No one in 2020 needs a reminder on how quickly viruses can spread!
The field of computational social sciences and epidemiology are surprisingly similar. Social science has shown how our emotions spread, for better or for worse, affecting everything from weight and alcohol consumption to general happiness and workplace civility.
Just like a viral transmission, emotions can create a significant domino effect on our families and workplaces.
Although negative emotions seem to be even more contagious than positive ones, the good news is that every individual in a social network can respond and “re-wire” the network for the better. Emotions like optimism, kindness, or gratitude can spread to all our networks – either real or virtually.
Which emotions do you want to catch and spread today?
Try the following:
1. Smile–even while wearing a mask! Body language experts tell us that we can perceive a smile even while if a mouth is masked.
2. Send someone a thoughtful text, reminding them of a memory you share and that you are grateful to have them in your life.
3. Studies show when we appreciate nature, we are happier. Look around, take a walk outside and appreciate the gifts nature offers. See what positive emotions this brings to you and how you can, in turn, pass those emotions on to others.
