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Writer's pictureCoach Gabbi Bloom

Why and How Your Emotions are Contagious

As it turns out, emotions are contagious.


Happiness, sadness, joy, and motivation affect not only you, but the people around you. And the other way around. Other people’s thoughts and feelings can affect our thoughts and feelings, which feed back into the system to maintain the vibe of the group.


Studies suggest that other people’s moods can be “caught” just like catching a cold. You can be infected with someone’s happiness — or sadness.


Another study showed that if you’re in the same room as people who are driven, you will be driven as well. But, if you share a room with people who are half-hearted or uncaring, you’ll end up the same regardless of how happy and positive you are.


Emotions come through virtually too! For example, receiving a sad text message can bring your mood down just like a happy text or post can change your mood in a positive way.


This phenomenon is called emotional contagion, wherein someone’s emotions transfer to another. It can involve tons of different emotions such as sad, angry, motivated, fearful, enthusiastic, etc.


All of the studies point to the same idea – we reflect the people around us.

When we see someone experiencing something, we trigger our emotions and sensations as if we feel the same.


It’s smart to connect with people who you aspire to be like, because motivation is contagious. In situations you don’t have as much control over (such as living with a negative family member), having awareness of how fast negative emotions can spread lets you control your response and break the ‘cycle’ by influencing those around you.


When you’re feeling happy, you’re predicted to spread that too!


As cliche as it sounds, there is power in positivity. Foreseeing happiness, health, and success rather than expecting the worst can alter your thinking and make positive results more likely! Not to mention, you will be THAT person who people want to connect with because your influence is so strong.


If lately you’re not feeling motivated, have low self esteem, or “in a funk”, it might be time to take an audit of your inner circle. Your “tribe” (aka the ones you spend the most time with) have a big influence over you.


Think back to the last time something really great happened to you, and you shared that with someone. What was their response? Were they as excited as you were, or not interested at all? If they were anything other than ecstatic, these people may not be ideal for your personal or physical growth - in fact, they can be what's holding you back for your true potential.


Remember, the people you surround yourself with or who are in your tribe are the ones who have the biggest influence over you and your emotions.


That’s why being a part of a group such as our All-Tru community is so powerful! Between coaches and our clients, we’re always there for each other. Our community is all about positivity, encouragement, hyping each other up, and just overall keeping the good vibes going.


Lastly, there are two key takeaways:


Don’t allow people into your inner circle on a regular basis that you wouldn’t want to be like yourself.


The energy you attract makes ALL the difference. Think positive and let the good vibes flow!


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