reading1

The Hidden Benefits of Reading

by with No Comment Blog

The Magic of Reading

Reading is normally regarded as a relaxing pastime or a characteristic of a stereotypically smart person. But according to actual MRI scans, reading has amazing effects on your overall mental and physical well-being.
When we read, parts of our brain “light up”. The more “lighting up” our brain does, the more we are working on it. The more we read, the more our brain develops, becoming better at its job and working more smoothly. And just like physical activity, more strenuous activity works your brain more.
Reading doesn’t only make you smarter! Daily reading can help your mental and physical health in the long run. Continuous brain exercise can prevent mental decline, depression, Alzheimer’s, and dementia. According to a study by Rush University Medical Center, “People who’ve engaged in mentally stimulating activities all their lives were less likely to develop the plaques, lesions, and tau-protein tangles found in the brains of people with dementia.” (Rebecca Joy Stanborough)
Along with this, there is proof that reading can help you live longer. In a study centered around seniors, they found that those who read lived 2 years longer than those who didn’t or spent more time-consuming other forms of media. Next time you feel like picking up your phone or turning on the TV, try picking up a book!
Have you noticed that the last thing you do every day before bed is scrolled on your phone? This habit is detrimental to our health due to the constant exposure to bright lights. Replacing phones with reading can also help relaxing before sleep in ways that phones can’t. Just 30 minutes of reading can lower “blood pressure, heart rate, and feelings of psychological distress” (Stanborough).

How Can Reading Affect Your Day-to-Day Life?

Reading consistently can have effects on your everyday life too. For example, you may notice that reading more exposes you to more vocabulary. Reading more books can help you articulate yourself better, in formal conversations and writing.
Stress reduction is one of the most known benefits of reading. It can be a way to escape from all the chaos of life and into a more still, tranquil world. Reading can also help students with high-stress levels. A few minutes of reading per day can be snuck into a busy schedule, and depending on what genre or subject you are reading, the topics discussed in a book can bring tranquility to your life.
While we read, we’re transported into a whole new world, and we don’t even notice how much our brains work! There are new places, names, and plots you have to keep in mind. All this new information helps your brain work your memory, and it quickly helps you remember details in your real life.

Conclusion

Reading has so many benefits, both short-term and long-term! So next time you feel like picking up your phone or turning on the TV, try picking up a book!

References:

Photo by urbazon on iStock

Why We Find Comfort in Rewatching Movies

by with No Comment Blog

Pressing Play

We’ve all done it before: rewatching “Friends” for the hundredth time or playing a movie you’ve already seen because you don’t know what else to watch. Well, there’s a deeper scientific reason than not knowing what to watch. 

Emotional Fulfillment

Sometimes, we rewatch movies or shows for emotional fulfillment. For example, you might rewatch a comedy because you know it makes you laugh. Knowing how the story unfolds, the happy and sad parts, and how it ends. Knowing how a story ends gives us a sense of comfort and closure. We might rewatch a movie to find hidden clues we missed before or to fill in gaps in the story. We might also watch a movie for nostalgia. Rewatching something we used to watch gives us the bittersweet feeling of a blast to the past. 

Effortless Enjoyment

Humans naturally prefer activities that don’t demand much effort- watching something new means dealing with new characters, stories, and settings. But when we rewatch something familiar, our brains can relax and enjoy the show better. It’s easier to retain information – a concept called perceptual fluency. Rewatching a movie or show helps us notice small details we might have previously missed.

These days, we’re flooded with options for media, shows, and movies. With such an overwhelming amount of choices, it’s easier to watch something we know instead of watching something we may or may not like. It takes less brain power to settle on something we already know instead of going through the exhausting task of browsing through endless options.

The Mere Exposure Effect

The Mere Exposure Effect is when people tend to develop a liking or dislike for things merely because they are familiar with them. For example, have you ever hated a song on the radio, upset that they kept playing that song, but after a while, started humming along and eventually started singing along to all the lyrics? This is the same for movies and TV shows: watching it over and over again deepens our appreciation for it. 

This phenomenon affects our ability to make decisions. Instead of using logic to pick a movie or show, we choose something familiar to us. We do this because decisions make us unsure, so when we see an option we know everything about, we’ll inevitably choose that one. We may naturally view new things as threats, and watching a show repeatedly increases our confidence.

