The Nerve! Emotional Support Humans

Pets are great for emotional support and they can help regulate the nervous system. But never underestimate the power of the right human connections to support you. The benefits of human connection help regulate the nervous system and in some cases can assist in healing it. A supportive presence calms the nervous system.

Social Support and Connection:  Human connection is a powerful regulator of the nervous system. This is often called co-regulation – when you’re with someone who is calm, caring, and attuned to you, your body can literally sync up and become calmer. -Associated Clinic of Psychology

I can give you an example of how many people feel about support groups. Some people think when you say a support group, it means you have to leave your home and go to a physical location. Some think it means being in a setting of large number of people. When it comes to a caregiver support group many balk at the idea because they first thing that comes to mind is: I don’t have time for that! Well, if you are online or watch TV you do have time for an online support group. You just have to find one that is right for you because not all support groups online are regulated and have admins that care. And like any group, there will be disruptors. There will mean and miserable people. There will people who were just having a bad day. You will need to disregard those people and move on. You can block them and not ever see a thing they post in the group.

I am in a supportive caregiver group and it helps. It also helps because you, too contribute to the group, whatever group you may find, with your own wisdom, ideas, and insight. It’s a give and take. Or at least it should be. But let’s just not stop with online groups. Let’s talk about the importance of talking, sitting with, visiting, socializing with a real human being or human beings. There is nothing like your hand being held. There is nothing like a good hugs (I love a good hug and I am a good hugger). You know the kind of hugs that send soothing energy to your body? Yes, that regulates the nervous system. Sometimes just sitting with a person and having coffee or tea and not talking about your problems can help. It gives you a sense of normalcy. There is nothing like sharing laughs with other human beings.

Last week I was out running errands and I am certain I had the most angry look on my face. I know because I could felt like my face was of that of a mountain. So much going on in my world. I didn’t have music on or a podcast as I drove around because I didn’t want to hear anything or anyone! I could care less about anyone’s thoughts or anyone’s rhythm and blues.

As I pulled up to the intersection and traffic light. The sun glared into my vehicle and face. It was golden. I love the golden light of the sun. It reminds me of the light coming into my hot pink childhood room. It always turned the yellow sunlight golden and if it were already golden; magnificent! So, I am sitting there and a car pulls up one lane over. No one between us. An older man, old enough to be my uncle says, “I see the sun shining but I see a real sun shining right here! Look at you glowing! You go on and enjoy your evening beautiful!” I couldn’t do anything but smile. I had not smiled all day. I was stressed. But it lighten the tension in my body and after dinner I did an hour of yin yoga. I chuckled anytime I thought about that stranger. I thought about the times I, too, have spoke a kind word or complimented someone and how there facial expression changes. Or just hearing a simple, “Thank you. I needed that.” Whatever that is that cannot replaced by technology no matter how sophisticated it becomes, is the THAT which only “beings” not doings can do.

Support groups and social clubs, volunteer groups are ways to stay connected to people that can help regulate your nervous system.

~Nikki