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