What's REALLY Stopping You?

Have you ever wondered why you sometimes find it difficult to think rationally, make clear decisions, or take action? The answer lies within our own brains. It’s the connection between our brain's amygdala and prefrontal cortex and how their activation can hinder our ability to think logically and make sound choices. By understanding this neurobiological phenomenon, we can uncover the real reasons behind our mental barriers and work towards overcoming them.

Located deep within the brain, the amygdala - the most ancient part of our brains, plays a crucial role in processing emotions, particularly fear and anxiety. When triggered by a perceived threat, the amygdala initiates the body's stress response, releasing stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. This response, commonly known as the "fight-or-flight" instinct, prepares us for immediate action.

However, the amygdala's activation can overshadow rational thinking. In a heightened state of fear or anxiety, the amygdala inhibits the prefrontal cortex - our most recently evolved part of the brain, which is responsible for rational thought, decision-making, and impulse control. This interference disrupts our ability to think logically, resulting in hasty judgments and impulsive actions driven by our emotions rather than reason. It's the part responsible for considering consequences, making smart choices, and keeping your impulses in check. It's like the voice of reason, guiding you towards logical decisions.

Unlike the amygdala, the prefrontal cortex is associated with higher-order cognitive functions. It enables us to weigh options, consider consequences, and regulate our behaviour. This region of the brain helps us make sound decisions, plan ahead, and exercise self-control.

However, when the amygdala is highly activated, it overpowers the prefrontal cortex. The flood of stress hormones impairs the prefrontal cortex's ability to function optimally, making it harder to think rationally and inhibiting our capacity for self-control. This battle between the emotional and rational centres of the brain can leave us feeling trapped, unable to break free from the grip of our emotions and make clear-headed choices.

The good news is that our brains possess a remarkable ability to adapt and rewire themselves. By understanding the dynamics between the amygdala and prefrontal cortex, we can implement strategies to regain control over our thinking processes and make more rational decisions.

Practices like mindfulness and meditation help cultivate self-awareness and regulate emotional responses. These techniques strengthen the prefrontal cortex's connections to the amygdala, allowing for better emotional regulation and improved decision-making.

By challenging irrational beliefs and fostering more constructive thinking assists us in balancing the influence of the amygdala and prefrontal cortex. Managing stress through activities like exercise, adequate relaxation, and spending time in nature can reduce amygdala activation. By reducing stress, we create a more favourable environment for the prefrontal cortex to function effectively.

Recognising that if the amygdala is activated, then the prefrontal cortex is deactivated, so our thinking processes are impaired. The first step toward overcoming mental barriers is to create a space to pause, to be still and by practising mindfulness and managing stress, we can reestablish equilibrium between these brain regions, allowing for more rational thinking, better decision-making, and a more fulfilled life. 

In a nutshell, the second you notice that you’re struggling, check in with yourself and notice sensations in your body. Do you feel tense or any tightness? And if you can’t grab some time to recalibrate and you’re stuck at work, take a few minutes to do breath work. A longer exhale than inhale regulates our nervous system.

So now you know what’s REALLY stopping you and learning how to manage your mind to master your life is the key to creating a life you don’t want to escape!