Emotional contagion is when feelings spread from one person to another. We naturally mimic each other for social safety and connection. It’s common in all relationships and can also affect entire populations.

Emotional Boundaries

There’s evidence that we all interact with and influence each other through our heart’s magnetic field. Emotional coherence can foster closeness, but it’s vital to know which emotions are yours and what belongs to others.

Coherence vs. Contagion

Emotional contagion is automatic, but coherence is a choice. Our feelings influence our thoughts, so it can be hard to tell which ones are yours. Build awareness by staying in touch with your body and training your mind.

Minimizing Mass Hysteria

Monitor your media to avoid emotional mass hysteria. Prioritize calm, self-regulated people and places. Make peace a daily practice so you can more easily get back to neutral when something upsetting happens.

Conclusion

Emotional contagion can build closeness if it’s not codependence. Practice mindfulness to discern which feelings are from outside influences. Manage what media you consume, set healthy boundaries, and prioritize peace.