Discover the transformative power of the present moment – a practice that can revolutionize your mental well-being.

Are you feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or struggling with a busy mind?

Do you find yourself constantly worrying about the future or dwelling on the past?

In this blog, I will explore the science-backed benefits of mindfulness, delve into practical strategies to incorporate it into your daily life and unlock the secrets to mastering mindfulness for a calmer, more focused, and resilient mind.

Understanding the Three Modes of Brain Functioning: Reptilian, Cortex, and Limbic

Our brain operates in three distinct modes of functioning, each with its own unique characteristics. These modes are the reptilian brain, the cortex, and the limbic brain. Understanding how these different parts of our brain work can shed light on how we perceive and respond to the world around us.

The reptilian brain is the oldest part of our brain, responsible for fast and reflexive actions. It’s the seat of automatic thoughts and serves as our survival instinct. This part of the brain operates at lightning speed, allowing us to react almost instantly in threatening situations. However, due to its focus on survival, the reptilian brain often sees things from a pessimistic perspective.

On the other hand, the cortex is responsible for complex intellectual functions such as creativity and decision-making. Unlike the reptilian brain, the cortex takes its time to process information, with reaction times ranging from 3 to 4 seconds. This part of the brain allows us to think critically and analyze situations before taking action.

Meanwhile, the limbic brain plays a significant role in our emotional experiences and emotional memory. It’s responsible for processing and regulating our emotions, which greatly influence our thoughts, behaviors, and perceptions of the world around us. The limbic brain helps us form emotional connections and memories, shaping our responses and reactions to different situations.

While this model of the brain is valid, recent neuroscience research has revealed that brain functioning is more complex than this simple three-part model suggests. However, understanding these three modes of functioning can still provide valuable insights into how our brain works and how it influences our behavior.

Understanding Stress and Our Three Brains: be Present and Managing Stress for Better Mental Well-Being

Stress is a common experience in our lives, and understanding how it emerges in our brains can help us better manage and control it. When faced with a new or perceived threatening situation, our brain’s reptilian brain, which is the most reactive part, kicks into action. It produces adrenaline and cortisol, leading to physiological and physical changes in our bodies.

However, the reptilian brain has a tendency to distort reality, generating inappropriate thoughts in relation to the situation we are facing. Studies suggest that it may produce up to 70% of distorted thoughts, jumping to conclusions without evidence, focusing on unfavorable details, and pushing us to feel responsible for everything. This distorted thinking can lead to negative emotions and stress escalating rapidly, involving the limbic brain, which further intensifies emotions.

As a result, the cortex, which is responsible for higher intelligence and rational thinking, gets short-circuited and prevented from expressing itself. We may find ourselves at a loss for words, unable to reflect or take a step back, and feeling overwhelmed by emotions. This can lead to irrational behavior and loss of control.

It is crucial to be able to identify these moments of stress when we are losing control and implement processes to distance ourselves from it. It’s important to understand that there is no hierarchy among the three brains – reptilian, cortex, and limbic – and none of them should be seen as an enemy. Instead, each brain has its own field of action and needs to function in harmony without taking over from the others. The reptilian brain can actually be our ally, as long as it functions within its appropriate role.

In conclusion,

understanding how stress emerges in our brain and affects our thinking and behavior can help us better manage stress and maintain mental well-being. By recognizing the signs of stress and implementing strategies to distance ourselves from it, we can prevent the reptilian brain from taking over and allow all three brains to work together in harmony for optimal functioning.

Question: Is your reptilian brain always getting the best of you?

Do you tire yourself from often useless worry over unfounded things?

You are not alone, many have not learned the magic of integrating mindfulness into their daily lives.

Are you ready to give it a try? Call me and let’s talk about finding the right balance.