How remote work affects the brain and what to do

We employ the less important part of the nervous system

Most of those who are constantly working remotely, complains of loneliness and isolation from other people. As foundUpward spirals of the heart: Autonomic flexibility, as indexed by vagal tone, reciprocally and prospectively predicts positive emotions and social connectedness scientists, these feelings are closely connected with the vagus nerve. This is the main component of the autonomic nervous system and is the largest nerve in the body. It passes through the stomach, heart, throat, face, and comes to the brain.

The vagus nerve is dividedThe polyvagal theory: New insights into adaptive reactions of the autonomic nervous system into two branches with different functions. One, more primitive, originated more reptiles. Others came later in the first mammals. This second branch is connected with social interactions and that it affects our well-being for remote sessions.

Every time we talk to someone in person, this branch of the vagus nerve is activated and "pumped", like a muscle.

Since the interaction with people is always different, the vagus nerve receives a variety of load we then reassure grustyaschego other, quarrel with someone, you rejoice with my boyfriend. In different situations, vagal tone is increased or decreased. These fluctuations affect the heart rate, digestion and other body functions. When we long without using this branch, there are problems.

We find ourselves in a vicious circle of loneliness

Gradually, with the nerve fibers occurs the same as the unused muscles - they begin to atrophyNeurological effects of moving from an enriched environment to social isolation in adult mice. Therefore, the feeling of loneliness can be regarded as an emergency signal from the brain. He seems to be saying: "Help. We will soon lose the ability to establish contacts with other people, and it is necessary for survival. Please, talk to someone, to practice your vagus nerve. "

But most of us do not know what to do with loneliness. We are afraid of him.

Rather than go out and meet with people, we isolate ourselves even more. Over time, it becomes a vicious circle. Neural networks, responsible for communication, weaken, and simple conversations do not seem to us to be safe and enjoyable. Communication starts to bore us, we turn in on themselves. A chronic feeling of isolation leadsLong-Term Isolation Elicits Depression and Anxiety-Related Behaviors by Reducing Oxytocin-Induced GABAergic Transmission in Central Amygdala to serious violations - anxiety and depression.

To get out of it, to exercise our vagus nerve

If you are a long time working remotely or just often feel lonely, begin to restore the system of social interaction.

1. Gradually increase the amount of communication

Heal an active social life at once will not work. Remember how many times you already feel lonely. Maybe a month, maybe even a few years. This is a completely different terms, which require a different approach. In any case, start slowly. For example:

• arrange to meet a friend and a cup of coffee;
• join a gym and go to practice with someone of your friends;
• if you run, ask someone from the family to join you for a jog;
• look for workshops or events related to your hobby;
• If you think that you have forgotten how to communicate at all, consult a therapist.

2. Make regular communication

social interaction system is not restored in a single meeting or a conversation. Try to make communication a permanent part of life. If one of my friends works near you, arrange dinner together. If you are working in coworking communicate with someone of the neighbors during the breaks. In his spare time go to courses or training and get acquainted with new people.

3. Do not confuse loneliness and fear

Loneliness - it's just a signal, saying that you need to go somewhere and talk. Often it is accompanied by fear: it was he who does not allow us to go on contact. Try to separate the two from each other sensations. So it will be easier to understand what to do next.

4. Not limited to short phrases

Udalonschikam often advised to work from coffeehouse or coworking, but by itself it does not solve the problem. You can feel lonely among the large number of people. A pair of phrases that you will spread to the barista is not sufficient to restore the system of social interaction.

Look for ways to deepen communication. Try to do a joint project with neighbors in coworking. Start a conversation on interesting topics, share something about yourself. So you can find new friends and pump your vagus nerve.