The Power of Community as a Stress Management Tool

In another blog post, I identified lonliness as a contributor to stress. Engaging with a supportive network not only fosters connection but also provides essential resources and shared experiences that can significantly alleviate stress. By tapping into the collective wisdom and compassion of a community, individuals can navigate life's pressures more effectively. I just experienced this…

Earlier this week I had an opportunity to facilitate a session with a group of colleagues on the topic of goal setting. While the topic was well received, it was really the act of coming together as a group to listen, talk, and support one another that was the secret sauce and what brought magic to the hour. Here are 3 ways to infuse more community into your life and potentially manage your relationship with stress:

Join a group.

This is vague recommendation on purpose. I feel that everyone reading this will likely be drawn to a different group dynamic. It may be a differing topics, it may be in person vs virtual, it may be weekly vs bi-weekly vs monthly, it may be a desire to actively be involved vs group adjacent, and the options can go on and on. Here’s an example of how simple this can be:

Years ago I was stuck in a constantly incomplete stress cycle. I wasn’t interested in joining an official group per se, but I was interested in being in community with others. I decided work from the coffee shop near my house every morning for about an hour. At first I simply existed in the room. Over time I began engaging with others and by the time I moved from that city, that space and the people who gathered in it were incredibly important to me and many of the things I learned in community there I infuse into my relationships with situations and others every day.

Volunteer your time.

“Acts of service” is my love language but I would posit that giving your time and talent to another person or cause is something that is a good feeling for just about everyone. Engaging in community service not only helps others but also builds a sense of belonging. When we work with others towards a common goal, we can elevate mood and strengthen bonds.

Say yes to opportunities to connect.

I work in an environment with the option of working remote, in person, or hybrid. While I like the idea of remote, I prefer hybrid because I really enjoy connecting with my colleagues in person. Going onsite even when I don’t have to has blossomed into more personal and professional opportunities than I can count and has absolutely contributed to my growth and stress management. Other examples could include attending optional opportunities like lunch with colleagues or coffee in person or on Zoom with a new connection.

Incorporating the power of community into your stress management toolkit can transform the way you cope with life's challenges. By seeking connection, engaging in shared activities, and supporting one another, we can foster resilience and create a supportive network that uplifts us all. Remember, you are not alone on this journey; together, we can navigate stress with greater ease and find strength in community.