UNAPOLOGETICALLY AMERICAN

IMHO, our brain is a multifunctional organ, but it’s main function is storage (memory retention), and that is its relationship to that which we call our “mind“. Our mind retains physical, logical, learned and emotional experiences. It stores that which we refer to as instinct and logic (both of which are learned behaviors based upon personal experiences). There is also a significant interacting biological system…

THE NERVOUS SYSTEM
The nervous system’s main function is to send and receive messages between the rest of the body and the brain, coordinating actions and processing sensory information. It regulates everything from movement and thoughts to involuntary functions like heartbeat and digestion. The nervous system also protects us from exacerbating injuries by communicating pain signals to the brain, informing us of the injury.  Our nervous system is constantly processing information and responding to both internal and external stimuli. It is our first line of defense, working to protect us and keep us safe.

The autonomic nervous system, which controls all automatic or involuntary functions of the body, is comprised of two key parts:

The sympathetic nervous system: Often referred to as the “fight-or-flight” system, it is responsible for preparing the body for action in response to a perceived threat. It triggers the release of adrenaline and cortisol, activating our automatic survival responses: fight, flight, freeze, or fawn.

The parasympathetic nervous system: Known as the rest and digest system, it plays an important role in counteracting the fight-or-flight response and regulating the body’s response to stress. This system promotes relaxation and recovery, helping to bring the body back to a state of calm.
From an evolutionary perspective, our ancestors having a well-tuned fight-or-flight response is how we are here today. This stress system allowed our ancestors to react to and survive life-threatening dangers—predators, food shortages, and extreme weather conditions. The challenge today is that we are using this same system to answer emails, meet deadlines, manage calendars, have conversations, and deal with traffic! Our nervous system hasn’t evolved at the same pace as our modern world. It doesn’t know the difference between a real threat (like a tiger) and a non-life-threatening stressor.

Were it not for the brain, our biological warning system would be momentary and short-lived, and every repeated experience presented would be unrecognized as such. It would be similar in effect to Alzheimer’s disease (which is technically considered a form of dementia). Currently, over 6 million Americans are affected by dementia, and globally, around 57 million people live with the condition.
YOUR THOUGHTS?