30/04/2023
Thanks to .wiens for this beautiful graphic about co-regulation; a powerful and effective tool, especially when used by parents and teachers. Co-regulation can take place in romantic relationships, friendships, and workplace interactions too.
Our bodies are attuned to other humans, so we can use this subconscious process to alter one’s physiological response by using the biochemistry of the other person's body. It's a natural way to manage stress!
Recent research has shown that when two people get close, the electromagnetic fields created by their hearts 🫀💢🫀 become synchronized. This activates our parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) which tells our bodies to relax. It slows our heart rate, breathing, decreases blood pressure, and promotes feelings of calm. It can also increase vagal tone, which improves emotional resilience and physical immunity.
During a child’s episode of emotional dysregulation, parents and teachers can use self-regulation strategies, such as taking deep breaths, stretching or shaking body parts, and engaging in positive self-talk. This allows the child’s body to receive signals of safety and tune into our calm when they can’t find their own channel. A hug is the fastest way to achieve this! 🫂
Research has also shown that when we see a smiling face, our brains respond by increasing positive emotions, reward processing, and social cognition. This suggests that seeing a happy face can activate our own positive emotions and promote social bonding, which also helps us switch into our PNS 😃
