#TeamSpirit Archives - Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports

How to Experience Collective Joy and ‘We Mode’ in Group Activities

The Daily Desk — Sun, 23 Nov 2025 06:02:45 +0000

Move, Cheer, Dance: Unlocking the Power of ‘We Mode’ for Collective Joy

Researchers say participating in group activities—from fire-walking festivals to sports events—triggers “we mode,” a shared physiological and emotional experience. Experts highlight ways to tap into this collective joy to enhance well-being and social bonds.

The Science Behind Collective Joy

In San Pedro Manrique, Spain, residents annually walk across hot coals while crowds cheer, a ritual that sparks feelings of intense togetherness. Observers and participants alike report a shared sensation, as if the group itself becomes one entity. Cognitive anthropologist Dimitris Xygalatas of the University of Connecticut describes this phenomenon as “collective effervescence,” a concept first studied by French sociologist Emile Durkheim over a century ago.

Xygalatas has witnessed similar experiences in sports stadiums, where fans chanting and cheering in unison report comparable feelings of connection. “These are moments when individual emotions converge, creating a shared, contagious energy,” he said.

Physiological Synchrony and ‘We Mode’

The shared experience of collective joy, also referred to as physiological synchrony, can have measurable effects on the body. Researchers like Xygalatas have monitored participants’ heart rates and facial expressions during rituals and sports events. Results show that people’s physiological responses synchronize, from heartbeats to endorphin levels. Fans attending games in person experience stronger synchronization than those watching remotely, demonstrating the unique effect of shared physical presence.

Stanford University health psychologist Kelly McGonigal calls this shared state “we mode,” where positive emotions become infectious. “Expressions often act as aerosolized joy,” she explained. “You catch other people’s smiles, laughter, and energy, which amplifies your own feelings of happiness.”

Why Participation Matters

To experience collective joy fully, active engagement is essential. Passive observers rarely achieve the same effect. McGonigal notes that moving, cheering, clapping, or singing amplifies the emotional impact. Physical presence and interaction allow signals to transmit among participants, creating the shared state that underpins “we mode.”

Dimitris Xygalatas emphasized the importance of synchrony in rituals: “When we dress alike, move alike, and feel alike, our brain mechanisms for emotion and bonding are triggered.” He adds that shared activities are crucial for psychological well-being, providing a sense of belonging and connection.

Activities That Encourage ‘We Mode’
Experts suggest several types of group experiences that naturally foster collective joy:

Physical Group Activities
Exercise classes, team sports, and dancing encourage movement and social interaction. The more participants move together, the stronger the physiological and emotional synchrony.

Vocal Expression
Cheering, chanting, or singing in unison creates emotional resonance. Large crowds at concerts or sports events often report heightened excitement and shared euphoria.

Rituals and Festivals
Cultural or religious events, such as fire-walking ceremonies or processions, produce intense collective effervescence. Shared risk, anticipation, and celebration amplify the sense of unity.

Letting Go of Self-Consciousness
Engagement requires participants to set aside embarrassment and immerse themselves in the activity. “You’ve got to do the wave at a sporting event or shout in unison during a class,” McGonigal said. Active participation is key to tapping into the full effect.

Practical Benefits of ‘We Mode’

Research indicates that experiences of collective joy boost psychological and physical health. Participants often report increased happiness, reduced stress, and stronger social bonds. Endorphin release during synchronized activity reinforces these positive effects, fostering both individual and communal well-being.

McGonigal highlights that cultivating “we mode” in daily life can enhance resilience and emotional health. Whether attending a local sports game, joining a dance class, or participating in community rituals, shared activity provides tangible benefits beyond momentary excitement.

Harnessing Collective Joy Safely

While large group events can spark powerful experiences, experts recommend mindful engagement. Focus on in-person interactions, prioritize inclusivity, and ensure physical safety during active participation. The goal is a sustainable sense of connection, rather than fleeting exhilaration.

By intentionally participating in shared activities that combine movement, vocal expression, and presence, people can tap into “we mode” regularly, creating a recurring source of joy and connection.

