The Science of Joy: How Connection and Nature Rewire Your Brain

Can I be honest with you?

For a long time, I thought joy might never return. I am a mom who lost a son, and the grief was so heavy that even the idea of happiness felt impossible, almost like it was a betrayal of my loss. But over time, I discovered something powerful: joy is part of healing. And embracing it has supercharged my own journey, helping me reclaim clarity, resilience, and hope.

Even while carrying grief, joy can grow-and it can help you heal.

And here’s the thing, I’m not alone. Neuroscience shows that joy isn’t just a “nice-to-have” feeling. It’s a biological necessity for your brain and body.

Dr. Emily McDonald, neuroscientist, explains:“Joy is a necessity if we want our brain to be in its most optimized state. Tons of studies show that joy and being in play boost creativity, longevity, and our immune system function. It is really good for our physical health as well as our mental health.”

When your brain experiences joy, it’s strengthening your body, your mind, and your overall resilience.

When we experience joy through connection, laughter, movement, or playful adventure, our brain releases dopamine, oxytocin, and other “happy hormones” that help us:

*Strengthen neural pathways for positive experiences

*Reduce stress hormones like cortisol

*Boost creativity, motivation, and problem-solving

*Improve emotional resilience and overall well-being

Joy anchors resilience and literally rewires your brain for growth and happiness.

James Doty, a pioneering neuroscientist and surgeon, emphasized that positive emotional states reshape the brain, reinforcing pathways that make joy, love, and compassion easier to access over time. In other words, our brains are wired to grow when we intentionally cultivate these states.

Mel Robbins echoes this in her signature, no-nonsense style:

“Fun is what makes you human. Fun is what makes life worth living.”

And she reminds us that joy and play don’t magically happen; we have to schedule them, prioritize them, and claim them.

Simply put: If you want joy in your life, you have to make space for it.

Healing Happens Through Stress Release and Connection

Healing isn’t only about sitting still in meditation or practicing mindfulness, though those are powerful tools. It’s also about moving the body, releasing stored tension, and experiencing life fully in a safe, supportive space.

Stress accumulates in the body and nervous system over time. When we intentionally release it, through breathwork, yoga, movement, and shared experiences, we reset the nervous system. Joy, playfulness, and connection amplify this effect. Your brain learns that these experiences are important, they are safe, and they are worth remembering.

Shared laughter, awe, and play with others trigger neural mirroring, strengthening pathways that support connection, trust, and resilience. Adventure and novelty, exploring new trails, kayaking through rivers, walking barefoot along the beach, release dopamine and oxytocin, helping the brain store these positive experiences as meaningful.

Brené Brown, the beloved researcher and storyteller, confirms that connection is one of the strongest predictors of resilience and happiness. A safe, supportive group allows vulnerability, laughter, and authenticity to flourish, which reinforces positive neural pathways.

Bottom line: Moving, laughing, exploring, and connecting together actually rewires your brain and body for joy and resilience.

This combination supercharges healing:

*Stress release softens tension and resets the nervous system

* Joy and playful adventure strengthen positive brain pathways

*Connection and support amplify the benefits, helping us grow and thrive

In other words: Healing isn’t just quiet meditation. It’s joyful movement, adventure, and connection combined.

Why Joy is Central to Growth

Joy is more than a momentary feeling. It is the engine that powers transformation. When we laugh, explore, connect, and allow ourselves to feel alive, the nervous system heals, the brain rewires, and our hearts expand.

Through this process, grief, stress, and trauma don’t disappear, but they are integrated, softened, and balanced by experiences that restore vitality and resilience.

Joy fuels real growth and lasting healing.

This Is Where Soul Friend Retreats Come In

At our Soul Friend Retreats, a women’s wellness retreat family-owned and operated by a mother-daughter team, we bring all of this together in a safe, immersive, and supportive environment. From the first day, we focus on releasing what no longer serves you. Then we move into practices that heal the nervous system, rewire the brain with positivity, and cultivate lasting joy:

*Mindful movement and yoga to release stored tension

*Breathwork, meditation, and private 1:1 sound baths to calm the nervous system

*Adventure and exploration in nature: hiking, kayaking, discovering new places

*Shared meals, laughter, and authentic connection with other women

By combining stress release, adventure, movement, connection, and joy, our retreats provide the exact conditions your brain and body need to reclaim clarity, vitality, and resilience, helping you leave feeling lighter, renewed, and truly alive.

Essentially: Being in nature, moving your body, and connecting with women who support you creates lasting healing that stays with you long after the retreat ends.

Your Turn

Your joy is calling! It’s not optional or frivolous. It’s your brain, your body, and your soul telling you it’s time to heal, grow, and step fully into your life.If you’re ready to feel lighter, more present, and fully alive, take that step for yourself today.

Join us to move, breathe, explore, and connect with a community that will support you in releasing stress and reclaiming joy!

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Author: Kathy Bogue

Founder of Soul Friend Retreats

Neuroscience Coach | Women’s Circle Facilitator | Sound Bath Practitioner