Co-regulation — the calming of our nervous system through connection with a regulated other — is one of the most powerful and underappreciated body positivity interventions.
What Co-Regulation Is and Why It Matters for Body Positivity
Humans are social mammals whose nervous systems are literally designed to be regulated through connection. When someone calm and safe is with us, our nervous systems naturally mirror theirs.
This is why body positivity tends to worsen in isolation and improve with genuine connection.
Co-Regulation in Body Positivity Treatment
The therapeutic relationship provides co-regulation — a calm, regulated presence that directly helps the client's nervous system settle during body positivity.
Safe relationships in daily life serve the same function. This is part of why social isolation is so damaging for body positivity.
Building Co-Regulatory Relationships for Body Positivity
- Identify people whose presence tends to calm rather than activate your body positivity
- Intentionally spend time with these people during difficult body positivity periods
- Pets provide co-regulation for many people with body positivity
- Therapeutic relationships (therapist, psychiatrist) provide professional co-regulation