Sarah's Brainwise Project
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The document provides 15 rules for guiding one's life based on what is known about how the brain functions. Rule 5 discusses how the brain is not fully developed until our mid to late 20s, and brain development begins at conception. During adolescence, the frontal lobe is still developing so teenagers tend to be more emotional. Rule 12 discusses how emotions have a tremendous impact on our lives, both positive and negative. Negative emotions can become problems if they become too prominent.
Sarah's Brainwise Project
- 1. Living by the Brain: 15 Rules to Guide Your Life Sarah Kimsey Clemson University Fall 2010
- 2. THERE WILL ALWAYS BE MORE TO LEARN ABOUT THE BRAIN Rule #1 “The more we learn about the brain the more we learn we realize we don’t know about the brain.” –Dr. Igo, Clemson University Educational Psychology professor
- 3. Constant Knowledge Increase • Understanding the brain is key to using it to its full potential and to our greatest advantage • The secret to improvement: keep up with the newest research and apply it directly to our personal lives • We can even work to improve our personal knowledge about how our own individual brains work best
- 4. THE BRAIN IS ALWAYS CHANGING Rule #2 Large scale Small scale
- 5. • Neuroplasticity – Our brains are continually making new connections and expanding old connections – Pruning: Our brains are also continually dropping off unused connections – Our brains are more plastic when we are younger and become less plastic over time
- 6. • Specialization – As our plasticity diminishes, our specialization increases – Our brains become more sophisticated and our brains function more effectively
- 7. ApplyingPlasticitytoOur Lives • Sensitive Periods – Most likely need the correct sensory stimulation – No indication that the window ever closes, however, the earlier we learn, the more proficient we tend to become • This has a lot of implications for our children, especially • We need to attempt to teach our children as early as we can. – Languages, for instance, should be taught, or should start being taught before 7, which is when this part of the brain tends to be pruned away – This applies both to schools and to parents.
- 8. ApplyingPlasticitytoOur Lives • Learning is Key – Plasticity can work against us in the form of pruning – If we don’t use areas of our brains, we will lose those areas – We need to continue to keep an active mind as we grow, especially as we venture into middle aged and older – The elderly brain begins to lose some functions, but if it remains active, becomes more efficient • Only the most useful neurons avoid pruning • Elderly brain may respond more slowly, but often responds with more reasoned responses
- 9. THE BRAIN REQUIRES EXERCISE Rule #3
- 10. Mental Exercise • Maintaining an active brain avoids “pruning” and losing neural connections • Forms more connections • Increases knowledge • Can improve memory Physical Exercise • Exercise releases endorphins, which increases happiness and decreases chances of depression • Increases blow flow which increases oxygen to the brain. When having trouble with the mind or body, exercise the other.
- 11. THE BRAIN AND NERVOUS SYSTEM ARE DELICATELY BALANCED. Rule #4 Brain Nervous System
- 12. Each instrument in an orchestra plays a different part often at the same time, and each part usually cannot be distinguished from another. However, if any instrument is missing, the entire musical piece is thrown off. Our brains are divided into separate, specialized lobes, and each of these lobes are further divided into glands and such that are even more specialized. Like the instruments in an orchestra, parts of the brain are often working at the same time to form our thoughts and actions, and if even one part of our brain is damaged, the whole brain is thrown off.
- 13. We need to maintain this Balance! • Our bodies are designed to maintain this balance through the process of homeostasis • When we do not feel well, that is a sign that are bodies are not in balance • We need to know the norms for our bodies • Knowing family history of illness can provide guidelines of what to monitor for in the future
- 14. This is my grandma. She’s diabetic, and when I was about 3 or 4, she had a stroke which has rendered her entire right side completely useless. Others in my family have diabetes and/or blood pressure issues. Therefore, I am aware that it is possible that one of these issues could effect me in the future, so I am educating myself NOW on the signs of these problems so that I can catch them early if need be as well as work to prevent them.
