How to Calm Your Lizard Brain and Improve Focus

Have you ever felt like your mind is constantly on high alert, making it difficult to concentrate. Well, you're not alone. In this article, we will dive into the fascinating world of our brain and discover how the prefrontal cortex can help us regulate our emotions and enhance our ability to focus.

The Lizard Brain

Let's start by understanding the concept of the lizard brain. The lizard brain refers to the amygdala, which is the part of the brain responsible for processing emotions. Unlike humans, lizards don't have a developed prefrontal cortex, which is the smart part of our brain that helps us make rational decisions. As a result, lizards are constantly on high alert, scanning for danger and reacting instinctively.

Regulating the Lizard Brain

Fortunately, as humans, we have a prefrontal cortex that can regulate our lizard brain. The prefrontal cortex acts as a control center, allowing us to think critically and make smart decisions. By activating our prefrontal cortex, we can calm down our amygdala and improve our ability to focus.

Activating the Prefrontal Cortex

So, how do we activate our prefrontal cortex. One effective method is to practice mindfulness. Mindfulness involves paying attention to the present moment without judgment. By practicing mindfulness, we can train our brains to activate the prefrontal cortex and regulate our emotions.

Recognizing When to Regulate

Before we can practice regulating our emotions, it's important to recognize when we need to refocus. In this article, we will learn how to identify our emotions and understand when we're feeling out of control. By becoming aware of our emotions, we can take proactive steps to regulate our lizard brain and improve our focus.

Conclusion

In conclusion, our lizard brain can often hinder our ability to concentrate and make rational decisions. However, by understanding the role of the prefrontal cortex and practicing mindfulness, we can calm our lizard brain and improve our focus. Remember to be kind to yourself and give yourself the time and space to regulate your emotions. With practice, you'll be able to harness the power of your prefrontal cortex and achieve a greater sense of calm and focus in your life.

Leave a Comment