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Understanding how to manage stress and emotional well-being is more important than ever. One idea that stands out in this area is coregulation. But what is coregulation in the nervous system, and how can it help us achieve a balanced state of being?
Coregulation refers to the process by which two or more individuals influence, attune to, and support each other's emotional states and nervous systems.
Coregulation involves engaging the parasympathetic (rest and digest) part of the nervous system system to help calm and balance the body.
When two people engage in coregulation, their nervous systems communicate through non-verbal cues like eye contact, facial expressions, and body language.
This interaction can help to synchronize their emotional states, leading to a more balanced and regulated nervous system.
When it does, they'll both end up in the Ventral Vagal state at the top of the NEUROFIT Ring:
The NEUROFIT Ring shows the six possible nervous system states, and the transitions between them.
Coregulation can manifest in various ways in our daily lives:
Parent-Child Interaction: A parent soothing their crying baby with gentle rocking and soft speech.
Romantic Partners: Couples holding hands or hugging to comfort each other during stressful times.
Support Settings: A nervous system coach using active listening and empathetic responses to help a client feel understood and supported.
Friendships: Friends sharing a laugh or a heartfelt conversation to lift each other's spirits.
Understanding what causes nervous system dysregulation can help us appreciate the value of coregulation. Some common factors include:
Trauma: Past traumatic experiences can leave lasting imprints on the nervous system.
Poor Lifestyle Habits: Inadequate sleep, poor diet, and lack of physical activity can contribute to nervous system imbalance.
Chronic Stress: Long-term exposure to stressors can build up in the body and overload the nervous system.
Chronic stress builds up in the nervous system, leading to mental and physical health challenges.
Adding coregulation into your life can be straightforward with immediate benefits. Here are some practical ways to do so:
Being fully present with someone can significantly impact their emotional state. Practice active listening and maintain eye contact to show that you are genuinely engaged.
Simple gestures like holding hands, hugging, or a gentle pat on the back can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and connection.
Engage in activities that both you and your partner enjoy. This could be anything from taking a walk together to sharing a meal.
Encourage open and honest communication. Discussing feelings and concerns helps to build trust and emotional intimacy, which are essential for effective coregulation.
Ensure that the physical and emotional environment is safe and supportive. A calm and comfortable setting can make it easier for individuals to engage in coregulation.
If you and your partner are facing a challenge together, I'd highly recommend doing a somatic exercise like Cannon breath or Body Shaking together.
Due to coregulation, you'll benefit from being in each others' presence while doing so:
At NEUROFIT, we have seen firsthand the transformative power of coregulation. When Andrew and I started exploring nervous system regulation, we realized how much our interactions could positively affect each other's emotional states.
By practicing mindful presence, open communication and somatic exercises, we learned how to better support each other through challenging times.
Our app, NEUROFIT, combines these ideas by encouraging users to check in with their nervous system daily and engage in exercises that promote balance and regulation. We've found that 95% of app members report immediate stress relief after just five minutes of our BALANCE exercises.
The NEUROFIT App's smart exercise library matches you with exercises that relieve stress within three minutes.
Coregulation is the process by which two or more individuals support and influence each other's emotional states and nervous systems, promoting balance and reducing stress.
Coregulation engages the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps to calm and balance the body for both people invovled. This can reduce stress and promote a sense of connection and safety.
Yes, coregulation can be practiced with anyone you have a meaningful connection with, such as family members, friends, romantic partners, or even a trusted nervous system coach.
NEUROFIT supports coregulation by encouraging users to check in with their nervous system daily and engage in exercises that promote balance and regulation. With a balanced nervous system, it will be much easier for you to coregulate with your loved ones.
Coregulation is a powerful tool for maintaining a balanced nervous system. By adding these practices into our daily lives, we can experience improved emotional stability, reduced stress, and a greater sense of connection with others.
