The Emotional Brain
True or false: Humans are not emotional creatures.
What is false?
Picture this: maintaining eye contact, with corners of mouth tilted up slightly on either side. One could hum or sing quietly to themselves, or not.
What is calm/content?
This healthy coping skill is popular amongst medical professionals and some patients, however it's hard to get started! At least 30 mins of this a day is all you need for better cardiovascular health.
What is exercise?
This neurotransmitter helps regulate sleep and appetite, and can boost your mood!
What is serotonin?
Hmmm..3 feet is called...something. Not just 36 inches...
What is a yard?
This vital part of human functioning involves the brain, spinal cord, sensory organs and our nerve cells.
What is the nervous system?
Picture this: avoidant eye contact or eyes closed. Face is flushed red, and lips are tightly closed. If there is a hoodie, they are sinking into it like a turtle.
What is embarrassed/ashamed?
This healthy coping skill is a fan favorite, with some help from Spotify, CDs, cassettes or even a record player.
What is music?
The amount of sleep you get is important, eight hours is usually the goal for adults. But teenagers? They are built different.
What is 9-10 hours of sleep?
Cutting this very common stimulator out of your life could help improve your mood and sleep cycle. Chocolate even contains small traces of it, depending on its cocoa percentage.
What is caffeine?
This part of the brain processes your fear response. It is also processes anger and pleasure, and has a part to play in memory and impulsivity.
What is the amygdala?
Picture this: Raised eyebrows, eyes wide open. Mouth is open, but not making any noise. There may be tension in the air...
What is shocked/surprised?
This healthy coping skill is something we do involuntarily, but when done mindfully, can be a breath of fresh air.
What is deep breathing (or other breathing technique)?
This part of the brain helps regulate your most basic functions, doing the hard work for you. Imagine having to think about blinking, breathing and beating your own heart?
What is the brain stem?
You've heard of monolingual, bilingual and trilingual. But what about more than 3 languages? It's on the tip of my tongue...
What is a polyglot?
This part of the brain helps you form memories and store them. Hint: If Moo Deng went to college, she would be a...
What is hippocampus? (Hippo on campus, haha).
Picture this: Eyebrows are furrowed, pupils are dilated, and face is flushed. Nostrils are flared and fists are clenched so tight the knuckles are white...
What is rage/anger?
This healthy coping skill involves organizing your thoughts and being yourself, unapologetically. Come on, vent to me! All you need is a pen and paper. Who am I going to tell?
What is journaling?
DBT gets thrown around a lot, but it's evidenced-based and peer-reviewed, which insurance companies love! If only I could remember what it stood for...
What is Dialectical Behavior Therapy?
This describes an allele that needs both parents to have it in order for offspring to express it. Those of you with blue eyes understand, right?
What is a recessive gene?
This part of the brain is the limbic system's liaison, or control center, helping regulate hormones, sleep cycles, appetite and activates your nervous system.
What is the hypothalamus?
Picture this: Head is thrown back, eyes are watery and face is flushed. Mouth is open and loud, staccato sounds are coming out. It is hard to catch your breath. Man, your face and sides hurt!
What is joy/laughter?
Could also be hysterically crying out of sadness. Context is important.
This healthy coping skill varies in nature. No, seriously. Some have fur, some have scales. Almost all of them have tails.
What is pet therapy?
This person knows themselves better than anyone else. They deserve safety, peace of mind and homeostasis. They are their best advocate!
Who are *you*?
Despite what the Dole Company would have you believe, these canned goods are not one-plant-fits-all. In fact, most of these are tubers, flowers, stalks and plain old fruits. Has the food pyramid lied to me this whole time?!
What are vegetables?