The social nervous system absorbs others' emotions, so discernment with our interactions is important.
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CO-CEO, NEUROFIT
1 MINUTE READ
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UPDATED MAY 17, 2023
EMOTIONAL CONTAGION: WHY WE FEEL TIRED AROUND SOME PEOPLE
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.
WHAT IS 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.
HOW TO PREVENT SOCIAL FATIGUE
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.
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.