Finding Balance: Left-Brain and Right-Brain Thinking Part 2

“The human brain doesn’t passively take in experience like a recorder; instead, it constantly works over the sensory data it receives – and the fruit of that mental labor is new versions of the world.”

— David Eagleman

Last week, we discussed the differences between the right and left brain hemispheres. Here is a recap:

RIGHT BRAIN: Creative, Present, and Intuitive

The right brain thrives on creativity, intuition, and spatial awareness. It engages with the present moment, helping us tap into artistic expression, empathy, and imagination. This side of the brain allows us to see the big picture, make connections between ideas, and perceive the world in a way that’s vibrant and dynamic.

LEFT BRAIN: Logical, Linear, and Analytical

In contrast, the left brain organizes experiences, thoughts, and feelings into a logical sequence. It creates order out of chaos, focusing on both the past and the future. This side of the brain helps us analyze, plan, and solve problems. However, because it can focus so intently on what has been or might happen, the left brain can sometimes lead us into cycles of worry, fear, and what some refer to as “overthinking.”

Integrating Both Sides for Balance

While each side of the brain has unique strengths, we aren’t limited to just one type of thinking. The key to optimal mental functioning lies in integrating both hemispheres. This means learning to balance analytical thinking with creativity, planning with spontaneity, and past reflection with present awareness. Strengthening the left brain allows us to embrace logical thinking without getting stuck in loops of over-analysis.

This week, we are going to discuss strategies to strengthen right-brain thinking.

The right brain is beautifully creative and able to be in the present moment. It is focused on the now. It can help the left brain “snap” out of spiral thinking and worrying by simply asking, “What can I control and what can’t I control now.” However, where the right brain may cause us some trouble is with negative thinking, isolation, and self-preservation.

Like the left hemisphere, it’s essential to shift from a negative mindset to healthy reflection to create productive right-brain thinking. Keeping a gratitude journal or speaking positive affirmations are two examples of strategies that can help with negative right-brain thinking.

Here are some additional practical strategies to build healthier right-brain habits:

1. Celebrate your successes. Your brain is listening, identifying what you are doing well, and embracing your daily wins are important for a positive self-image. It can be something like “I took a shower today” or “I took better care of myself today by drinking more water.” Or it can be something like “I completed a difficult project at work” or “successfully paid off my bills.”

2. Identify opportunities to grow and improve. Celebrating our successes is vital to a healthy self-image. Likewise, humbling ourselves and identifying where we can continue growing and learning is equally important. This can sound like, “I am doing really good not interrupting others when they talk, but I could improve in making eye contact and not getting distracted as easily.” Humble confidence is created when we can see the good in ourselves and take accountability and responsibility for our needed growth. If you say, “I’m good; I don’t need to learn or grow,” This is a dangerous place to get life. Challenge yourself and start with, “I need to identify my opportunities for growth and development.”

3. Seek New Information
   Like the left brain, the right brain also benefits from new information. Equip yourself with fresh perspectives. Read books, listen to podcasts, or engage with content that offers insight into personal growth and emotional healing. When you introduce new information, you allow your brain to reflect on how that information applies to you now. Learn to engage with content you may not agree with or that you haven’t considered.

4. Focus on what you can control now
   Focusing on things out of our control at the moment can give us that “overthinking” feeling and rob us of our power. If you cannot control it, let it go! Empower yourself by focusing on what you can control. Make little choices and steps toward moving forward. And then celebrate the step. A negative mindset can also come from feeling hopeless and out of control. Help shift that mindset by focusing on what you can control and giving yourself a reason to celebrate. Small wins lead to big change!

5. Connect with others
   Whether you’re an introvert or an extrovert, meaningful connection is essential to well-being. Introverts might feel more comfortable connecting one-on-one, while extroverts often thrive in group settings with friends or family. No matter your style, human connection plays a key role in releasing hormones like oxytocin, which boost mood and promote feelings of happiness and belonging. This week, make time to connect! Whether it’s catching up over coffee, making a phone call, or joining a group activity, prioritize building or strengthening a relationship this week. Your mental and emotional health will thank you!

6. Journal, Journal, Journal! This last strategy is something you will in see in almost all of my strategy suggestions. Handwriting provides major benefits to cognitive processing, memory retention, and learning. While typing has its benefits, such as being much faster, studies show that handwriting is better for retention. So, even if you cannot read your writing, write anyway! Your brain knows what you're trying to write…it doesn’t have to be perfect.

Whole brain thinking

Labels help identify, but they can also be limiting. Rather than taking on the label of being a right-brain thinker or a left-brain thinker, embrace your full potential in being a whole-brain thinker. Build humble confidence by accepting what can’t be changed, celebrating what you are doing well, and identifying opportunities for growth. Engaging in healthy reflection about what can be learned from the past, what you are doing well in the present, what new things we can learn now, and how you are (or can be) prepared for the future will bring optimal right and left brain thinking...whole brain thinking at its finest! You got this!

-Dr. Jennie

I would love to hear your thoughts, ideas, or questions. Please feel free to drop those in the comments section below. Let’s talk!

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