Source: AP News – Move. Cheer. Dance. Do the wave. How to tap into the collective joy of ‘we mode’

The post How to Experience Collective Joy and ‘We Mode’ in Group Activities appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

Rivalry Renewed: Michigan vs. Michigan State Showdown

The Daily Desk — Sun, 27 Oct 2024 04:20:32 +0000

ANN ARBOR — Michigan triumphed over Michigan State 24-17 on Saturday night at Michigan Stadium, showcasing a clean game with no turnovers or penalties and plenty of trick plays.

With this victory, Michigan retained the Paul Bunyan Trophy, marking their third consecutive win in this rivalry. The Wolverines improved to 5-3 overall (3-2 in conference play), while Michigan State fell to 4-4 (2-3).

FOURTH QUARTER

1:52 — Alex Orji makes a significant gain on first down. The Spartans, holding all three timeouts, finally take one after the next play with 1:14 remaining. Mullings runs for a couple of yards, prompting MSU to call their second timeout with 1:10 left. Orji returns to the field, runs for a first down, and then slides. The Spartans take their final timeout with 1:04 left, but it seems that Michigan can run out the clock. They avoid any “trouble with the snap” on a potential punt situation, take a knee, and celebrate as Davis Warren pumps his fist towards the crowd. A brawl breaks out on the field, but the teams are quickly separated. Just another chapter in the Michigan-Michigan State rivalry.

4:34 — Aidan Chiles faces pressure and throws the ball away, drawing a flag for intentional grounding as there was no receiver in sight. Derrick Moore is credited with the pressure. The Spartans quickly recover the 14 penalty yards, and Chiles connects with Carter for a big gain down to the Michigan 21. On third and 12, Chiles throws for a seven-yard gain just before the two-minute warning. The game is on the line as we return; on fourth and 5, Chiles escapes the pocket and fires across his body to the end zone into traffic. The pass is broken up, nearly intercepted by Quinten Johnson, and Michigan takes over on downs.

Michigan 24, Michigan State 17

6:12 — Two runs by Kalel Mullings go nowhere, leaving him with just 13 yards on 11 carries. An incomplete pass near the sideline leads to a punt, which doesn’t go well. MSU takes over at midfield.

Michigan 24, Michigan State 17

13:20 — The Spartans effectively mix runs and passes, keeping the Wolverines off-balance. Kay’Ron Lynch-Adams makes a strong run up the middle to the Michigan 18, but Chiles is sacked on the next play. That leads to a third and 12 with the clock ticking. Chiles executes a sidearm pass to Nick Marsh, who reverses field and takes it from the 13 to the end zone, making it a one-score game in the fourth quarter.

Michigan 24, Michigan State 17

15:00 — Before the fourth quarter begins, a targeting penalty from the previous play results in the ejection of Michigan State linebacker Jordan Turner. This places the ball at the MSU 42. Michigan rotates between Warren and Orji at quarterback. With Warren in on third and 3, Kendrick Bell catches a pass for a first down at the MSU 23. On the next snap, Edwards takes a pitch and then throws to a wide-open Colston Loveland for a touchdown. The Wolverines dig deep into their playbook, going for two and successfully converting with a pass from Warren to Loveland.

Michigan 24, Michigan State 10

THIRD QUARTER

0:26 — Alex Orji keeps the ball on Michigan’s first play of the drive, concluding the third quarter.

Michigan 16, Michigan State 10

2:04 — Michigan State goes three-and-out, hampered by a false start penalty. A big stop for the Michigan defense.

Michigan 16, Michigan State 10

3:43 — Michigan State attempts an onside kick; a Wolverine tries to grab it before it travels 10 yards. It bounces around before Michigan’s Tavierre Dunlap recovers it. However, MSU was offsides. Michigan fails to capitalize on the good field position, as Loveland drops a potential first down.

Michigan 16, Michigan State 10

9:49 — The Spartans miscommunicate on the kickoff, with one player calling for a fair catch while another actually catches the ball, starting on their own 5. After a first down, MSU faces third and 4. Chiles lofts a pass into single coverage, and Montorie Foster makes a catch for a 30-yard gain. However, Kenneth Grant tackles MSU running back Nate Carter for a loss on third and 1, leading to a 46-yard field goal attempt from Jonathan Kim, who nails it.

