A quick explanation of the different ways family and friendships can impact the nervous system.
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CO-CEO, NEUROFIT
1 MINUTE READ
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UPDATED MAY 17, 2023
THE VARYING EFFECTS OF SOCIAL CONNECTIONS
The positive effects of the people closest to us on the nervous system are numerous. They can help us to feel loved, supported, and secure, provide us with a sense of belonging and purpose, and also help us to learn and grow.
When we feel nourished and supported by friends and family, we feel more confident and capable - and this is reflected in the overall balance of the nervous system. This is due to the emotional contagion effect - the nervous system's automatic process of absorbing the emotions and belief systems of those we spend the most time with.
EMOTIONAL CONTAGION AS A SOURCE OF DYSREGULATION
However, emotional contagion works both ways - the negative effects of the people closest to us who we do not find nourishing can also be absorbed by the nervous system. This can lead to feelings of insecurity, anxiety, and even depression if we are attuning to people who we feel drained and fatigued around. Often times the feelings are not even our own, so much as picked up from those around us.
This phenomenon is commonly labeled in society as the "energy vampire" effect. Interestingly enough, there is a scientific basis for this - and it lies in the nervous system.
Therefore, it is important to be aware of the emotional states of those around us and to choose our relationships wisely. When we are surrounded by people who nourish us, our nervous system reflects this, and we are more likely to feel happy and healthy across all facets of life.
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.
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.
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.
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.