# Emotions as Decision Heuristics ## Notes Emotions are not something we should ignore or dismiss, but rather tools to point at a certain decision we should make, an additional source of information we should consider. Emotions are one of the main tool by which the brains tries to be "lazy" and save resources. It tries to (Related:: [[Prediction|predict]]) what it thinks going to happen, and the way we should act in the present to prepare for it. For example, that's why we experience (Jump:: [[Stress]]) before something happens, because the brain believes that by experiencing stress, we prepare the body for a scenario in advance so that we would have better outcomes. That is why emotions are something that should be (Supported:: [[Validation|embraced]]), and not ignored. Being stressed, angry or sad are not "bugs" in our minds, it's our mind's way of trying to help us. It wants us to succeed, not suffer. By accepting emotions, we both gain valuable information, we remove the negativity of the experience by changing our (Related:: [[Judgment|perspective]]) on them, while also reducing their power over us, or (Supports:: [[Emotional Aikido|using]]) them for our benefit. When emotions are information and nothing more, we are less likely to be (Weakens:: [[Emotional hijacking|hijacked]]) by them, because they will go as they came, in a minute or less. Additionally, emotions serve our wellbeing in a very complicated way. They are more than just tools for basic physical survival, now in the modern era they serve mostly as tools for social survival. Emotions, as with other aspects of human behavior are taught, not built. They are meant to serve as tools to navigate our(Jump:: [[Social Environment]]), that is why it is highly (Jump:: [[Context]]) dependent. Our brain comes ready to fill itself with new connections based on the signals we get from the environment. This gives us flexibility far beyond whichever hard coded rules that biology can offer. (Related:: [[Adaptability]]) That is why we tend to (Supported:: [[Mirroring|mirror]]) each other's emotions, because we wish to be in (Related:: [[Resonance|sync]]) with those around us. Sharing other's happiness is beneficial for our social status, while copying other's reactions for injustice can help us maintain the group's norms. ## Visual ![[Emotions as decision heuristics.webp]] ## Connections ```dataviewjs const queryPath = "Extras/Queries/connections_query.js" const queryContent = await dv.io.load(queryPath) dv.executeJs(queryContent); ``` ## Sources - Emotions rely on context and interpretation Defining emotions scientifically is challenging as it may not hold meaning. Emotions, thoughts, beliefs, and memories are all conjured by the brain in a similar fashion, utilizing different information to interpret the current situation. ([Time 0:08:48](https://share.snipd.com/snip/c5557641-601e-4157-97c1-16cdf5cb79db)) - Biological Synchronization in Social Interaction During social interactions, even with strangers, our biological signals can synchronize if we like each other and trust each other in the moment. This synchronization includes heart rates and breathing. Emotional contagion, a term often used, is a result of human nervous systems regulating each other because we are social animals. When someone else gets worked up, it is likely to affect and work up the other person too. People who say 'don't be sad or angry' may actually mean that they do not want to deal with those emotions themselves, leading to a desire for the other person to calm down. ([Time 0:26:51](https://share.snipd.com/snip/a5913aea-767f-4e5f-a742-dbcf032d441b)) - Empathy vs. Solutions in Relationships In relationships, people have different preferences for empathy or solutions when facing problems. Some prefer empathy to feel understood, while others seek practical solutions to feel better. It is important to ask the person what they need to determine the best approach in providing support. ([Time 0:50:55](https://share.snipd.com/snip/c0b4e274-1e77-426c-93a8-f326df4123ba)) ## Overview 🔼Topic:: [[Emotions (MOC)]] ↩️Origin:: 🔗Link:: %% # Excalidraw Data ## Text Elements Emotions as information ^AuCUc2u4 Let's fix this ^1kfOMUST Emotions are the body's reaction to the situation ^ltlVoAI0 ## Drawing ```json { "type": "excalidraw", "version": 2, "source": "https://github.com/zsviczian/obsidian-excalidraw-plugin/releases/tag/2.8.3", "elements": [ { "id": "AuCUc2u4", "type": "text", "x": -98.00001525878906, "y": -188.31771087646484, "width": 261.08467710771595, "height": 27.666671752929684, "angle": 0, "strokeColor": "#1e1e1e", "backgroundColor": "transparent", "fillStyle": "solid", "strokeWidth": 2, "strokeStyle": "solid", "roughness": 1, "opacity": 100, "groupIds": [], "frameId": null, "index": "a0", "roundness": null, "seed": 752254766, "version": 78, "versionNonce": 2095839214, "isDeleted": false, "boundElements": null, "updated": 1741585424056, "link": null, "locked": 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