The Pillars of Brain Health: Community

Braincare is never about just one thing, and the benefits of community on brain health illustrate this beautifully. Social experiences within a community often produce positive psychological outcomes – including a sense of belonging, security, and purpose – that can further improve mental health by increasing our motivation to partake in health-promoting behaviors, like exercise and self-care. Participating in community-based interactions also increases opportunities to identify additional support and resources, which can serve as lifelines when things get tough. 

These psychological benefits also have neurological effects: Community engagement can reduce the body’s negative stress response. When the body is under stress, we respond by releasing cortisol into the bloodstream. Cortisol increases blood pressure, heart rate, and glucose metabolism while slowing digestion and suppressing the immune system. These events define our “fight or flight” response and have negative consequences when constantly activated, sending us into a state of chronic stress. Engaging in community can decrease cortisol levels, helping to protect us from chronic stress and regulate our nervous systems. Forming connections and being a part of a community can result in a continuous feedback loop of positive psychological and neurological well-being.

In addition to decreasing the stress response, research indicates that human connection and bonding has an effect on the reward pathways in the brain. Specific neurons in the brain release dopamine, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate emotion, motivation, and feelings of reward. Human bonding activates these neurons, resulting in a dopamine release and the activation of the reward pathway. This activity “feels good” and encourages us to engage in similar behavior that initially stimulated the reward pathway. Socialization and human interaction can beget more of the (beneficial) same. Oxytocin can also reinforce socialization; this hormone has critical roles in maternal-bonding, pair-bonding, and social recognition. When released, oxytocin can interact with the dopamine pathway, indirectly activate the reward pathway, and reinforce socializing behavior. 

What happens if we miss out on community? A lack of social support and poor relationships is linked to the onset of depressive symptoms, which can kick off a self-propagating cycle, as depression and depressive symptoms can lead to a lack of social connections. The evidence supporting the positive effect that strong social networks, human connections, and community have on brain health is undeniable. And it works both ways: Just as your community can help improve your brain health, you can be of benefit to those around you.