Good for the heart, spirit, and brain
Valentine's Day just passed. Lunar New Year is today. Ramadan begins tomorrow.
Even though each of these celebrates and commemorates something different and consist of unique traditions, they share something fundamental: bringing people together. Family dinners. Reunions with loved ones. Breaking fast together at sunset.
We often think of these gatherings as tradition. But your brain registers them as something else entirely: stimulation and maintenance.
Social connection isn't just emotionally fulfilling. It's neurologically protective. When you spend quality time with people you care about, your brain releases oxytocin, the same hormone that bonds mothers to newborns. Oxytocin doesn't just make you feel good. It actively reduces cortisol levels, strengthens memory consolidation, and appears to protect against age-related cognitive decline.
The absence of connection does the opposite. Loneliness increases dementia risk by 31%, putting social isolation in the same risk category as smoking or physical inactivity. Chronic loneliness triggers sustained inflammation and elevated cortisol, both of which damage the hippocampus, the brain region critical for forming new memories.
Between the conversations, the shared meals, and the physical presence of people who know you, your community keeps your brain sharp.
So, whatever and whenever you’re celebrating (or even if you’re not), be intentional about making time for people you love. Show up for that park hang or movie night. You're not only fulfilling your heart and spirit, you’re also giving your brain what it needs to stay healthy.
Join us in person
Speaking of social connection, we invite you to join us at our second Neuro Fireside Chat, featuring Brian Pepin, founder and CEO of Rune Labs. We’ll reflect on his journey through neuroscience and company building, and explore the future of precision neurology. We hope to see you there.
Contribute to the conversation
Through Clarity, by Soma, we hope to answer your most pressing questions about the brain and cognitive health. Submit your questions here.
Invite your family, friends, and frenemies to join the movement.
Join our Beta
We’re onboarding early users to our private beta on a rolling basis. For priority access, please fill out this survey and we’ll reach out if you’re a good fit.
Join the team behind the movement
Come build with us, say [email protected]