In the early planning stages of Hey Podcasters, the celebration was stressful. I got hung up on finding those willing to celebrate with me and got caught up trying to locate others who would join me in celebrating. My concerns were: would they participate, why wouldn’t they? 

In today’s fast-paced world, we humans move on to the next challenge or objective as soon as we conquer one. We start by cleaning up our messy basements and immediately move on to the garage. Alternatively, we may receive a highly desired job advancement just to focus our attention on the next one. 

Someone reminded me it’s a celebration we are planning, and I am not doing it alone! WomELLE and I are putting on this event! Stepping back and realizing all the negative confusion I let in mentally, “going alone” opened my energy. The part I was to play planning Hey Podcasters got out of my head onto paper; the good chemicals in my brain were free to return. Before I knew it, I was filling interview slots enough to fill the month of September! 

Our brains are built to respond to positive reinforcement. Celebrating the completion of small victories leads to the achievement of greater goals.  

So how do celebrations impact us? What are the psychological effects of celebration? 

1. Increases the level of “Feel- Good” Hormones 

Celebrations increase the levels of “feel-good” hormones like oxytocin and endorphins. Their presence in our system provides us with a sense of security, allowing us to experiment, take chances, learn, and deal with obstacles. 

Three main chemicals are released when you celebrate:  

1. Dopamine: Dopamine is released when you accomplish anything on your to-do list and/or have pleasant interactions with others during celebrations. It gives you a sense of achievement, happiness and motivates you to keep going. This neurotransmitter connects with the prefrontal cortex brain regions during problem-solving activities to help people pay attention to essential tasks and avoid distracting information. 

2. Oxytocin: Often known as “love drug,” “bonding hormone,” and “cuddle hormone.” It creates a sensation of intimacy, well-being, and security. When we make a physical connection with a loved one, it is released. It is also released when there is an emotional connection when someone experiences a sense of pride and joy. This motivates individuals to try new things, take chances, and learn how to deal with new situations. 

3. Serotonin: Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that helps you shift your mindset. It boosts motivation and creativity, assists people in becoming more focused and motivated to improve, and can relieve stress, among other things. 

       2. Releases Stress  

Stress and anxiety rise as a result of the pressure to succeed frequently as we plan and work. Taking the time that is not task or goal-focused allows you to release tension in a way that is not harmful to your long-term goals. Celebrating your accomplishments serves as a reminder of why you are pursuing your objective in the first place. It helps you appreciate the little things and reduces your stress levels. 

This increase in positive thinking is accompanied by a decrease in stress. Furrowed brows from a long day’s effort turn into bright smiles. Shoulders that had been hunched over can now relax. 

Reduced stress leads to greater cognitive function, better physical health, and less burnout at work. It also contributes to a more pleasant working atmosphere overall. 

3. Improves Productivity  

Increased productivity is the outcome of an organizational culture of celebration. People who are happy, healthy, and have strong social ties get along well. People who share in the thrill of achievement are more motivated to accomplish it. Small victories encourage people to overcome any difficulties that stand in their way of tremendous achievements. 

It’s easy to forget to celebrate accomplishments along the road when you’re focused on being more productive, creating better work, and encouraging your team. Small victories, in particular, go unappreciated until we make an effort to appreciate them. 

4. Helps with Self-Reflection  

Evaluation is essential for future success. Celebrating small achievements helps you reflect on what went well and what you could do better in the future. 

We’re urged to check in on our objectives frequently to determine if they’ve been met. If we achieve them, the natural urge is to establish new goals that will challenge us further and motivate us to achieve more. In other words, rather than focusing on what has been accomplished, we examine what remains to be accomplished. 

Because we know that each setback is only temporary, being prepared to look back and enjoy the accomplishments might help us be more resilient when we experience setbacks. Celebrating small milestones helps us reflect on our thoughts, motivations, and behaviors.  

The moral of my story is to be kind to one another and concentrate on the good you can accomplish! This can be quite beneficial to your mental health. 

When we celebrate anything, the brain is oblivious to whether we are celebrated for ourselves or for others. It simply notices the positive chemical reaction and associates it with the event you believe caused it. Celebrate the start of your day and end it with a celebration. Let’s focus on the positive aspects of our lives.