- 15. OUR BRAINS ARE NOT FULLY FORMED UNTIL OUR MID TO LATE 20S Rule #5
- 16. Brain Development begins at Conception • Neuron migration: – Neurons move from their formation point to specific areas of the brain then begin to develop axons and dendrites – Occurs in the womb, primarily during first few months • For the process to occur correctly, must have appropriate environment for the developing fetus – In the event of pregnancy, cut out alcohol, cigarettes, even caffeine. – Must also keep in mind that this applies even during the first few weeks—before many know they are pregnant. In other words, if even possibility of pregnancy we must be careful
- 17. Adolescence • Caught between impulsiveness and control • Frontal lobe still not fully developed • Therefore adolescence tend to be more emotional • My Future as a Middle School Guidance Counselor – Important to understand that they really don’t know how to handle emotional situation – I will need to understand this and try to walk them through a better way to handle the problem but also understand that they view things differently
- 18. The Adult Brain • The brain may be fully formed around 25, but keep in mind that the brain never stops changing. • Need to maintain an active brain to continue to make more connections and avoid pruning • Active brain will keep the brain healthy into old age, which may help stave off Alzheimer’s diseas
- 19. OUR SENSES DETECT ENVIRONMENTAL STIMULI; OUR PERCEPTIONS INTERPRET IT. Rule #6
- 20. Fun with Sensation and Perception A “street design” by artist Kurt Wenner. Using angles and shading, etc, Wenner can give the illusion that this particular scene is 3D when it is really 2D A vase or two profiles of faces staring at one another? Young woman or old woman? Remember: The same stimuli can produce different perceptions.
- 21. Simplifying the World • Because we can’t pay attention every stimuli, our brains select what to notice • We tend to see what we want to see—stereotyping – Stereotyping is usually okay – We need to realize when it is NOT okay, though, so that we aren’t not controlled by our stereotypes. • With each new experience, we begin to form more stereotypes • If we have a problem with particular stereotypes, we can put ourselves in scenarios that will change our stereotypes.
- 22. Emotion and Perceptions • Emotion tends to overtake logic – Someone highly emotionally attached to a situation will allow those emotions to guide their perceptions and are often unaware of doing so – Try to be understanding of these people when on the outside looking in – Also be aware that we all do this, so try not to get too angry with others trying to provide outside advice • Remember: We tend to see what we want to see. Our perceptions are often skewed.
- 23. TOUCH IS ESSENTIAL TO OUR WELL- BEING Rule #7 Harlow’s monkey experiments demonstrated our intense need for touch.
- 24. Americans all tend to have this sort of “personal bubble” and don’t want others to invade that bubble, and definitely not to go so far as to touch us. But it has been shown that touch improves our social relations as well as lowers our stress levels and relieves pain.
- 25. Massages can help us relieve stress and relieve pain. Massaging pressure points can stimulate competitive inhibition and relieve pain—we do this naturally, but if we know about this phenomenon we can consciously employ it with ourselves and others. Learning pressure points can help make this process more effective. Holding and stroking our babies not only provides comfort to the baby, but it also changes our own brain chemistry. Touch is also what aids in bonding with our children. Using Touch to our Advantage
- 26. STRESS IS DETRIMENTAL TO OUR HEALTH IF WE FAIL TO MANAGE IT Rule #8
- 27. In stressful situations, the sympathetic nervous system activates which triggers the “fight or flight” response. If we stay here too long, we risk health issues and even death The parasympathetic nervous system is our relaxation response. This is how we combat the fight or flight response. We consciously work to activate this relaxation response. The important question here: What can we do to combat the sympathetic nervous system response?
- 28. Deep, abdominal breathing helps to activate the parasympathetic nervous system. This is the primary focus in yoga and meditation practices. Maintaining strong social connections with family and friends fosters a sense of well-being and helps reduce stress. Which can often facilitate L A U G H T E R Which release endorphins Sleep lowers stress hormones while sleep deprivation increases them E X E R C I S E Positive Thinking!!
- 29. “THINKING IS FOR DOING.” Rule #9
- 30. 1. Thinking about an action expands the likelihood of actually doing it. (Conscious intentional behaviors) 2. Conscious, intentional behaviors can become unconscious, automatic habits. Consider the Following: Therefore: If we are serious about wanting to do something, we need to consciously think about doing it, the more often the better, to improve the possibility of doing it. If we do this correctly, eventually this particular thing can become habitual. In other words: FORM GOOD HABITS!
- 31. A Personal Example Eventually, the habit becomes to use those particular set up times to do yoga, and other free time as well. Continue to stick to this habit of doing yoga on those particular set up times and maybe even other times when I think about doing yoga and have the extra time. On these particular times, make sure to actually get up and bring out the yoga mat and DO YOGA. Consciously set up a a time to do yoga. Think about particular times when I am always free to do some yoga I want to do yoga more consistently.
