An Epitome of Power & Flexibility: Our Brain
Among the most vital organs of the human body, the brain is coined to be the most complex yet most flexible organ. Just as we navigate through multiple applications running in the memory of our phones, which proves the efficiency of our phones, so does our brain! We term cognitive flexibility as the psychological ability to switch our thoughts between multiple concepts at the same time, whether it happens through conscious or unconscious efforts. Cognitive flexibility is said to vary throughout the lifespan of individuals.
Interestingly, we observe that our cognitive flexibility and intelligence quotient differs from one individual to another, though the physical circuit set-up of the brain is closely the same for all humans. Ever wondered how could this happen then? Not just that, we individually excel in different professions too! Some of us specialize in science and technology, other take creativity by storm. All of us have one major thing in common, that’s right- the brain!
Core talents and fundamental capabilities
Study of the human brain reveals that our core talents and fundamental capabilities are determined based on the pattern of neuron structure in our brain. The basic structure remains the same, that’s how basic functions in our body and day-to-day life are performed, for instance walking step after step, yet dancers seem to walk more gracefully, athletes tend to have a faster pace. Apart from such distinctive features, we differ in our perspectives. Thus, a bit of a fine-tuning in the circuit of the brain differs amongst individuals and that’s how each of us is individualistic and unique in what we do.
A set of the skills
A set of the skills are pre-determined since the formation of cells in the mother’s womb, also nurturing and developing upon these skills continues way beyond after birth as well. The circuit of our brain is designed to develop on such skills and as well adapt and learn new things as we grow during a specific period of time, which is referred to as the “critical period’s concept”.Therefore we watch how kids grasp new languages and know to speak in the right language with the right people, that’s because they transit through the critical period phase.
Ways to increase the flexibility of the brain:-
1. Exercising shall be the first priority, not only does it improve memory and cognitive abilities, it can protect the brain in resistance to degeneration.
2. Developing a retrieval strategy helps recall actions from that past that aid the present and future, for instance, agenda of a former meeting, points of discussion, and many such more. But most importantly, refrain from straining of forcing upon your brain to recollect information or get down on yourself in case you keep forgetting things, which would do more harm than good.
3. Take a break. Breathe. Drive away for a while from stuff that adds to the stress in you. Hold on for a moment and look back carefully before reacting or putting something away.
4. Have a cup of coffee, caffeine helps to stay alert and active, as well as boosts intelligence and cognitive reasoning. Though consuming coffee in moderation is rather advised.
5. Get enough sleep, nutrition, and sunlight. Sleeping for 6-8 continuous hours is recommended. Including the right intake of carbs, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals is essential.
6. Meditation is indeed the most effective therapy to all psychosomatic ailments. Sitting in the right meditative posture with the spine upright, closing the eyes and focusing on the point between the eyebrows, and not entertaining any thoughts helps meditate better.
7. Gravitate towards positive things and connections that help you learn and progress better as you grow.
“All of the imagination- everything that we think, we feel, we sense- comes through the human brain. And once we create new patterns in this brain, once we shape the brain in a new way, it never returns to its original shape.” – Jay S. Walker
So now when our decisions pertain to our skills, profession, career, and life, the tiff between the heart and brain no more exists, our brain justifies our decisions and thus we tend to go by the mind rather than the heart.
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