Navigating the Brain Maze: Getting to Know Your Emotional and Logical Minds

Our minds are like intricate mazes, with pathways guided by two distinct but interconnected forces: the emotional and logical brains. These two systems influence everything from how we react to challenges to the decisions we make daily. By understanding how these cognitive forces operate—and learning to balance them—you can unlock greater self-awareness, emotional regulation, and decision-making prowess.

In this article, we’ll explore the unique roles of the emotional and logical brains, their impact on our behaviour, and practical strategies for mastering the art of navigating between the two.

Emotional (Reptilian) Brain:

The emotional brain, often referred to as the reptilian brain, resides deep within the limbic system. Its primary function is survival. It controls basic life functions such as breathing and heart rate, ensuring we stay alive in the face of danger.

Additionally, the emotional brain houses our emotions, memories, and instincts. It's responsible for the visceral reactions we experience, like fear, joy, and anger. While it plays a crucial role in our existence, it tends to act impulsively, relying on past experiences to navigate the present.

Logical (Thinking) Brain:

In contrast, the logical brain, residing in the neocortex, is the seat of reason and conscious thought. It's the thinking brain that engages in problem-solving, planning, and rational decision-making. This part of our cognitive machinery enables us to analyse situations, weigh options, and consider consequences.

The logical brain, associated with higher cognitive functions, allows us to think abstractly and plan for the future. It provides a strategic approach to challenges rather than an impulsive reaction.

How to Move From Your Emotional Brain to Your Thinking Brain:

The first step in transitioning from the emotional to the logical brain is awareness. By observing your thoughts and emotions without immediate judgment, you create a mental space for rational thinking to emerge. Mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing, box breathing or walking away to give yourself space to process your emotions, can be instrumental in achieving this balance.

The intent is to create the gap between the stimulus and response, allowing the blood flow to move from the emotional brain, back to your logical brain. If you have even said or done something you later regretted, you were reacting from your emotional reptilian brain. This deliberate pause allows the logical brain to take the reins, steering you away from impulsive reactions.

Why you think the way you do?

Our thought patterns and behaviours are influenced by a variety of factors, and these are different for every human living on the planet. That's why two people can experience the same event, and react very differently. Your emotional brain was fully developed in your first 7 years of life so without conscious awareness of it, you may find yourself reacting to situations through the eyes of your younger self.

When any external event happens, it runs through this series of filters before you react.

The main filters include: Language, Values & Beliefs, Decisions, Memories, Meta Programs, Attitudes & Time/Space/Energy.

When you have completed a behaviour or experienced the same feeling and reactions on multiple occasions, it can be uploaded to your hard drive and these become your auto-pilot behaviours. You can rewire your brain by simply shifting one or more of the filters.

Emotional Regulation:

Developing emotional regulation skills is essential for a well-balanced emotional and logical brain. Techniques such as positive self-talk, cognitive reframing, mediation, visualisation and practising empathy can help manage intense emotions. By regulating your emotional responses, you create an environment for the logical brain to show up when you need it most to contribute to decision-making and problem-solving. It’s also going to make sure you’ve thought through the consequences of your actions and that you’re reacting as an adult, rather than a child.

Through coaching and hypnotherapy we can dive into unpacking which filters are serving you and uncover any hidden beliefs, values or memories you may have that you may not even be aware of that are no longer serving you today.

If you’d like to understand your brain in more detail and further explore strategies to help you start mastering your mind so it works for you, please reach out and book a free 45-minute discovery session.

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