- 32. SLEEP IS ESSENTIAL TO OUR HEALTH AND DAILY PERFORMANCE Rule #10
- 33. What Does Sleep Do? • Consolidates memories – Therefore aids in learning and retaining new information – Sleep deprivation can even lead to “false memories” • Restores mind and body • Allows us to deal with emotional stress more effectively • Improves general mental well-being
- 34. Importance of REM Sleep • If we wake up during a REM cycle, we tend to feel more rested. • Vivid Dreams occur during REM If we set ourselves to wake up during our REM cycles we can start are days feeling more refreshed. But how? Set alarm clock in 90 min intervals—for instance, 6, 7.5, or 9 hours of sleep to increase likelihood of waking up during REM Or, if you have the extra, buy a sleep monitor that will detect when you’re in REM and wake you up then.
- 35. DREAMS PROVIDE US WITH INSIGHT TO THE UNCONSCIOUS, AMONG OTHER THINGS. Rule #11
- 36. Dreams Typically Occur During REM sleep • Our bodies/brains require a certain amount of REM sleep. When we are sleep deprived and finally get to sleep, we will spend more time in REM than normal to make up for the loss – Is this why some nights I feel like I never stop dreaming? • There is some evidence that are REM dreams are more aggressive than dreams that occur during NREM
- 37. We Dream About Our Worries • So, our dreams give insight into what is bothering us • This does not mean that we can determine our entire psyche through dream interpretation as Freud suggested because the “self” does not act normally in dreams • There is some evidence for dreams assisting in problem solving—“sleep on on it”
- 38. A few Personal Dreams One of the dreams I remember most occurred when I was 15. There had been a lot going on with my sister, and I had not seen her in a while. I dreamed that she was calling for my mom, and my mom was going to go see what she needed, but got sidetracked, and I heard my sister call her again. My mom still could not get there. I never heard her again. I woke up pretty scared and worried about her, but I already was worried about her, hence why I had the dream in the first place. When I was in Calculus in high school, I would dream about triangles, and sometimes could even figure out problems I had been having trouble with when I woke up.
- 39. EMOTIONS HAVE A TREMENDOUS IMPACT ON OUR LIVES Rule #12
- 40. Importance of Emotions • Help maintain homeostasis and aids in survival. Emotions signal that we may have a problem we need to deal with: – Fear is nothing to be ashamed of – Emotions are never stupid, even if they feel that way • Emotions often communicated through facial expressions, vocal intonations, etc. ; we are very sensitive to emotions • Memories tied to emotions are encoded differently and more effectively—want to remember something? Connect it to some emotion.
- 41. Negative Emotions • Negativity Bias: Bad news/negative emotions tend to stick longer than good • Negative emotions not always Bad! – Encourage more rational decisions – Serve a purpose (Fear can save our lives because it makes us cautious; anger is protective) • Still need to be monitored because if negative emotions become too prominent, problems may occur such as: – Post Traumatic Stress Disorder – Depression – Anger Problems
- 42. Anger: My Story 1. Started paying attention to when I was getting angry 2. Breathing • Yoga and meditation • It gave me a minute to stop and think about it 3. Situation Reassessment • Benefit of the doubt • Look at the • Look at it from the perspectives of others I have a bit of an anger issue, and I can admit this. I am a very picky and particular person, and I like to do things/have things done in particular ways by particular times. I had this major issue of getting irritated with something or someone and jumping immediately to anger before I even stop and think about situations and the fact that I was holding people to my standards for myself, which I found I cannot do. I usually got past this pretty quickly, but the immediate anger response took its toll After I started noticing, though, that people were treating me like a ticking time bomb, that it had gone too far. I also had roommates, had to work with people at school, and I work in a restaurant—this means anger is not okay, so I started working on it.
- 43. Positive Emotions • What makes life worth living • Negative emotions may promote survival, but happiness can prolong your life • Find things that will make us happier and keep them in our lives—within reason – Too much of a good thing (chocolate) can be bad – Some things (drugs) may cause happiness but should be avoided because of other issues • Make Happiness a Habit!!
- 44. Sleep and footie Pajamas My Adorable Lego Yoga—in particular, restorative P!nk Winnie the Pooh Supernatural coffee Mark, my fiancé Books-this is my favorite My Siblings My Mom Things that Make Me Happy
- 45. A Note About Emotion and Sleep The point? Stress, Emotions, and Sleep must be kept balanced. Each of these things have particular ideal levels that must be evened out. Learn what your points are and work to maintain them! Increased Levels of Stress Heightened emotions Decreased sleep time and quality Consider This:
- 46. LEARNING IS ACQUIRING NEW INFORMATION; MEMORY IS HOW WE STORE THE INFORMATION. Rule #13
- 47. The Relationship between Learning and Memory • We often use these two terms interchangeably. • When teachers want us to learn, they really want us to REMEMBER and therefore use our memories. • Learning can occur without the information actually sticking. • How do we move from learning to memory and remembering?
