Do you spend too much time using your Left Brain?
If so it may be seriously effecting your health!
Let me explain…
The 2 Autonomic Nervous Systems
We have 2 autonomic nervous systems, the Sympathetic and Parasympathetic. Both are involuntary and control many things from heart rate and perspiration to digestion and breathing rate.
The Sympathetic Nervous System which initiates our “Fight or Flight” response helps us to avoid or deal with life threatening situations. Historically it was our “Fight or Flight” response that kept us alive.
When this survival response is activated we get a sudden rush of adrenalin, the muscles are primed, our focus intensifies, and our heart rate increases.
You have probably experienced this feeling when you catch yourself before a fall or have come close to any kind of physical danger. When you look at the brain it is the Left Hemisphere that predominately controls this response.
Now lets take a look at the Right Hemisphere of the brain.
The right hand side of the brain predominately controls the Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS) or our “Rest and Digest” response. The PNS helps repair the body, slow the heart rate, and reduce stress levels.
Now think about how you spend your day.
Which Hemisphere do you spend most time using?
Left Hemisphere
Stress & Deadlines
Financial Issues
Caffeine
Too Much Exercise
Smoking, Alcohol, Drugs
Sugar
Yang
Right Hemisphere
Meditation & Deep Breathing
Art & Creativity
Playing Music
Sleep & Relaxation
Yoga & Tai Chi
Nature
Yin
Finding a balance between your Right and Left Brain hemispheres will seriously help to improve your health.
Use Your Right Brain More Often
Next time you feel really stressed out (Left Brain Dominance) try something that is a stress reliever (Right Brain Dominance).
Here are a few examples:
Take a stroll in nature to clear your head
Take 10 Deep Breaths with your diaphragm
Change approach and get creative or brainstorm
Chill Out and Listen to some music
Draw, Paint or Doodle for a while
Lay off the Caffeine, Booze and Sugar
Conclusions
Living in your Left Brain can be a fast and bumpy ride. Spend more time reducing your stress levels by learning to use your Right Brain more often. Get creative and switch things up.
Remember when you were just a kid and used your Right Brain more often? It’s time to revisit those days again!
Is Your Left Brain Affecting Your Health? is a post from: GB Personal Training