There’s much discussion about how the left and right sides of the brain influence the way we think. Some suggest that the brain works as either a parallel or serial processor, but one thing is certain: it can process information from multiple senses at once. While people often categorize themselves as “left-brain thinkers” or “right-brain thinkers,” the reality is that we use both sides of our brain. When we understand the function of each side, we can develop better strategies to harness their strengths and achieve greater balance in our thinking.

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 vibrant and dynamic way.

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.

So how can we engage with this part of the brain more effectively—and in a way that serves us positively?

This week’s blog will focus on strengthening the left brain.

Developing Healthy Left-Brain Habits

Because the left brain often revisits past experiences or projects anxieties about the future, it's easy to develop habits of spiral thinking. But overthinking isn’t necessarily a flaw—it’s your brain's attempt to find resolution and safety. Shifting from negative spiraling to healthy reflection is essential for creating healthy, productive thinking in the left brain.

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

1. Accept What Can’t Be Changed

   Acceptance is a critical step toward healing. If you find yourself repeatedly replaying past traumas or difficult situations, it's your brain’s way of seeking closure. However, healing can't occur unless you embrace and release what’s beyond your control.

2. Forgive self and others.

   Forgiveness is essential for letting go of anger, bitterness, resentment, guilt, or shame that may weigh us down and impede our forward movement.

3. Seek New Information for Healing

   Equip yourself with fresh perspectives. Read books, listen to podcasts, or engage with content that offers insight on personal growth and emotional healing. Introducing new information allows your brain to reflect on past events with problem-solving skills rather than dwelling on unchangeable outcomes.

4. Ask: How Does This New Information Change My Perspective on the Past?

   As you gather new knowledge, reflect on how it reshapes your understanding of past experiences. This insight can empower you to see difficult situations through a new lens, helping you overcome emotional burdens and move forward.

5. Ask: How Does This New Information Prepare Me for the Future?

   Instead of getting stuck in worrying about future uncertainties, use your newfound knowledge to feel more prepared. Ask yourself: What tools do I now have that I didn’t before? Knowledge is power, and when you use it intentionally, you empower yourself to navigate future challenges with confidence.

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.

The Power of Thought

Our brains are designed to think—and what we choose to focus on plays a crucial role in our mental well-being. When our thoughts are consumed by things we can’t control or future possibilities that may never happen, we limit the brain’s capacity to operate efficiently. This creates mental loops that keep us stuck in unresolved or unsolvable problems.

The good news is that thinking patterns can be changed. We can renew our left-brain thinking by accepting the past, seeking new insights, and empowering ourselves for the future. With practice, we can learn to think more productively, make decisions with greater clarity, and approach challenges with calm confidence.

Empower your mind by focusing on healthy reflection, embracing new knowledge, and thinking with intention. Balance your left-brain processing with present-moment awareness from the right brain, and discover a more harmonious way to approach both the known and the unknown. Together, both sides of the brain make it possible to thrive—bringing order, creativity, and wisdom to our lives. You got this!

-Dr. Jennie

See you next week when we dive into right-brain strategies!

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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