- 48. Remembering • Maintenance vs. Elaborate Rehearsal – Maintenance rehearsal • keeps information in your working memory for a short time. • This is good for keeping a phone number for the pizza place in mind or possibly passing a quiz, but not for actually remembering the information – Elaborative rehearsal • Involves ELABORATING on the information you’re trying to learn and remember • Helps make connections in your mind
- 49. Remembering • Its all about connections • Analyze the new information for meaning, think back to what else you know • Emotional reactions involved? Can you tie this information to something similar that is emotional for you? • Tie it to something physical – Method of Loci: Associate information with locations – Pacing can even work for help remember material
- 50. An Example of Elaboration 864-940-6140 •I have not dialed this number for over 4 years. It once belonged to my now fiancé, but then friend, Mark. •I made it a point to remember this number, for a variety of reasons. But how did I do it, and how do I remember it now? o864: This was easy. It was the same area code as I had o940: when my mom, stepdad, and sister first got cell phones, this was the first 3 numbers of their phone numbers. In fact, almost everyone I knew had a 940 number for a while. o61: My mom was born in 1961 o40: For some reason, I perpetually think of my mom as 40. •So why did this work? oI took seemingly random numbers and grouped them oI elaborated on these groups of numbers with my own meanings to form a way to remember a phone number…even 3 years after it is necessary •I also want to note that it took me all of 20 minutes, tops, to remember this number and throw away the paper that I had written it down on.
- 51. OUR MEMORIES CAN BE FLAWED Rule #14
- 52. We cannot trust our memories • Studies have shown that we can literally implant memories in other’s minds and our brains will construct the memory and even add in details. We begin to believe the story ourselves. • Sleep deprivation can cause errors in memory retrieval, but we will still be confident that are memories are real
- 53. Whatdoesthismeanfor collegestudents? • That all-nighter was probably a bad idea • Sleep deprivation at the time of retrieval (when you take the test) enhances the chances of false memories • So what do you do? – Obviously, stop procrastinating – Learn the material as you go – And if you find you waited until the last minute, try to learn the material the best way you can, and get some sleep. At least you’ll be rested, therefore less stressed, and less apt to recall something you never actually read
- 54. And if all else fails: Sometimes, caffeine helps
- 55. The brutality of Double (and triple) Checking I have always been guilty of double checking to make sure that the door is locked, or that the oven is turned off or that I have the right burner turned on. But then I learned about false memories. Suddenly I moved from double checking to triple checking, even when I just knew I had locked the door, etc. Even if I could picture it in my mind, because I know that one can convince oneself of something even if it never actually happened. And this is just one example of how majoring in psychology has both improved and complicated my life.
- 56. WE CAN BE WHATEVER WE CHOOSE TO BE IF WE WORK AT IT Rule #15 “If you see a difference between where you are and where you want to be - consciously change your thoughts, words, and actions to match your grandest vision.” - Neal Donald Walsch
- 57. The brain is who we are, but that doesn’t mean we have no control over ourselves. Remember, we can change automatic processes by exercising conscious control over them. We hold the power, we just have to figure out how to exercise it.
