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.

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).

1. Focus on Belonging and Building: Find Your People

The need to........

© Psychology Today