Emotional Contagion
This is what researchers call when we mimic the expressions and the emotions of the people around us.
The phrase "misery loves company" is a widely-used term and it seems that there is truth behind the phrase. Emotional contagion happens because of the mirror neuron system. Our neurons fire up when we behave in certain ways and is a probable explanation for how we experience empathy towards others.
MORE IDEAS FROM THE ARTICLE
- Surround yourself with things that make you happy
- Send back positivity to others
- Practice self-awareness to recognize what is happening in the present moment better
- Laugh out loud
- Try not to take things personally.
- Mimicry - emotions are starting to be recognized, subtle copying of gestures or facial expressions
- Feedback - here is where we begin to experience the emotion being expressed towards us
- Contagion - the emotions evoked in us has to be expressed or related to others to provide release.
RELATED IDEAS
Emotional contagion is linked to many psychological studies on social behaviour.
- Anger at the workplace has been linked to more workplace accidents and cognitive errors.
- Taking breaks from social media leads to a positive effect, as there is less social comparison and less of negative exposure.
- The 1967 ‘Summer Of Love’ in the United States was a series of large gatherings of young people spreading peace, love and generosity, leading to positive emotional contagion.
Working in a negative environment can make you feel more miserable, and sharing a roof with a negative person can make you feel depressed.
We can try to withdraw from unhappy people, but when we really love others who are suffering, we want to help, not avoid them. We can help them by accepting their emotions while not giving up our own happiness.
- Working to inspire and motivate those around;
- Focus on collaboration between team members, which creates synergy and a better experience for employees;
- “Walking the talk,” or act with integrity and honesty with every team member;
- Building trust: consistently acting with integrity and honesty;
- Developing and supporting others, and celebrating their successes;
- Building relationships, which communicates that each team member is valued.
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