Editor's Notes
- #5: Plasticity picture: http://www.labgrab.com/files/science-news/images/LabGrab/UCSF--Brain-Plasticity.jpg?1269624927 Evolutionary picture modified from: http://brainmind.com/images/brainEvolution456.jpg
- #6: Picture: http://www.medgadget.com/archives/img/neuro_plastic.jpg
- #7: Picture from: http://www.fizyka.umk.pl/~duch/ref/00/00-how-brain/hemis.gif
- #10: Image from: http://dyslexia.learninginfo.org/images/pumping.gif
- #11: Physical exercise picture from: http://www.improve-your-fitness.com/images/1_gymEmpty.jpg Mental exercise picture from: http://www.students.sgul.ac.uk/images/Studying.jpeg
- #12: Picture from: http://www.aagaines.com/man/graphics/scale.jpg
- #13: Brain picture: http://www.brainbasedbusiness.com/uploads/brain.gif Orchestra picture: http://www.infovisual.info/04/047_en.html
- #16: Picture from: http://www.beliefnet.com/healthandhealing/images/frontal_lobe.jpg
- #20: Senses picture from: http://sivers.org/images/touch-all-senses.gif Illusion picture from: http://courses.washington.edu/psy333/checkershadow_illusion4med.jpg
- #21: Kurt Wenner art picture: http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nlB2iavXqvs/SnkJPTEwt_I/AAAAAAAADds/Aj_vSPMUodo/s400/Kurt+Wenner+Street+Illusions1.jpg Vase-Face picture: http://www.ideachampions.com/weblogs/perception_vase.gif Young or old: https://www.cia.gov/library/center-for-the-study-of-intelligence/csi-publications/books-and-monographs/psychology-of-intelligence-analysis/fig3.gif
- #24: Picture: http://sisu.typepad.com/sisu/images/monkeylove.jpg
- #25: Picture from: http://www.rightattitudes.com/blogincludes/images/20070403_personal_space_comfort_zones.png
- #26: Massage picture: http://www.escapadelaurentide.com/massage1.jpg Headache picture: http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YXxwOfc0X8c/TDlEJky200I/AAAAAAAAD20/KXP_qKywK1w/s320/Woman-with-Headache.jpg Holding baby picture: http://www.herdaily.com/blogimg/parenting/mother-holding-baby.jpg
- #27: Picture from: http://www.wolfescape.com/Humour/NonMedThumbs/Stress-AntiStressKit.gif
- #28: Picture from: http://users.rcn.com/jkimball.ma.ultranet/BiologyPages/A/autonomic.gif
- #29: Breathing picture: http://www.improving-health-and-energy.com/image-files/lungs.jpg Exercise picture: http://www.lowdensitylifestyle.com/media/uploads/2009/10/exercise.gif Laughter picture: http://www.principalspage.com/theblog/wp-content/uploads//2007/12/laughter.jpg Bed Picture: http://www.haikudesigns.com/images/ansu/ansu-bed-blk.jpg
- #30: Thinking Picture from: http://www.designthinkingblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/thinking.gif Doing picture from: http://cdn.thefader.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/absolut_doing.jpg
- #33: Picture from: http://positivesharing.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/06/sleep.jpg
- #35: Zeo picture from: http://www.shoppingblog.com/pics/zeo_sleep_system.jpg Graph from: http://www.britishsnoring.co.uk/images/nsa.gif
- #36: Picture from: http://listverse.files.wordpress.com/2009/03/1freud-dreams1.jpg.jpeg
- #39: Trig image: http://mrhiggins.net/algebra2/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/righttri2.png
- #40: Picture from: http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_g8V_lnBEhjs/TMmUE3IaCFI/AAAAAAAAAGU/rp2fkB0jISo/s1600/emotion.jpg
- #42: Image: http://thumbs.dreamstime.com/thumb_350/12310686978CN3Y6.jpg
- #43: Picture from: http://images5.cpcache.com/product/wife+anger+management-techniques+of+anger+management-stress+anger+management/457090435v13_225x225_Front.jpg
- #45: Supernatural picture: http://stageonnet.files.wordpress.com/2008/11/cw-supernatural-wallpaper-1024.jpg Pink Funhouse Picture: http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-BpF23RzxKE/SM7dsVkb6LI/AAAAAAAALLo/L2MXkWKaZUg/s1600/P!nk%2B-%2BFunhouse.jpg Winnie the Pooh: http://www.graphicshunt.com/wallpapers/images/easter_winnie_the_pooh-8017.htm Coffee:http://www.lesliehawes.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/magic-coffee.jpg Time travelers wife: http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1274656075l/14050.jpg
- #47: Picture from” http://www.macalester.edu/psychology/whathap/ubnrp/audition/site/memory.gif
- #49: Elaborate: http://www.r-e-m.co.uk/logo/companion/twp/teaching_skills/elaborate.png Repetition: http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Nvqzpq9ZfEg/SaQNt_pPiNI/AAAAAAAADhM/X9Mk-qSiLoo/s400/Repetition.bmp
- #50: **Double check on chunking**
- #52: Picture from: http://mrbakerrocks.info/IMAGES/memory1.jpg
- #55: Coca-cola: http://www.topnews.in/files/coca-cola_logo.jpg
- #56: Picture: http://www.douglasclark.com.au/userfiles/image/DCA%20Website/checklist.jpg