Michigan 16, Michigan State 10

15:00 — Michigan receives the second-half kickoff and faces a third and 8 immediately. Davis Warren connects with Semaj Morgan for a first down. Alex Orji runs for the first time tonight, gaining 29 yards to the Michigan State 35. On the next play, Mullings hands off to Warren, who finds Tyler Morris with a beautifully executed pass for a 23-yard gain. Michigan keeps the trick plays coming: Morgan takes a direct snap, fakes a reverse to Orji, and runs for seven yards to the MSU 5. Michigan sets up first and goal from the MSU 1, but Mullings loses a yard; Warren throws an incomplete pass. Orji enters and runs a shotgun snap into the end zone untouched, converting the extra point.

Michigan 16, Michigan State 7

HALFTIME:

Michigan 9, MSU 7
The Spartans dominated the first quarter, but Michigan scored twice in the final minute to take the lead. Despite the score, MSU still holds an edge in total yards, 160-116. Michigan will receive the second-half kickoff.

SECOND QUARTER

0:14 — Davis Warren finds Donovan Edwards out of the backfield for a 15-yard gain, leading to a 37-yard field goal attempt from Dominic Zvada, which he converts.

Michigan 9, MSU 7

0:29 — On the second play of the drive, Aidan Chiles rolls out to his right and is sacked by Josaiah Stewart, forcing a fumble and giving Michigan excellent field position.

MSU 7, Michigan 6

2:58 — Michigan finally finds its rhythm on offense, moving the chains with Davis Warren throwing to Semaj Morgan for 6 yards on third-and-5. Peyton O’Leary makes a sharp spin move to gain 15 yards. Michigan caps the drive with a 10-yard pass to Colston Loveland, who finds himself wide open in the end zone due to a defensive lapse. A botched snap results in a missed PAT.

MSU 7, Michigan 6

5:17 — MSU starts at its own 15 after a punt and goes three-and-out for the first time tonight. An ineligible man downfield penalty sets the Spartans back, but Nate Carter nearly recovers, gaining 8 yards on third-and-9.

MSU 7, Michigan 0

9:12 — The Spartans are stacking the box against Michigan’s run game, successfully slowing it down. They pick up one first down as Kalel Mullings rushes for 6 yards on third-and-1, but he’s stopped on third-and-6 from midfield, resulting in yet another punt. Mullings has just 7 rushing yards on 5 carries, while Davis Warren is 4 of 5 passing for 23 yards.

MSU 7, Michigan 0

12:46 — The Spartans start at their own 10 after a solid punt. They gain one first down before punting again. Aidan Chiles escapes a sack but gains only 2 yards, and a short third-and-7 pass results in a 5-yard loss.

MSU 7, Michigan 0

15:00 — Another disappointing drive for the Michigan offense sees Donovan Edwards gain just 3 yards on a run and another 3 on a reception. He’s bottled up for a loss on a pitch while in motion pre-snap.

MSU 7, Michigan 0

FIRST QUARTER

0:10 — Davis Warren completes a screen to Colston Loveland for a 14-yard gain, but the opening quarter belonged to the Spartans. Total yards favor MSU 135-15.

MSU 7, Michigan 0

5:23 — MSU starts at their own 38 and drives 62 yards for a touchdown, highlighted by a third-and-9 draw play where Nate Carter rushes for a 34-yard gain, followed by a 2-yard plunge on fourth down to score.

MSU 7, Michigan 0

Michigan and Michigan State are set to meet for the 117th time on Saturday, marking the first rivalry matchup since 2008 without both teams ranked. Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. Stay tuned for updates from Michigan Stadium.

How to Watch Michigan vs. Michigan State (10/23/24): TV Channel, Kickoff Time, Live Stream

Both teams enter with a 4-3 record, 2-2 in the Big Ten, but trending in different directions. Michigan, facing their first consecutive losses since 2020, had a bye week to address their issues. Their previous game ended in a 21-7 loss to Illinois, marking their fewest points scored since 2014, prompting first-year head coach Sherrone Moore to emphasize discipline and fundamentals. On the other hand, the Spartans have made a surprising run with wins over Indiana and Minnesota. Coach Mel Tucker’s squad is seeking to extend their winning streak.

