Time to be Contagious!

“Emotions are contagious.  We’ve all known this experientially.”  Daniel Goleman, PhD (expert on Emotional and Social Intelligence)

We’ve all experienced those times when we were impacted, positively or negatively, by the emotions of those around us.  I sure have!  In fact, it’s happened multiple times this past week.  We may not be as aware of the times when others are being impacted, positively or negatively, by our own emotions.  This past year of multiple COVID restrictions and racial, economic, and political unrest has catalyzed a lot of negative emotion, both expressed and pent up.  So now as we begin to “open up” more, the circumstances are ripe for a wave of “emotional contagion.”  Will yours be positive or negative? 

To prevent adversely contaminating others (or they you) with negative emotions, consider taking some deliberate steps.  This can start with being sure to “inoculate yourself” through attending to your own well-being, which includes adequate sleep, a healthy diet, regular exercise, and taking time to spiritually ground yourself through a practice of meditation and/or prayer.  For many this might also include limiting media coverage and other social media outlets.

Being aware of those circumstances that “set you off” as well as those that bring out the best in you and attenuating the former while accentuating the later can also be helpful.  When you are feeling overwhelmed, consider taking a “pause.”  This can provide time for you to reframe the situation so you can thoughtfully respond rather than emotionally react.  Inviting others to provide you feedback (including your PeerRx buddy) when you are “going negative” can also be a gift. 

We’re not through the pandemic yet, but there is hope on the horizon.  Even in this time of ongoing caution, why not look for every opportunity to ground yourself in that hope and spread it to others by expressing your best self and encouraging the best from them.  Doing so will leverage the power of positive contagion.  You, and all your ‘contacts,” will be glad you did.