I am more than my Limbic system

Mind over matter. Is this really the case? 2020 has been the year of change; with people adapting to new ways of life, different daily routines and constantly finding ways to to keep their minds active. However (and I am sure Im not alone in this) it can be hard to stop the mind from becoming over active.

The idea of mind-over matter is more powerful than people initially expect. From motivation, to better health, or for a more sound state of mind, the key to building mental wellness may lie in slowing down, understanding your mind, and turning your focus to the here and now.

What is the Limbic System?

The limbic system is the part of the brain that deals with emotions and memory. Research has linked the limbic system, especially the amygdala (in the frontal part of the temporal lobe), to play an important role in controlling various emotional behaviours, such as fear, rage, anxiety, motivation and rewarding. (Rewarding being an important part here)

It also regulates the functioning of the autonomic nervous system, which means it regulates things such as pulse, blood pressure and breathing in response to emotional circumstances- all of which can be classed as symptoms of anxiety.

How can it affect mental health

Mental health can affect anybody at anytime. 1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem of some kind each year in England according to Mind UK and around 1 in 6 will experience a ‘common’ mental health problem such as anxiety or depression in any given week in the UK alone.

Despite these statements, our thoughts and personality come from a completely different part of our brain- the Prefrontal cortex. It is this part that makes us who we are. Not the Limbic system and the feelings we can sometimes experience. A disfunctional limbic system can sometimes be responsible for disorders such as Anxiety, Trichotillomania, Self harm, OCD, Depression and more. (This is where the rewarding part plays its bit) Endorphins and dopamine are released as a reward when these addictive behaviours are responded to- which isn’t always helpful when trying to control them. Like wise with depression and anxiety- the limbic system becomes stimulated, releasing the flight or flight mode in us, due to it being an emotional behaviour.

Finding ways to release the ‘happy hormones’ instead can relax the limbic system allowing and individual to take back control. Sometimes slowing down and reflecting, instead of acting quickly upon emotional impulses can be more beneficial to an individuals mental state and life. Although this is something that requires time, effort and continuous work.

So how can we re train our brains to release these feel good chemicals for the right reasons and to keep the system calm when we feel low?

Can we change our own mental health?

As spoken about before, the Amygdala is mainly responsible for the emotional behaviours such as anger, stress and sadness. But could it be possible to change these feelings by ourselves? Calming the limbic system and the Amygdala and raising our endorphin levels could solve these unwanted emotions. Calming activities can include:

•Soothing music

•Prayer and meditation*

•Mindful breathing *

•Yoga and Pilates*

•Quiet hobbies - such as knitting, sewing, baking

*Apps are a really quick and easy way to get started

Endorphin releasing activities may include:

•Exercise and getting outside (mainly cardio)

•Eating spicy food

•Seeking out daily laughter

•Participating in an active hobby you love

By choosing to emerce ourselves in activities such as these, rather than option for addictive behaviours, may slowly retrain our brains and ourselves into realising which ways are the right ways to release these happy hormones and find ways to calm the unpleasant feelings associated with depression and anxiety. In a sense, it can be seen as a bit of self CBT; Changing our thinking patterns and gaining a better understanding of the caused behind the behaviours and feelings of ourselves, as well as others. These things can take time kick in, but it is the small steps we take that make the biggest differences to our lives.

Hopefully you now have a better insight as to how you can use your brain’s own power to change how you feel.

Now go and slay the day!

Han (@treatthetrich) 💛