Sharing Is Nice… Unless It’s Stress!
Viruses aren’t the only thing that’s contagious. So is stress!
Mirror neurons are parts of our brain that help us to empathize with others. They’re the reason why we yawn when someone around us yawns or smile when someone smiles. But, they can work for picking up negativity and stress as well.
Researchers think it is part of our biological make up to perceive potential threats in our environment and notice those threats from others. This reminds me of how zebras stand looking in opposite directions watching for danger. These mirror neurons are meant to protect us.
A group of researchers found that 26% of people showed elevated levels of the stress hormone, cortisol, just by observing someone who was stressed! Second-hand stress is much more contagious from a romantic partner (40%) than a stranger, but even just watching a stressful event on video with strangers, 24% still showed a stress response.
Apparently, you don’t have to see or hear someone to pick up their stress; you can actually smell them! Stress causes people to sweat special stress hormones, that others can pick up. Amazingly, our brains can even detect whether it’s low stress or high stress.
Use these tips from the Harvard Business Review to lessen the effects of second-hand stress:
1. Change your response: The Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence, found that if you create a positive mindset about stress and stop fighting it, you can experience a 23% drop in the negative effects of stress. Remember, stress has some positives. It can help up develop greater mental toughness, deeper relationships, heightened awareness, new perspectives, and a greater appreciation for life. It also gives you the opportunity to practice compassion by supporting those around you who are stressed.
2. Shift the negativity: The first comment in a conversation often predicts the outcome. Try to start your phone calls not with “I’m swamped” or “I’m so busy.” Instead, start with a breath and calmly say: “It’s great to talk to you.”
3. Focus on your successes and your resiliency: Often, we reflect on the final product, but the process usually involves an element of stress, which you overcame to achieve your past successes!
4. During times of stress, start your day on a positive note: focus on moments of gratitude, journaling or even thinking about a positive experience, 30 minutes of cardio or meditating for two minutes can all be a great way to start your day!
All of these techniques help us create boundaries from other people’s stress. On that same note, our mindset affects others! In your interactions, reflect on what energy you’re sharing as a giver and receiver. When we’re mindful, we can reflect positivity, calmness and compassion, allowing others to respond to our positive mirror neurons. Which is a good thing!