The game will be broadcast on FOX with a live stream available through the Fox Sports app.

Game Preview: Michigan vs. Michigan State

The annual in-state rivalry takes center stage as Michigan prepares to battle Michigan State in a crucial matchup at Spartan Stadium. Both teams have had ups and downs this season, but this game always brings a heightened level of intensity. Michigan, now led by head coach Sherrone Moore, will look to leverage their strong rushing attack and solid defensive play against a Spartans team that has found success with their emerging young talent.

This rivalry is steeped in history, making it one of the most anticipated games of the college football season. Expect a fiercely contested battle, filled with emotion and determination, as both teams fight not only for bragging rights but also for momentum as the season heads into its final stretch.

Source

The post Rivalry Renewed: Michigan vs. Michigan State Showdown appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

Bucs’ Resilience Faces Tough Test Against Lamar Jackson and the Ravens

The Daily Desk — Tue, 22 Oct 2024 01:19:01 +0000

TAMPA, Fla. — Fresh out of the injury tent and trying to hold a four-point lead over the New Orleans Saints in Week 6, Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield lowered his shoulder and hurled himself into cornerback Marshon Lattimore.
It was the Bucs’ franchise QB trying to set the tone as running back Bucky Irving took the handoff for a 31-yard gain. Mayfield would find tight end Cade Otton five plays later for an 8-yard touchdown.
On the play where he got hurt, Mayfield spun and ducked his way out of would-be sacks by cornerback Alontae Taylor, but he fell on his stomach after his foot was caught behind by defensive end Carl Granderson.
The NFL’s touchdown leader through the first six weeks of the season may have gotten the wind knocked out of him on that play, but he bounced back just like Tampa has all season — through injuries, losses and adversity.
Now, the Bucs (4-2) are set for a big test on “Monday Night Football” (8:15 p.m. ET, ABC/ESPN/ESPN+) when they host the Baltimore Ravens (4-2), but thus far, their calling cards have been their multiplicity on offense with coordinator Liam Coen’s constant motions and shifts, plus aggression on defense with coach Todd Bowles’ elaborate blitz packages.
On a deeper level, their identity has been their “resiliency,” according to Bowles.
While he joked Thursday about Mayfield sounding like Rocky Balboa after the QB was described as showing “tenacity” and “grit” as a scrambler, the notion was spot on. Mayfield averages 6.5 yards per carry when leaving the pocket, fifth most in the league among quarterbacks with 20 or more rushes coming into Week 7.
As a whole, Mayfield leads a group that has shown it’s been pretty tough to rattle, and the team embodies the scrappiness of their QB and the heart of their coach.
Two major hurricanes affected the Tampa Bay region in a span of 14 days, with the second one forcing a teamwide evacuation that sent 300 members of the organization and their families with 30 pets to New Orleans. Receiver Mike Evans said the Bucs were playing for something “bigger,” and, in a week where they had to practice at Tulane University, they were able to come away with a 51-27 win over the Saints.
“It was kind of weird,” left tackle Tristan Wirfs said. “I mean we found out on like Sunday night or Monday, like, ‘Yeah, we’re leaving Tuesday.’ We’re like, ‘What do you mean?’ So just that quick turnaround, like, ‘Pack your stuff up, pack your families up. We’re going.'”
WHETHER OR NOT that evacuation set the tone for a chaotic second quarter is up for debate — as some Bucs players say the Saints were provoking them — it certainly didn’t help their circumstances in a crucial game where falling to 0-2 in the NFC South would be less than ideal.
“I mean, it’s sudden change. That’s part of football, that’s part of life,” Bowles said. “Things are going to happen to you daily that you’re going to have to make adjustments to, and you’re going to have to keep your composure when you’re doing them.”
After jumping out to a 17-0 lead, things unraveled quickly. Mayfield threw three interceptions — two were tipped — and Rashid Shaheed returned a Jake Camarda punt 54 yards for a touchdown. The Bucs also racked up seven penalties in those 15 minutes, as chants of “Who dat! Who dat!” engulfed the Caesars Superdome as they headed to the locker room down 27-24.
“[Bowles] basically told us, ‘Just keep your composure. They can’t beat us,'” defensive back Tavierre Thomas said.
