How telework affects the brain and what to do about it

We use less of an important part of the nervous system

Most of those who constantly work remotely complain of loneliness and isolation from other people. As scientists have found, these sensations are closely related to the vagus nerve. It is the main component of the autonomic nervous system and the largest nerve in the body. It goes through the stomach, heart, larynx, face and reaches the brain.

The vagus nerve is divided into two branches with different functions. One, more primitive, originated in reptiles. Another appeared later in the first mammals. This second branch is associated with social interactions and it is she who affects our well-being when working remotely.

Every time we communicate with someone live, this branch of the vagus nerve is activated and "pumped" like a muscle.

Since interactions with people are always different, the vagus nerve receives a varied load: we either calm down a sad friend, then we quarrel with someone, then we rejoice together with a loved one. In different situations, the tone of the vagus nerve increases or decreases. These fluctuations affect heart rate, digestion, and other bodily functions. When we do not use this branch for a long time, problems arise.

We find ourselves in a vicious circle of loneliness

Gradually, the same thing happens to the nerve fibers as to the unused muscles - they begin to atrophy. Therefore, feeling lonely can be considered an emergency signal from the brain. He seems to be saying: “Help. We will soon lose the ability to connect with other people, which is necessary for survival. Please chat with someone, exercise your vagus nerve."

But most of us don't know what to do with loneliness. We are afraid of him.

Instead of going out and meeting people, we isolate ourselves even more. Over time, this turns into a vicious circle. The neural networks responsible for communication are weakening, and simple conversations no longer seem safe and pleasant to us. Communication begins to tire us, we withdraw into ourselves. And a chronic feeling of isolation leads to serious disorders - anxiety and depression.

Exercise your vagus nerve to get out of it

If you work remotely for long periods of time or are simply often lonely, start rebuilding your social interaction system.

1. Gradually increase the amount of communication

It will not be possible to start an active social life right away. Think about how long you've been feeling lonely. Maybe a month, maybe several years. These are completely different time frames that require a different approach. In any case, start gradually. For example:

arrange to meet with a friend and have coffee;
sign up for a gym and go to a class with someone you know;
if you are running, ask someone close to join you on the run;
search for workshops or activities related to your hobby;
if it seems to you that you have completely forgotten how to communicate, contact a psychotherapist.

2. Make communication regular

The social interaction system will not recover in one meeting or one conversation. Try to make communication a permanent part of your life. If a friend is working close to you, arrange to have lunch together. If you work in a coworking space, hang out with one of the neighbors during breaks. In your free time, go to courses or workouts and meet new people.

3. Don't mix loneliness and fear

Loneliness is just a signal that you need to go out and talk. It is often accompanied by fear: it does not allow us to make contact. Try to separate these two sensations from each other. This will make it easier to figure out what to do next.

4. Don't be limited to short phrases

Remote workers are often advised to work from a coffee shop or coworking space, but that alone doesn't solve the problem. You can feel lonely among a large number of people. A couple of phrases with which you are transferred from the barista are not enough to restore the system of social interaction.

Look for ways to deepen your communication. Try to do a joint project with your coworking neighbors. Start conversations about interesting topics, share something about yourself. So you will find new friends and pump your vagus nerve.