Our environment influences our nervous system and emotions, largely beyond our awareness.
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CO-CEO, NEUROFIT
1 MINUTE READ
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UPDATED MAY 17, 2023
THE LIVING ENVIRONMENT
Our external environment influences our nervous system and emotions in a number of ways that are largely unconscious. Your environment can include your home, your workplace, the city in which you live and places you frequently visit.
Neuroception is a term coined by Stephen Porges and it’s used to describe the process that the brain undergoes to immediately recognize danger and keep us safe. This process of scanning for danger occurs outside of our conscious awareness.
A great question to ask yourself is - does my current environment communicate safety to my nervous system and make me feel safe?
WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR
A few things to look out for that may be affecting your nervous system are noise pollution/unwanted noise, toxins like mold or pollution, unpleasant smells or odors, clutter, and individuals who your nervous system doesn't feel safe around.
ENVIRONMENTAL DISCERNMENT
You can improve your environment by introducing more soothing sounds and scents, de-cluttering the living space, ensuring access to fresh air and proper sunlight, setting up the bedroom to facilitate proper rest, and introducing objects that inspire creativity and relaxation.
Given the immediate impact of environment on the nervous system, we recommend checking in with yourself completing regular “environmental audits” of your workspace and living space.
80% of the nerves in the human body are "afferent" - running from body to brain. Under stress, when the nervous system and thinking brain tell different stories, the nervous system almost always wins.
NeuroFit is a nervous system trainer. Through daily check-ins, biometric measurements via your phone's camera, and tailored exercises, it removes stress at the source. Available for iOS & Android.
Social Attunement is the nervous system's automatic matching of the emotions of other people. The effect of this automatic process can be both positive or negative, depending on the state of the person being attuned to.
Learn about the nervous system and relieve stress at the source with NeuroFit - available for iOS and Android.
Discernment is the practice of avoiding that which adds unnecessary strain to the nervous system to ensure proper balance. With NeuroFit this includes avoiding online stress, alcohol and substances, eating within 3 hours of bedtime, and social fatigue.
Learn about the nervous system and relieve stress at the source with NeuroFit - available for iOS and Android.
Emotional contagion is the nervous system's automatic absorption of the emotions of other people. In these cases, the emotions are not one's own, but left unchecked, this can still lead to dysregulation.
Learn about the nervous system and relieve stress at the source with NeuroFit - available for iOS and Android.