We strive to live and lead by example. So we’re role modeling the art and science, as well as the fun, of taking time to celebrate.

You and all others are welcome to join us—all free of charge—for our big birthday bash this week (June 10) and extending into next week (June 17). Your brain and body will thank you—assuming you’re interested in our beloved topic. The details for signing up are in the box.

We are the npnHub, a community of experts and learners in applied neuroscience who practice neuroplasticity. We’re marking the first-year anniversary of our community with this event. To celebrate, we’re hosting a series of discussions, workshops, and keynote presentations on a wide range of neuroscience topics. (Yes, this is our idea of fun!)

By opening up our celebration to everyone who’s interested, we’re hoping to entice you to learn more about neuroscience as well as our thriving community. And if you’re interested, we’d love to have you become a npnHub member now or later.

Join us in celebrating the 1st anniversary of our npnHub, which unites experts and learners in applied neuroscience and the practice of neuroplasticity. Our online celebration includes an incredible lineup of speakers, talking about all aspects of neuroscience. All free of charge the week of June 10 extending into the week of June 17. All you need to do is register for each presentation that appeals to you and show up. Go to https://www.npnhub.com/open-round-table

Here’s why celebration is so beneficial for your brain and overall mental health. When you celebrate, your brain releases dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. Dopamine makes you feel happy and satisfied. Celebrations, like the one we’re holding, also generally involve social interactions, which can increase the levels of serotonin. Serotonin contributes to feelings of well-being and happiness.

And there’s more good news! Neuroscience findings point to these seven benefits related to celebrations.

1. Strengthening social bonds. Celebrations usually involve sharing positive experiences with others, which strengthens social connections and creates a sense of belonging. Social bonding releases oxytocin, often referred to as the “love hormone,” which promotes feelings of trust and empathy. By the way, the world expert on oxytocin is Dr. Paul Zak, who’s a member of the npnHub. Also known as “Dr. Love,” Paul refers to oxytocin as the ‘moral molecule.’

2. Reducing stress. Engaging in celebratory activities can reduce stress by lowering levels of cortisol, the stress hormone. Activities like laughing, dancing, and enjoying good company can significantly reduce stress and promote relaxation.

3. Providing positive reinforcements. Celebrations serve as a form of positive reinforcement, encouraging you to pursue and achieve goals. When you celebrate your accomplishments, your brain associates your goal attainments with positive emotions, which motivates you to work toward future goals.

4. Forming memories. The brain tends to remember extreme emotions and experiences, both positive and negative. Your brain will be receptive to encoding joyful events such as celebrations, which will become part of your bank of treasured memories.

5. Boosting creativity and problem-solving. When you feel positive, you’re more open to thinking creatively and being more flexible in your problem-solving. Celebrating achievements can put you in a positive state of mind, enhancing your cognitive performance.

6. Creating positive associations. Regularly celebrating even small wins helps create a habit of recognizing and appreciating the good in life. This can encourage you to have an overall more positive outlook, which also helps you build greater resilience to deal with challenges.

7. Providing physical health benefits. Positive social interactions and reduced stress levels have been linked to better physical health, including improved immune function, lower blood pressure, and better cardiovascular health.

And if you’re wanting to enjoy any of these benefits, note that this time of year in the Northern hemisphere offers multiple opportunities to mark the summer season. Outdoor concerts, art festivals, cookouts, fireworks displays, etc.

Throughout the year, please take advantage of celebratory activities that appeal to you. They’re a relatively easy way to reduce stress, provide pleasure, and strengthen connections.

And if you have any questions about our one-of-a-kind thriving npnHub community that’s focused on the brain and its connection with the body, please ask.