Optimal Brain: Balanced Connections
The brain needs balanced connections within its networks.
A very big, special network called the Default Mode Network (DMN) is activated when we’re resting but awake, like when our mind is just wandering.
We need this network to be working when we’re not actively focusing on anything because it integrates information in the brain. It helps us learn, form new memories, evolve as a person.
But we also need to switch to other networks quickly whenever we need to focus on something in particular.
The DMN functions optimally at a medium level of connection with itself, meaning the flows of electricity and chemicals within it need to be balanced.
People with high stress have a level of DMN connectivity that’s too high.
Even though being more connected seems like a good thing, the DMN has lower electrical activity for people with high stress. The high level of connectivity maybe wears the network out.
Basically, when we have high stress, we’re not resting fully even when we’re not doing anything else.
Tell me about it.
People who are depressed, on the other hand, have too low a level of DMN connectivity. Not enough connections between DMN neurons.
In depression, the DMN has normal activation while resting, but it’s harder to switch from the resting DMN to a “focused attention” network.
The depressed DMN mirrors the depressive mood of not wanting to do anything but chill.
Optimal functioning of the DMN has a balanced flow, so it’s fully active while we’re resting, allowing us to make sense of the information we’re taking in from the world, but it can “go to sleep” and let a focus-oriented network drive when we need to sit up straight and pay attention.
This points us to the importance of balancing effort and rest in our goals.
When our goals create stress, they mess with the rest of our brains. Prolonged exposure can change our resting brain networks like the DMN.
Having inadequate DMN activation means we’re not fully integrating and understanding what we’re learning and experiencing.
That’s bad for goals.
To keep DMN in the middle range of connectivity, so it’s active when we’re at rest and not active when we’re focusing, balance in our mind and body is key.
Effort and rest.
Effort and rest.
