Nerd Tip :: Stress is Contagious
Ideation + Evidence-Based Exercise
We’ve all been there…
After speaking with someone have you ever felt a complete drain?
Walking into a high energy room, do you feel you leave with it all sucked out of you, nothing left to give?
Even witnessing someone feeling overwhelmed, agitated or in panic - have you found yourself feeling pulled in a similar direction?
All of which can happen - whether we’re in close proximity or observing from afar.
For now, let’s focus on the leaky situation…
Replay, Nerd Tip :: cortisol, our primary stress hormone, literally leaks out of our bodies during times of stress through sweat and breath
>> the spread can make its way to others anywhere from (8) up to (20) feet wide
>> stress molecules can also hang in the air in closed or crowded places
When we catch stress from others, the impact is very similar to if we were under stress ourselves.
>> think :: activation of the default mode network in our brain - our system that controls rumination - potentially disrupting our cognitive clarity + emotional balance
>> even short exposures has proven to throw off homeostasis :: our body’s ability to remain balanced + stable among our internal environment despite external conditions.
This is exactly why it is so key that we are aware, not only of those around us - but ourselves so we are not also spreading our stress wealth.
Let’s exercise awareness…
(1) Body Awareness
>> scan for tension :: most times stress shows up within our body first - well before our brain catches on
(jaw <> shoulders <> fists <> breath)
>> prompts
- where am I holding heaviness right now?
- is my breath fast or shallow?
- am I clenching or tightening anywhere?
(2) Behavioral Cues
>> stress leaks through ::
- rushing or interrupting
- snarky tone
- over-explaining
- repeatedly apologizing
- desire to always be in control
(3) Stress Ladder Awareness
>> stress can move up or down a ladder - being able to name our zone brings awareness to our + others influence
- top :: fight / flight
(frustrated, anxious)
- middle :: regulated
(present, grounded)
- bottom :: freeze
(checked out, avoidant)
>> internally get curious about the experience we’re having and/or the human(s) we’re around ::
- are we grounded + connected?
- are we being activated?
- are we shutting down?
All in all :: through the above practice, we’ll become more aware of ourselves and those we care about by fully understanding what’s happening when we’re stressed…
>> do we talk fast?
>> do we get quiet?
>> do we people please?
>> do we withdraw?
Knowing truly is half the battle - we’ll be able to catch ourselves in the midst then pivot.
Our calm is contagious too - but we must choose it, spreading a lighter way of living!
Feeling inspired? Interested in more?
Check out other Vision Velocity Programming (VVP)
