Hello, !
How are you? I hope you’re feeling grounded
and spacious, ready to sail smoothly into September.
Would it shock you to learn that, although I have moments of calm, I’ve been feeling pretty anxious and kind of sad overall? I wish I could say this is unfamiliar territory. It is not. Although the intensity of the anxiety
is a little surprising, the sadness is typical for me as summer turns to fall. I seem to desperately want to cling to the joyful memories (not only from this summer, but from those long past), while I simultaneously regret the pile of missed opportunities. Sigh. Hardly a recipe for peace.
I'm willing to bet that whether you're feeling melancholy like me or looking forward with excitement to what’s to come—or a bit of both—sharing your experiences with others enriches your life. And it just so happens that today we're highlighting Key #5 from Resourced & Ready, which is about nurturing connections. Right on time. (And speaking of connections, I want to give a shoutout to my dear friend Karen who helped me gather the info below!)
So without further ado, let’s dive in.
Key #5: Nurture Connections
Connection isn’t just nice to have—it’s a basic human need. Research shows strong relationships are among the most reliable predictors of health and longevity. People with supportive ties tend to have lower stress, stronger immune systems, and even longer lives. Relationships give us belonging, ease anxieties, and help us face challenges with resilience.
We also “borrow” energy and emotions from the people around us. One striking study found that a hill looks less steep when you’re standing next to a friend—simply because you know you’re not facing it alone.
Sharing struggles lightens the
load. Support—both giving and receiving—helps us heal, grow, and keep moving forward. That’s why so many therapies today use groups:
connection makes everyone stronger.
Of course, building genuine connections isn’t always easy. In academic or other high-pressure environments, the work can feel isolating and the competition intense. Reaching out might feel daunting or risky. But connection doesn’t require
big gestures.
Psychologist Barbara Fredrickson’s research on “micro-moments of connection” shows that even small
actions—a smile, a kind word, a quick chat—can shift how connected we feel and slowly start to expand our circle. The key is focusing less on making an impression and more on simply
reaching out.
Try It: The Five-Minute Favor
One of the easiest ways to start strengthening your network is through the Five-Minute Favor, a concept from organizational psychologist Adam Grant. The idea is simple: do something small and generous that takes
just a few minutes but leaves a lasting impact. These favors build trust, spread goodwill, and let relationships grow naturally over time.
Why not try two or three quick favors in the next week or so? Try to keep them light, genuine, and easy, for example...
- Make an introduction.
Know two people with similar interests? Connect them. “You study public health policy? I have a friend who does, too! Would you like me to introduce you?” - Share a resource.
Send an article, podcast, or tool you think someone would find useful. Even small shares can spark big
ideas. - Offer encouragement.
A genuine, supportive, quick message to a colleague before a presentation or important meeting can calm nerves and show you’re in their corner. (Consider sharing my "Calming Pre-Talk Jitters" meditation, as well!) - Give feedback.
Spend a few minutes reviewing a draft, offering ideas, or brainstorming. Your input might be exactly what they need.
Connection isn’t optional, it’s essential. Every smile, every kind word, every small favor builds trust and strengthens relationships. We don’t need to do much to start laying the groundwork for strong connections.
The STANDOUT Professor Confab offers a wonderful way to connect with academic researchers from across the country in a friendly, supportive environment, while getting more research done and
growing professionally. Sounds too good to be true, right? The fall session begins on September 8th, and I hope you'll join us! Learn more and register, or respond to this message with any questions. We'd love to see you.
As always, thanks for being here, and thanks for being you!
Warm September wishes,
