43. Regulating our emotions...

​43.

What does our brain have to do with emotions? The role of the limbic system, prefrontal cortex and neuroplasticity in emotional health.

Our brain plays a central role in how we experience and regulate emotions. Three key areas involved are the limbic system, the prefrontal cortex, and the process of neuroplasticity.

• Limbic system: Often referred to as the "emotional brain," the limbic system, including the amygdala and hippocampus, processes and stores emotional memories. It triggers automatic emotional responses like it activates us when we are faced with danger.
  
  
• Prefrontal cortex: This part of the brain helps regulate emotions by controlling reasoning, impulse control, and decision-making. It’s responsible for managing the emotional responses triggered by the limbic system. This is also why children at young age do not have the same emotional regulation - the prefrontal cortex develops with age.
  
  
• Neuroplasticity: Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections. This means that our emotional responses can change over time through learning and practice. By cultivating habits like mindfulness, meditation, or cognitive behavioral techniques, we can rewire our brain to better manage emotions, reducing the impact of stress and anxiety.
  
  

Emotional health is not just willpower - think happy thoughts and you will feel better - but it is important to understand how it is rooted in our brain and physiology but also how we can influence it by working with neuroplasticity.

It reminds us that we are indeed in control of our responses to the outer world - as cliched as this sounds - and that we can build ourselves.

I understand, but often some feelings are just too hard to change.
             I believe you. And here is a little something about that.