The phenomenon of emotional contagion is well-documented: we automatically absorb and attune to the emotions of others around us. This is especially true when it comes to negative emotions like anxiety, stress, and fear.
When we are constantly exposed to these emotions, our own nervous system can become overloaded, leading to social fatigue.
Social fatigue is a state of exhaustion that can be caused by exposure to too much social interaction. It is characterized by feelings of irritability, anxiety, and depression. This can be a result of constantly being around other people, such as in a crowded city, or of being exposed to negative emotions on a regular basis.
While it may not seem like a big deal, social fatigue can actually have a serious impact on our health. When our nervous system is constantly overloaded, it can lead to problems with regulation, which can in turn lead to physical and mental health problems.
There are a few things that you can do to avoid social fatigue. First, try to limit your exposure to negative emotions and interactions that do not feel nourishing. If you know that you’re going to be around people who are stressed or anxious, try to reset your nervous system with a BALANCE exercise before and after. And ensure you have time to relax and recharge, away from other people.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by social interaction, it’s important to take steps to avoid social fatigue. By doing so, you’ll be able to better protect your health and well-being.
On average, NEUROFIT members who prioritize avoiding social fatigue report 14% more balanced check-ins and 10% higher HRV.
Andrew is Co-CEO at NEUROFIT, and a Caltech graduate with 10 years of tech + product experience touching millions of lives at NASA, Snapchat, Headspace, Yale's Center For Emotional Intelligence, and his own wellness startups.
After facing two decades of chronic stress, burnout and C-PSTD, he launched NEUROFIT to provide an effective, data-driven, and accessible solution to these challenges.
