5 Surprising Facts About The Human Brain

Even though humans only use about 10 percent of their brains, what they are able to accomplish with this small percentage of the brain is remarkable. The brain does everything from triggering the feeling of love with Oxytocin in adolescents to allowing toddlers to create their own imaginary play friends. The brain truly has unlimited capacities, and when you know about these unlimited capacities, you may just feel some gratitude for the powers of your mind. Here are some facts about the brain that might help you feel inspired to make greater use of the remarkable gift that you have been given for this lifetime.

1. Physical Illness is Often Psychological

About 50 to 70 of visits to the doctor have their roots in psychological beliefs. The common cold is one of the most common physical ailments that has its basis in psychological beliefs. If a person has been under tremendous stress or has negative beliefs, then these factors can inflame a physical illness. The flip-side is that having a positive mentality and laughing often can actually trigger feelings of well-being. Doctors have found that patients who have positive feelings about their health can actually improve the condition of their bodies and minds.

2. Memories Are Strongest When They Are Triggered by Scent

Have you ever smelled a perfume that you just loved? Maybe your mother wore a lovely scent, and whenever you smell it, you instantly think about the times she would dress up for the holidays or go to all of your school productions. The reason you tend to remember more when you smell a particular scent is because scent is the strongest emotional trigger for the brain. When the brain comprehends a particular scent, a very strong emotion is triggered. A memory is created, and you will then always have an association in your mind with that event.

3. Lack of Sleep Harms the Ability to Create Memories

When you were a student, your teachers always told you to get a full night’s sleep before a big exam. Your teachers knew that having sleep would put your brain in the best condition to succeed for the exam. Not having enough sleep can actually prevent your brain from recalling essential information. When you know that you need to recall important information for an exam, the best way you can prepare for success is by getting enough sleep.

4. You Forget 50 Percent of Your Dreams Five Minutes After Waking

After you wake up, your memory of a dream quickly dissipates. You will lose 50 percent of what you remember about a dream only five minutes after waking up. Then, you will lose 90 percent of what you remember only 10 minutes after waking up from a dream. One way you can “save your dreams” is by writing them down immediately after waking up. This will help you decipher the hidden meaning that your dreams may have and may shed insight into problematic issues that you are dealing with in your life.

5. Music Boosts Organizational Skills

If you are thinking about signing your child up for music lessons, then you are doing your child a favor for the future. Music lessons have been shown to improve the organizational abilities of a child’s mind.

These are just a small sampling of the fascinating facts that surround the human brain. The human brain is one of the most enigmatic parts of the body, and it is vital for the proper development of the human body.

Citations:

• National Geographic
• Harvard University
• University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

About the author: Sarah Hellam is a nurse practitioner and guest author at Brainz, a site that entertains you as it makes you smarter.