Mayfield added, “It comes down to guys being able to hit the reset button, knowing it’s a tight game and saying, ‘Hey, if we just do our job, we’re going to be all right.’ Having that mindset of ‘one play at a time.'”
Bowles’ demeanor resonated with his coaching staff and players, and he made technical adjustments to squeeze the pocket so quarterback Spencer Rattler could no longer escape on bootlegs.
They stopped dropping their outside linebackers into coverage. And they started running the ball more while continuing to rely on their screen game.
“I mean if you see our coach on the sideline, he’s pretty much the same the whole game,” Irving said. “It is always great to have a coach that stays calm and collected during them times.”
Cornerback Zyon McCollum, who missed a tackle on KhaDarel Hodge‘s game-winning 45-yard touchdown in overtime against the Falcons in Week 5, notched a crucial interception in the fourth quarter. Bowles had supported McCollum after the Atlanta loss, saying he played it correctly, going for the ball despite missing the tackle. His uplifting cool carried over.
“It’s everything,” McCollum said of that support. “If I don’t have my confidence, if I’m not playing confident, I’m a completely different player.”
IT’S WITH THAT same steadiness and resilience that the Bucs have managed to pull off major wins against the Washington Commanders, Detroit Lions and Philadelphia Eagles this season, despite not being at full strength for any one of those games.
Against Washington, they were forced to rely on backup safety/nickelback Christian Izien as an outside cornerback after McCollum, Bryce Hall and Josh Hayes all exited the game with injuries. The last time Izien played outside cornerback? His sophomore year of high school. He then spent the next four games subbing for All-Pro safety Antoine Winfield Jr. (foot).
They were also without starting right tackle Luke Goedeke for four games after he suffered a concussion in Week 1, with Mayfield taking five sacks against the Lions but coming away with a 20-16 win. By that game’s end, they were without defensive tackle Vita Vea, who suffered a sprained MCL, in addition to defensive tackle Calijah Kancey, their 2023 first-round draft pick, who had missed five games with a calf injury. They had to rely on backup Greg Gaines and practice squad callup C.J. Brewer.
They’ve gotten unexpected contributions from defensive lineman Logan Hall, who sacked Kirk Cousins twice in Week 5 and has three sacks this season after missing the opener with a foot injury.
Sean Tucker, their third-string running back whose career was stifled by a heart condition discovered at the NFL combine in 2023, had a career day against the Saints — rushing for 136 yards and a touchdown and adding 56 receiving yards and another score in his first extended action with Rachaad White out because of a foot injury.
His counterpart, Irving, a 2024 fourth-round draft pick, currently leads the team with 328 rushing yards and is averaging 5.7 yards per carry.
“You’ve got to adjust. You have to adjust,” Bowles said of injuries. “And guys make the team for a reason. You’ve got to know why they’ve made your team and put them in position to make plays. Everybody’s dealing with that and everybody’s adjusting differently. We like where we are right now.”
Bowles’ defense will be tested by the Ravens, who lead the league with 453.7 yards per game. Baltimore is the only team to score more touchdowns than the Bucs (20) on offense at 21, and Jackson has been the catalyst as he continues to make a case to repeat as the NFL’s MVP.
“First, you’ve got to pray,” pass game coordinator/inside linebackers coach Larry Foote said. “You’ve just got to pray. You’ve got to hope and you’ve got to wish. It’s going to take a group effort — even the [safeties]. Everybody is going to have to be responsible for him. At the end of the day, when he drops back and decides to run, it’s going to be a challenge. When he does get tackled, it’s a shoestring tackle — that’s when the prayers are going to be needed.”
If the Bucs can escape with a win, they would be 5-2 heading into a rematch with the Falcons (4-3) in Week 8 and a chance for redemption with first place in the division on the line.
Source
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/41888312/tampa-bay-buccaneers-hurricane-resiliency-todd-bowles-baltimore-ravens

The post Bucs’ Resilience Faces Tough Test Against Lamar Jackson and the Ravens appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.