Brightn Monthly: Stronger Together - Nurturing Connections for a Healthier Mind 🌿💫

May brings renewal and connection, and this month we're focusing on how building meaningful relationships strengthens our mental wellness. Join us as we explore the power of human connection and discover practical ways to nurture the relationships that matter most.

📌 FEATURED THIS MONTH: THE MURRAY BROTHERS

📱 EXCLUSIVE APP CONTENT ALERT!

This month, we're thrilled to highlight Kris and Keegan Murray, twin brothers and rising NBA stars who are a part of the Brightn family as official ambassadors.

Drafted 4th overall in the 2022 NBA Draft, Keegan has made an immediate impact with the Sacramento Kings, while his twin brother Kris was selected by the Portland Trail Blazers in the 2023 NBA Draft. Beyond their basketball achievements, the Murray brothers are known for their dedication to mental wellness, community service, and authentic connections—values that perfectly align with our mission at Brightn.

We're bringing you an exclusive interview series with these remarkable athletes that's only available in the Brightn app.

🔓 Unlock the full interview series by opening your Brightn app > Explore > Programs > View all > Purpose > Murray Mindset: Purpose Edition

In this candid, inspiring interview, the Murray brothers open up about:

• Mentorship: How having the right mentors shaped their lives

• Meaning & Purpose: Their perspective on what truly matters beyond basketball

• Faith & Family: How these foundations keep them grounded

• Giving Back: The community initiatives they're passionate about

🌬️ HEALTH CORNER: LAUGH TOGETHER

Laughter truly is medicine for the mind! Research shows that sharing laughter with others triggers the release of endorphins, creates bonds, and reduces stress hormones like cortisol.

Quick Exercise: This week, spend time with someone who makes you smile. Whether it's watching a comedy, sharing funny stories, or just being silly together, prioritize this powerful connection-building activity.

💰 WEALTH WISDOM: FINANCIAL CONNECTION

Money conversations don't have to create distance. In fact, open financial communication with loved ones can strengthen relationships while reducing stress.

Try This: Choose one financial topic you typically avoid discussing (budgeting, saving goals, debt concerns) and have a judgment-free conversation about it with a trusted person. Begin with "I'd like to talk about something that's been on my mind" rather than jumping straight into numbers.

Need help getting started? Go to Explore>Programs>Wealth>No More Secrets: Unlocking Financial Wisdom in your Brightn app for some tips on how to navigate these conversations.

⚡ PURPOSE PATHWAY: FINDING MEANING THROUGH CONNECTION

Meaningful relationships don't just make life more enjoyable—they give it purpose. This month, explore how human connection creates deeper meaning:

• Core Values Exercise: Identify which relationships align with your fundamental values

• Purpose Partners: How finding the right accountability partners elevates your goals

• Legacy of Connection: Reflect on how your relationships contribute to your life's bigger picture

• From Small Talk to Deep Connection: Conversation starters that build authentic bonds

Try This: In your Brightn journal, list three people who have positively influenced your life's direction. For each person, note: (1) What specific action or quality impacted you, (2) How it changed your path, and (3) One way you can pay this forward to someone else. This exercise not only highlights meaningful connections but transforms them into purposeful action.

🎯 JOIN THE CONNECTION CHALLENGE

This month, we challenge you to take small, intentional actions to strengthen relationships in your life:

1. Reach Out: Contact someone you've lost touch with but still think about

2. Deep Listen: Have one conversation where you listen twice as much as you speak

3. Vulnerability Step: Share something you're struggling with instead of keeping it hidden

4. Appreciation Express: Tell someone specifically how they've positively impacted your life

5. New Connection: Introduce yourself to someone new in your community, workplace, or online groups

Track your connection activities in your Brightn Mood Tracker and journal and watch how these small actions create significant positive changes in your mental wellness metrics.

🆕 WHAT'S NEW AT BRIGHTN

Search & Subcategories Update! We're excited to announce new features coming to your Brightn experience! Our development team has been hard at work implementing search functionality for curriculum and adding subcategories to help you find exactly what you need, when you need it. This enhancement was inspired by our very own Ben Trotter who we're proud to highlight as our Thriver of the Month!

Journal History Enhancement We've also improved your Brightn AI journal experience! You can now access your previous reflections in your journal history at any time. This feature allows you to generate personalized wellness suggestions based on any past session whenever you need them.

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to enhance your Brightn experience!

🌟 THRIVER OF THE MONTH: BEN TROTTER

Hi, my name is Ben Trotter. I’m a third-year finance student at the University of Iowa, pursuing a career in wealth management. I got connected with Brightn through a desire to be part of something greater than myself – a mission focused on helping others grow through self-development. What started as a 30-day cold plunge challenge in the frozen-over pond behind my house in January 2023 spiraled into a lifelong commitment to personal growth.

At Brightn, I serve as a council member, where I pitch ideas to optimize the app and website experience. I also create content for Thrivers across the app and social media platforms and will co-host the new Brightn podcast alongside Jeff – contributing heavily behind the scenes to shape meaningful, impactful conversations for our listeners.

💫 INSPIRATION CORNER

"When we connect with others, we raise not only their spirits, but our own as well." — Anonymous

🎧 SOUNDSCAPES: CONNECTION COLLECTION

This month's calming soundscape collection features ambient tracks designed to foster connection and promote mental wellness. Perfect for your daily walks, journaling sessions, or as background for your next gathering with friends:

• Social Harmony

• Community Garden 

• Shared Moments

• Gathering Space

• Together in Calm

  Access the complete YouTube playlist directly in your Brightn app under Explore > Programs > Health> Soundscapes: 🎧Listen: Soundscapes for Connection & Calm

🌱 SEASONAL TIPS: VOLUNTEER AND CONNECT

Spring is the perfect time to get involved in community events and causes. Volunteering not only helps others but is scientifically proven to:

• Reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety

• Lower stress levels

• Increase overall life satisfaction

• Build meaningful social connections

Local Opportunity Highlight: Look for volunteer opportunities near you that match with your interests and availability.

⏱️ QUICK TIP

Try the "Connection Breath": When feeling isolated or disconnected, close your eyes and visualize someone you care about. As you inhale, imagine receiving their support; as you exhale, send them your positive energy. This simple practice activates your brain's social connection pathways, even when physically alone.

👕 WEAR YOUR WELLNESS

Our collection features apparel designed to spark conversations about connection and mental wellness. Each purchase supports our community outreach programs, extending the impact of your wellness journey to others. Shop our collection at www.brightn.shop

🌱 GROW YOUR CONNECTIONS

Enhance your relationship-building journey with Premium access. Track how new social connections impact your mood over time, while enjoying guided exercises specifically designed to deepen your most important relationships.

📱 JOIN THE BRIGHTN MOVEMENT

Start your wellness journey today! Download Brightn and join our thriving community. Your path to connected wellbeing begins here!

🌟THRIVER OF THE MONTH NOMINATIONS 

Be part of our June feature! Email [email protected] with:

• Your name

• Your wellness journey

• How Brightn has supported your growth.

Selected stories will be featured across our platforms.

JUNE PREVIEW: Summer Self-Care Essentials

Next month, we'll explore how to maintain your wellness routines during the busy summer months. Look forward to simple self-care practices, mindful travel tips, and strategies for staying grounded during season transitions.