In this post, I am writing some simple truths on how our brain works …. This is based on the books I have read and the knowledge I have gained in my study and work around learning, wellness and behaviour
Knowing how the brain works – has helped me immensely in my own wellness .
The brain is a powerful organ in our body; It is connected to our head -and so looks after -how we think and how we feel and then how we act
The Brain as a four layered box
Think of the brain as a four layered box- Each layer of the brain has a function and a role to play
The Stem of the brain The bottom most part of the brain is called the stem of the brain -the stem is very sensitive and it picks up any threats or insecurities that we feel-
Movement The thirdlayer – just on top of the stem looks after our movement .
Feelings : The second layer of the brain looks after our feelings. This part of the brain is also called the limbic region. Feelings of sadness, fear ( being scared) ,anger and happiness happen in this region of the brain
Learning The top most layer of the brain looks after how we think and how we learn.This part of the brain is also called the cortical region or the prefrontal cortex . Scientists say that this part of the brain can change and become stronger when we learn or when we enjoy new experiences.
Basic Facts
Sadness, fear ( being afraid) and anger are feelings that impact on your wellness. This means these feelings increase your stress levels and therefore not good for your health and well being.
When there is an increase in stress levels , we tend to become unwell
The three feelings that are not good for your wellness are also not good for your brain . This means when you feel sad or angry or scared , your brain is not going to be working at it`s best.
What happens to our brain when we feel sadness, anger or fear ( being scared ) ??
The brain is powerful organ of our body
The lowest part of the brain is the stem of the brain. The stem of the brain is highly sensitive ,It acts like a siren whenever we feel uncomfortable or not ok
So when we feel sad or angry or scared , the stem of the brain picks up the signals.
The stem then releases chemicals that travel up to our thinking part of the brain.
Just to make it easy lets call the chemicals as” clouds”.
ANGER
So when we feel angry – angry clouds are released into the brain that travels up to the thinking spot.It sits on the thinking spot and prevents us from learning and thinking clearly .
SADNESS
When we feel sad- sad clouds are released into the brain and it hits the thinking spot and prevents us from learning and thinking.
FEAR OR BEING SCARED
Similarly when we feel afraid or scared or in fear – we have these worried clouds that hit the thinking sport and stops us from learning and thinking clearly
It is okay to feel angry or sad or scared – these are emotions that we are always going to feel at different times in our lives .
CHECK IN AND BE MINDFUL
What we need to be mindful is – we need to keep these 3 clouds or feelings ( anger, scared ( fear) and sadness in check.
How do we keep them in check .- because for some of us – we have these feelings visit us almost everyday??
STEPS TO KEEP THE 3 CLOUDS AWAY
Make a plan
Follow simple excercises that allows us to feel stronger each day
Talk to a person that we trust
Think of or imagine a happy picture
Draw
Find a safe and quiet place
Focus on breathing
Listen to music
Choose to be kind
Reach 4 Art 