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