joy, euphoria, and unity when experienced together in some form of ritual. Experiences like cooking together, cheering at a game, listening to a symphony, dancing at a concert — when experienced at the same time in the same way — can be healing.
Moving in sync with others is a powerful way to experience collective effervescence. Physical activity, especially when done in a group, helps the release of endorphins, which are natural painkillers and mood elevators (Gelfand et al., 2020). Engaging in forms of movement together (through dance, yoga, nature walks, sports) promotes physical health while also calming the nervous system and clearing mental clutter. Moving In synchrony activates brain regions (insula and mirror neurons) associated with social bonding, empathy, and cooperative social relationships (Baso, Satyal, & Rough, 2021; Schmalzl et al., 2015). This shared experience can reduce individual feelings of stress by fostering a sense of safety and connection. Those who experience shared awe, wonder, and collective effervescence show improvements in vagal tone, a component of the parasympathetic nervous system that is responsible for calming the body (Keltner, 2023).
3. Take a Prescription of Purpose: Volunteer and Offer Support to Others
Supporting others gives individuals a sense of purpose and agency. Volunteering not only helps those in need but also connects people who share similar values (Nichol et al., 2023). Acts of kindness can strengthen relationships while simultaneously boosting one’s sense of purpose and well-being. Volunteering is linked to lower rates of depression among older adults, especially when it involves a meaningful connection with others (Okun et al., 2013). Feelings of empowerment and belonging from volunteering help buffer against stress and increase a person’s ability to recover from difficult situations (Albasalah et. al, 2021). When our emotional lives feel positively or negatively charged, one way to build resilience is through collective action. Civic demonstrations, marches, and community gatherings can have significant positive effects on both well-being and group cohesion (Sexton-Radek et al., 2014).
4. Co-Create and Build Resilience: Social Connection Through the Arts
Creativity, collaboration, and shared artistic expression offer pathways to healing, strength, and problem-solving (Nixon, 2020). Art allows people to communicate their deepest emotions, often in ways that words cannot. Whether through singing, making music, painting, sculpting, or performing, artistic expression provides an outlet for emotional release, enabling individuals to process trauma and stress (Gaetini, et al., 2022).
When creative activities occur in a group setting, they amplify the sense of connection and solidarity, reinforcing the idea that people are not alone in their struggles (Bastian et al, 2018). Co-creation, particularly when it is rooted in shared artistic experiences, can enhance feelings of self-worth and personal empowerment. People find common ground, develop empathy, and create meaningful social bonds that foster long-term emotional health (Semmens et al. 2023). Whether through public murals, community theater, or music festivals, these artistic initiatives offer a space where people can unite, share their stories, and rebuild a sense of community after disruption. Such projects not only offer therapeutic benefits but also contribute to the cultural and social fabric of the community, reinforcing collective resilience (Stuckey et al, 2010).
Strength in Numbers: Moments of Connection
While there are times when it is healing to be alone, other times call for connection. It only takes a moment of connection to make a big difference. By incorporating these practices, we can emerge stronger, more compassionate, and more connected to what truly matters. “Imagine all the people/ Living life in peace.” — John Lennon