In short, emotional contagion is catching the feelings of someone else. Some of us carry big emotions, others receive, and some do both. As we all grabble with this pandemic on our terms, sometimes the negative feelings of others can impact the hard work we are doing to stay positive.
So what can we do? How can we keep the emotions of others from impacting our peace?
Practice the noting technique.
When you feel an emotion overcoming you, practice the noting technique.
What is the noting technique?
First, when a thought comes into your head, label it out loud as feeling or thinking. Then say if it is positive, negative, or neutral. Then let it go.
This does not mean that we have to ignore our negative emotions. However, if we have caught the negative emotions of others, it can be helpful to note them and let them go.
Stop them from spreading.
In your own home or to your loved ones that you are talking to. We can all use positivity right now. So model the emotions that you want others to catch from you. Let your negative emotions out through noting or working out or maybe a craft of some kind. Then when you are back and centered, chat with your loved ones.
Give yourself grace.
These times are a lot. If you are having trouble noting or modeling good feelings for others, that’s okay. You do not have to be perfect and positive every day. Some days it is okay to feel bad but don’t stay there. Every day, practice noting, practice gratitude, practice self-care, and we will all make it through this.
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