#47: How our brains work
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One of the many consequences of the pandemic is that most of us have become far better acquainted with our own minds — for better or for worse.
Cut off from social interactions, deprived in too many cases of the daily occupation of work — and the sense of purpose and focus that provides — at the very least we’ve had a lot more time to think. And it’s highly likely that those thoughts we’ve encountered have explored the realms of worry, anxiety, stress and depression which, whilst sad and concerning, has at least had the positive upside of bringing the conversation around mental health mainstream. We no longer need to struggle along in silence, because it’s OK to admit that we’re not OK all of the time.
Meanwhile, more and more resources are becoming available to help us process what’s happening in our minds and to better understand the dynamics — and the biology — at play.
And that brings us to the theme of this week’s The Power Up: How our brains work; as we explore the topic from a range of angles, dispelling commonly held myths and exploring the latest scientific research.
In this week’s edition:
- Your brain doesn’t work the way you think it does
- How your brain decides to put effort in
- Five surprising ways exercise changes your brain
- Novelty & the brain: Why new things make us feel so good
- Why mental self-awareness is good for your brain
- How to be a genius
Plus loads of bonus content too…
As ever, I hope this week’s Power Up helps you understand yourself a little better, and that you learn something you didn’t know before
Enjoy…
Your brain doesn’t work the way you think it does
Contrary to common understanding our brains’ most important job is not thinking or seeing or feeling, or doing any of the things that we associate with being important for being human.
Understanding its true function can help us appreciate our thoughts, moods, reactions, energy and everything else in an entirely new light as this GQ feature explores.
How your brain decides to put effort in
Researchers now have clear visual evidence that a region of the human brain known as the ventral striatum kicks in during decision-making to weigh the costs versus the benefits of making a physical effort.
Five surprising ways exercise changes your brain
Physically active people tend to be happier, more satisfied in life, with a stronger sense of purpose, love, hope and many other positive side effects.
But why is movement linked to such a wide range of psychological benefits?
Novelty & the brain: Why new things make us feel so good
Why are we drawn to shiny new things like new gadgets, new jobs, or even new email?
Why mental self-awareness is good for your brain
The human brain possesses a remarkable capability that most take for granted and few fully appreciate: It can watch itself work.
Termed metacognition, there’s evidence that practicing this sort of mental self-awareness holds immense therapeutic power.
BONUS CONTENT
- Free Guide: The Better Mental Health For Men Toolbox
- Manning up: Men, masculinity & mental health
- How to be a genius
- Your wandering mind is a feature, not a bug
- The neuroscience of creativity
- How meditation can change your life & mind, with Sam Harris, Jon Kabatt-Zinn & more
- How to program your subconscious mind to move toward your ideal future self
- How to coach your brain to boost your mental fitness
THANKS FOR READING
I hope you found something valuable in this The Power Up.
If you did, and would like to receive this in your inbox each week, you can sign-up here.
See you next time, Adam
