Introduction
The human brain is a delicate and intricate organ. It weighs approximately three pounds and comprises about 100 billion neurons and 100 trillion connections. The brain is responsible for everything that an individual feels, thinks, and does. The brain is divided into two halves, namely, the left and right brain. Specific regions carry out specific functions, but the brain works as a whole. However, there is limited evidence regarding how either side of the brain determines one’s behavior and personality
What Do the Left and Right Sides of the Brain Comprise?
The left and right sides of the brain control different processes and functions. Each half of the brain comprises six different lobes. The left half of the brain is responsible for speech and abstract thinking. It also has control over the right half of the body. The right side of the brain is responsible for spatial thinking and image processing and controls the movement on the left side of the body.
The left and right halves of the brain communicate with each other through nerve fibers. However, communication between the two sides of the brain is not necessary. If an individual has an injury that separates the two brain hemispheres, they can still function in a normal manner.
What Is the Theory Regarding the Left and Right Brain?
In the 1960s, a neurobiologist named Roger W. Sperry put forth the fact that all individuals have one-half of the brain that is more dominant and determines their thoughts, behavior, and personality. According to the theory, the left-brained individuals are considered more:
-
Logical.
-
Analytical.
-
Numerical.
-
Fact and detail-oriented.
-
Inclined to think in words.
In contrast, the right-brained individuals are considered more:
-
Creative.
-
Intuitive.
-
Free-thinking.
-
Inclined to visualize rather than thinking in words.
-
Focus on seeing the bigger picture.
How Does the Brain Work?
The brain is the organ that stores and processes information, acts as an operating system, and does much more. The brain is divided into left and right hemispheres in a symmetrical manner. Each hemisphere is in control of the opposite half of the body. The brain is segregated into regions called lobes. These lobes isolate various functions of the brain to specific areas as follows:
-
The front region of the brain, or the frontal lobe, controls an individual’s personality, body movement, planning, problem-solving, concentration, sense of smell, emotional reactions, general speech, and the meaning of words.
-
The upper middle region of the brain, called the parietal lobe, controls the sense of taste, touch and pressure, and bodily awareness.
-
The middle region of the brain, referred to as the temporal lobe, controls one’s emotions, sense of hearing, long-term memory, and the ability to recognize others.
-
The backside of the brain, or the occipital lobe, is responsible for the sense of sight.
-
The lower back side of the brain, called the cerebellum, controls balance, coordination, and fine motor control.
-
The middle portion of the brain, or the limbic lobe, controls emotions.
What Are the Functions and Characteristics of Each Hemisphere of the Brain?
The differences in the functioning of the left and right brain are as follows:
-
Emotion: The right side of the brain is dominant when the brain utilizes multiple areas to process and establish emotional responses. This is true for all emotions.
-
Language: The left brain is more active in speech generation than the right. In the majority of people, the two main areas that are responsible for language, namely the Broca’s area and the Wernicke’s area, are situated in the left hemisphere.
-
Handedness: The left and right sides of the brain are utilized differently by those who are left or right-handed. For instance, a left-hand individual utilizes their right brain for doing manual tasks and vice versa. Such asymmetries or differences can originate before birth.
Are the Theories Surrounding the Left and Right Brain True or Is It a Myth?
The two halves of the brain have different functions but work together to function properly. Individuals who are strong at skills associated with one side of the brain or the other actually tend to have a strong connection between the two hemispheres.
On the contrary, if a few individuals find certain things more difficult or challenging, then it is not because of the fact that the side of the brain controlling those tasks is weaker. Instead, it could be because the brain has developed differently than it should. For instance, the right side of the brain may carry out a role that is typically the responsibility of the left half. Recent research puts forth the following facts:
-
The right half of the brain develops earlier than its counterpart, making the left side of the brain more susceptible to environmental impacts during development.
-
Research also states that it is healthy and normal for the left and right halves of the brain to develop differently, each with its own distinct roles.
-
Genes and genetic mutations play a vital role in this healthy asymmetry of the brain and can vary in people with autism (a developmental and neurological disorder that influences one’s interaction with others), and other physical and mental challenges. Further research on this is needed.
How Can One Keep the Brain Sharp and Creative?
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, one can keep the brain active by performing mentally challenging activities like learning a new skill or doing similar things. One can keep their brain sharp and creative in the following ways:
-
One can spend some time every day reading, writing, or doing both.
-
One must never stop learning. One must keep themselves active by learning new things, attending a class, or trying to acquire a new skill.
-
Playing board games, memory games, video games, and so on can help.
-
One can do challenging crossword or Sudoku puzzles.
-
Learning new hobbies stimulates the brain to focus. This can be done by learning a new musical instrument, a new language, and so on.
-
Nutrition is also equally important to keep both sides of the brain sharp. A nutrient-rich diet includes nuts, fish, whole grains, fresh vegetables, fruits, poultry, beans, and legumes.
-
Enjoying a good night’s sleep is very important for the brain to function properly. Sleep is one of the ideal ways to help the neurons in the brain communicate with each other, eliminate toxins that build up in the brain when one is awake, and keep the memory sharp.
-
When one gets any new ideas, one can note them down and work on developing them further.
-
When facing a problem, one must try various ways to arrive at a solution.
-
When doing simple work like washing the dishes, and so on, one can let the mind wander to new places.
-
One can rest, relax, and laugh to let the creativity flow. Doing something new and creative requires time, practice, and patience. The more one practices doing any new activity, the more the brain gets accustomed to the new information.
Conclusion
The brain is a delicate organ with numerous parts and functions. The left and right halves of the brain function differently and are responsible for controlling different bodily processes. No individual is actually left or right-brained, but one can play to one's strengths and continue diversifying one's mental horizons. A healthy brain has the potential to learn things throughout one’s life and has endless creativity. This potential can be intensified by fuelling the brain with proper nutrition, mental stimulation, and physical exercise.