References

Mere exposure effect – the Decision Lab. (n.d.). The Decision Lab. https://thedecisionlab.com/biases/mere-exposure-effect 

Avlonitis, K. (2023, March 2). Why We Can’t Stop Rewatching Movies and TV Shows: A Psychological Exploration. Medium. https://medium.com/@bananofloydas/why-we-cant-stop-rewatching-movies-and-tv-shows-a-psychological-exploration-7f3a90ea3be5

Jean-Pierre, T. (2021, December 29). The problem with having too many choices | Medium. Medium. https://tavianjp.medium.com/the-problem-with-having-too-many-choices-49ae23aff1b4

N. Kraft, R., Ph. D. (2022, December 22). Play and Repeat: Why We Watch the Same Shows Over and Over. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/defining-memories/202212/play-and-repeat-why-we-watch-the-same-shows-over-and-overNickerson, C. (2023, October 10). Mere Exposure Effect in Psychology: Biases & Heuristics. Simply Psychology. https://www.simplypsychology.org/mere-exposure-effect.html

Find more articles at projectcleris.org

phineas2 (1)

The Curious Case of Phineas Gage: Paving The Way for Neuroscience

by with 2 Comments Blog

Picture this: It’s September 13, 1848, and in the quiet town of Cavendish, Vermont, a 25-year-old named Phineas Gage is immersed in the routine work of a railroad foreman. Engaged in the meticulous task of preparing a railroad bed, Gage handles an iron tamping rod with practiced hands, packing explosive powder into the ground. Little did he know that the trajectory of that iron rod would alter the course of his life, and end up providing insight into the functions of the human brain for years to come.

As the explosive powder detonated due to the friction, the rod was launched into his left cheek, destroying his eye. It made its way through the left front of the brain before exiting the skull from the right side. However, despite such an intense accident, Gage was still able to walk and talk while looking for medical assistance. During his recovery, Gage was treated by a number of medical professionals, including Dr. John Harlow, who would report the case in the Boston Medical Surgery Journal.

However, what truly made the case of Phineas Gage so remarkable and relevant in the history of various fields like psychology and neuroscience was not only his ability to survive a seemingly fatal injury but how this accident had changed him on a mental and emotional plane. Prior to the accident, coworkers, friends, and family of Phineas Gage described him to be hardworking, energetic, and pleasant. After the accident, they went as far as saying that he was “no longer Gage”. His irritable manner resulted in him losing his job. In the later years of his life, his personality would return to the way it was, signaling that healing in the frontal lobe could reverse personality changes. The primary area of injury in Gage’s accident was the frontal lobe; At the time, the frontal lobes were ‘considered silent structures, without function and unrelated to human behaviour.’ so the fact that only his personality was changed led early neurologists to alter their current understanding of the brain’s localisation of function.

The concept of the localisation of function in the brain refers to the idea that specific cognitive and behavioural functions are associated with particular regions or areas within the brain. This principle suggests that different parts of the brain are responsible for different functions, and damage to or stimulation of specific areas can result in predictable changes in behaviour or cognitive abilities.

All in all, the extraordinary story of Phineas Gage, propelled by an unforeseen accident, has left an indisputable mark on the early field of neuroscience. His story unraveled and uncovered the functions of the brain and tested the limits of human survival. He inspired many experts to delve into researching and perfecting knowledge on the localization of functions in the human brain. Today, his skull and the rod that injured him are both on display at the Warren Anatomical Museum in Boston.

Read more interesting articles at https://projectcleris.org

DOSE-Model-1

The Brain’s 4 Happy Hormones: Serotonin, Dopamine, Endorphins and Oxytocin

by with No Comment Blog

I. Introduction: Brief Overview of Neurotransmitters and Their Role in Brain Function.

That amazing feeling after a good workout, the pure joy that washes over your body when you finally achieve that long-awaited goal, a comforting embrace from a loved one that instantly fills your heart with warmth, or the laughter that leaves your belly aching; behind all of those remarkable moments lies a group of neurotransmitters, which are often referred to as the brain’s “happy hormones.” This little group of chemicals – serotonin, dopamine, endorphins, and oxytocin – play a crucial role in shaping our emotions, behaviours and overall well-being. They hold the key behind the best moments in our lives that are filled with joy, contentment, and excitement. Each plays a unique part in the grand performance of human emotion. We’ll dive into the science behind these neurotransmitters, exploring their origins, functions, and the fascinating interplay between them. As we peel back the layers of their influence, we’ll discover how they contribute to our experiences of joy, resilience, and human connection.

II. Serotonin: The Brain’s Manager.

Serotonin functions as a messenger between the brain and throughout the body. It facilitates communication between nerve cells (neurons) in the brain and other body regions. A lack of enough serotonin can play a role in depression, anxiety, mania, and other health conditions.

Additionally, it has a wide range of functions that contribute to various aspects of our mental and emotional well-being.

– It is best known for its role in mood regulation, where it helps stabilise emotions and promotes a sense of calmness and contentment. When serotonin is at normal levels, you feel much more stable, happier, and calmer. However, as mentioned before, lower levels are associated with mood disorders.

– It also regulates your sleep. It helps tell your body when it’s time to rest and wake up. Serotonin also plays an important role in the quality of your sleep.

– It influences both appetite and digestion as 90% of the serotonin resides in the gut, which is then released into your blood circulation and absorbed by platelets.

