Rewiring Your Brain for Success
Rewiring Your Brain for Success
Imagine this: You’re about to speak in front of a group of people, and suddenly, your body seems to have a mind of its own. Your heart starts pounding, your palms get sweaty, and there’s that unmistakable fluttering sensation in your stomach.
Does this feeling sound familiar? Maybe it is set off by the fear of spiders, heights, or flying, but most of us have something that can make us feel paralyzed by fear.
So, where does this disproportionate dread come from? From a physiological standpoint, these reactions are perfectly normal. When we're faced with a stressful or fearful situation, our bodies enter "fight or flight" mode. The culprits responsible for this physiological rollercoaster are two almond-shaped structures deep within our brains known as the amygdala.
The Amygdala: The Fear Factor
The amygdala plays a crucial role in processing emotions, particularly fear and anxiety. When we encounter a situation that our brain perceives as a threat (whether or not it actually is), the amygdala springs into action by sounding an alarm throughout our body. It releases stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which prepare us for quick action such as fight or flight. This is why our bodies respond with those familiar symptoms—rapid heart rate, sweaty palms, and a churning stomach.
At some point in your life, when you were faced with that specific fear, the amygdala interpreted the experience as a potential threat and deemed it to be unsafe. The amygdala tells your brain to avoid the fear-provoking situation in the future, which only heightens the anxiety surrounding it.
The Role of the Hippocampus: Memory Lane and Negative Associations
Now, let's delve into the backstory of where these fears originate. It's not something we're born with; instead, it's often a product of our past experiences.
This hippocampus is responsible for forming and storing memories, especially emotional ones. It's like your brain's filing cabinet, neatly organizing your past experiences and the associated emotions with those experiences. When you had that embarrassing moment in front of the class, experienced too much turbulence on that flight, or stumbled over your words during a presentation at work, the hippocampus dutifully stored those memories and the emotion you experienced with it. We owe our brains gratitude for trying to protect us, but there may come a time when that protection no longer serves us.
The Beauty of Exposure: Creating New, Positive Associations
So, how do we overcome this deeply ingrained fear? The good news is that our brains are remarkably adaptable, and we can rewire them to change our associations. Since the association was learned, it can be unlearned!
Oftentimes, the things we want to do the least are what we should do the most. Exposure creates new, positive associations and teaches our brain that there's nothing to be afraid of. By gradually exposing yourself to certain fears in a safe and controlled manner, you can rewrite the script in your hippocampus.
Each completed speech, every successful flight, and each encounter with a scary height can become a new memory stored in your brain's filing cabinet. These experiences gradually replace those old negative associations and show your amygdala that it isn't a threat—it's an opportunity for growth and connection.
So, take that step to face your fear—it might not be as scary as your brain makes it seem! You don’t have to do this alone, and therapy can be a great place to practice exposure and rewiring associations. Reach out to our Client Care Coordinator today to find out which Root to Rise therapist would best suit you!