Our Incredible Brain Part 3

Last month we determined that the entire brain is used to process and help navigate our environment through the course of an average day. Psychologist William James, however, believed that humanity possessed the potential for more. While science is of the general opinion that we already make use of the brain’s maximum capacity, what of the people who have demonstrated abilities that go beyond the norm? Over the next couple of months, we will be looking at some of these special individuals. Here is one of them.

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Our Incredible Brain Part 2

Our brain is a wondrous and complex tool that helps us navigate and process the world around us. Last month, I wrote about a few ways that we all benefit from our brain’s behind-the-scenes workings. But what of the brain’s potential? There is a belief that has been perpetuated since the beginning of the 20th century that we only use 10% of our brain. Is there any truth to it?

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Our Incredible Brain

The brain is probably the most complex system we know. A gelatinous mass weighing approximately 3 pounds, it contains about 100 million neurons and each one has up to 10,000 potential synaptic connections to other neurons. While science has developed ways of learning about our grey matter, much of it is still a mystery. From dreams and sleep to the way it processes information without our conscious knowledge. From controlling our breathing, temperature and heart rate to abstract thought. From creativity, in all shapes and forms, to going beyond average performance. The brain has some fascinating abilities.

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Addictions – In the Pursuit of Happiness

Addiction is defined as not having control over doing, taking or using something to the point where it can negatively affect your relationships, professional life and your mental and physical wellbeing. We commonly think of drugs, nicotine and gambling as the main sources of abuse, but addiction, really, can be anything; work, shopping, internet, gaming and so on.

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Sleep…It’s a Fine Balance

Sleep is a fundamental biological necessity. Less than adequate amounts will have a profound effect on our ability to function. Science is well versed on the physiological effect sleep, or lack thereof, has on the body. Important for processing, storing and reinforcing learning and memory, sleep helps to maintain cognitive skills. We know ourselves that we find it difficult to function when we are not getting enough sleep. Perhaps we even become more susceptible to illness. We struggle to concentrate, make decisions or cope emotionally when faced with challenging events and situations. Lack of sleep affects our mood and we tend to become more irritable. As well, getting too little sleep colours our perception of the outside world and we are more likely to engage in negative thinking.

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