Serotonin is scientifically known as 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT). Once it is released from our neurons, serotonin binds to specific receptor sites on the surfaces of target cells. These receptors are called serotonin receptors, and there are multiple subtypes with different functions. The binding of serotonin to its receptors triggers a cascade of biochemical reactions inside the target cells, leading to specific physiological and behavioral responses. 

III. Dopamine: The Main Star.

Imagine you could hit a button every time you want to feel happy or motivated. This is dopamine, except it’s not a button that you can call whenever you want, but rather something that appears as a result of doing things you enjoy. For example, when we finally achieve that one goal we have been working for all year, dopamine is the pat on the back that tells us, “Great job! You did something awesome!”, making us feel excited and proud. 

It acts as a motivator, encouraging us to seek out activities that bring joy and satisfaction. Dopamine helps us anticipate and achieve rewards, which can range from the simple pleasure of eating something delicious to the sense of accomplishment that comes after solving a challenging problem. It’s the force that drives us to pursue our goals, experience pleasure, and keep pushing forward. Proper dopamine function is essential for maintaining a healthy level of motivation and engagement with the world around us.

It is easy to mistake the roles of dopamine and serotonin as they both play a crucial role in our overall mental well-being. While dopamine focuses on the excitement of rewards, serotonin works alongside dopamine to maintain emotional stability. Thus, while dopamine is associated with excitement and rewards, serotonin helps keep these feelings in balance, preventing extremes. Think of dopamine as the “I did it!” feeling after a big achievement, while serotonin provides a steady sense of well-being.

IV. Endorphins: The Superheroes.

In comics, whenever there are “bad guys,” there are usually superheroes that defeat them. In this case, endorphins are the superheroes in our brains. They act as a shield against pain, whether physical or emotional, and create a sense of euphoria that leaves us feeling uplifted and joyful.

They’re a group of natural chemicals known to play a vital role in pain regulation and stress response. When the body experiences stress or pain, endorphins are released to help alleviate discomfort and promote a sense of well-being.

The word “endorphins” is a combination of “endogenous” (originating within the body) and “morphine” (a powerful pain-relieving medication). They’re released by the hypothalamus and pituitary gland in response to pain or stress.

V. Oxytocin: The Love Fairy.

Oxytocin, often referred to as the “bonding hormone” or “love hormone,” is a remarkable neurotransmitter produced in the hypothalamus and released by the pituitary gland. It’s known for its pivotal role in creating emotional bonds, fostering trust, and enhancing social connections. It is what enhances feelings of empathy and emotional understanding, which deepen our relationships.

Not only does oxytocin make us feel close to our loved ones, but it also encourages kindness. When we do something nice for someone, like sharing a toy or helping someone in need, our brain releases even more oxytocin. It’s almost like a reward for being a good friend and spreading kindness around. 

VI. Conclusion: Why Are Each of Them Important?

These unique happy hormones each play a vital role in our mental well-being and life enrichment. With serotonin, it ensures the steady course of our inner world. By maintaining emotional equilibrium and fostering a sense of contentment, serotonin establishes the foundation upon which our emotional well-being thrives.

With dopamine, it fuels our motivation, sparks excitement, and celebrates our achievements. It encourages us to pursue our aspirations with zeal and to celebrate our accomplishments, no matter their scale. It instills life with a vibrant energy that beckons us to cherish the thrill of every moment.

Endorphin is the body’s shield, which keeps us going during the dark days. 

Oxytocin is the bonding force that connects us to loved ones. Its significance lies in nurturing connections, building trust, and fostering empathy. It shows us that our interactions with loved ones, the warmth of a hug, and the joy of shared laughter are the true gems of life. It reminds us that our capacity to care and connect is a source of endless joy and fulfilment.

You can boost levels of these hormones with small lifestyle changes, such as diet, exercise, and meditation. With just simple and intentional choices, like a leisurely stroll in the park or a heartfelt conversation with a friend, these happy hormones can be nudged into action, enriching our lives with moments of genuine happiness. So, as you navigate the beautiful journey of life, remember that within you reside the architects of joy – serotonin, dopamine, endorphins, and oxytocin. 

Sources:

https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/serotonin-the-natural-mood-booster

https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/oxytocin-the-love-hormone

https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/endorphins-the-brains-natural-pain-reliever

https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/feel-good-hormones-how-they-affect-your-mind-mood-and-body

https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/dopamine-the-pathway-to-pleasure

https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/dopamine-the-pathway-to-pleasure

https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/family-resources-education/700childrens/2023/02/dopamine-and-serotonin#:~:text=Serotonin%2C%20while%20similar%20to%20dopamine,metabolism%2C%20emotions%20and%20even%20sleep!

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22572-serotonin#:~:text=Serotonin%20is%20a%20chemical%20that,blood%20clotting%20and%20sexual%20desire.

https://villagepipol.com/