The human brain is a complex structure. It consists of three separate but interconnected parts. In its very depths is the reptilian brain (the brain stem and diencephalon). Next comes the emotional brain (the limbic system). And above all, this is the cognitive brain: the neocortex, to which we owe our ability to reason.
The ancient structures of our brain are more primitive: their functions are aimed at ensuring our survival and procreation of the species as a whole. If the limbic system feels threatened, it instantly “turns on” the emotional state of anxiety. Then the brain stem gets involved, and our survival instincts come to the fore: fight, flight, or freeze.
In principle, it is logical – in case of danger, one must react quickly to survive. However, in the modern world, not only those circumstances that are indeed life-threatening are perceived as a danger, but also completely ordinary social situations: a meeting at work, a conflict in relationships, a crowd in the subway, or public speaking.
Such situations cannot threaten our lives and do not require the use of self-preservation instincts, but the limbic system thinks otherwise – and now the heartbeat is accelerating, the palms are sweating, the mouth is dry, and the gastrointestinal tract is misbehaving. These are all physiological manifestations of anxiety.
If you look at the situation rationally, you will understand that there is no threat to your life at all. However, you may not be able to analyze anything at such moments, because in situations that your limbic system perceives as threatening, it turns off the neocortex, and with it your ability to think: “There is no time to think, you must save yourself!”.
Self-therapy can be an essential tool for personal growth and self-improvement.
Browse through our courses and see the positive changes they can bring to your life.
You are not sure where to begin?
The neocortex is the rational, thinking brain. Of all brain structures, it is most adequately able to assess situations and find the best solutions. But while the limbic system is gripped by anxiety, the neocortex cannot overcome the signals of the ancient brain and intelligently look at the situation.
Therefore, first, you need to calm down the ancient layers of your brain, turn off the bodily physiological reactions, and bring the body back to normal. As soon as this happens, your breathing calms down and your heart rate stabilizes, and the limbic system will receive a signal that everything is in order – there is no more threat. It will then unblock the neocortex and it will be able to start looking for a constructive resolution to the situation at hand. The brain perceives the bodily reactions like this: “Oh, the breathing is even, the heartbeat is slow. That means there is no danger, I can turn off the “panic button”.
Therefore, first, we calm the body, and then everything else. If you master breathing practices and bodily exercises that reduce anxiety and calm the brain, everything will return to normal.
Help us grow on Instagram 👇
