The brain of the human body is impeccably prominent in the process of the body’s many physical functions.
Most college students incoherently add massive amounts of work, events, and activities on our to-do list every week. Likewise, in today’s society our minds can become cluttered with the struggle between school and personal life. Students who attend high school or college are subject to losing tenacity in their daily thought processes when participating in multiple forms of activities at once. The very idea of a deadline can become overwhelming for most students.
When neglected, the brain can activate a negative effect on our mental and physical health. When treated, the mind has a positive effect on the mental health and physical health of humans.
The human brain is responsible for the control of the body’s basic functions, such as emotions, behavior, response and interpretation, as briefly described by the National Institution on Drug Abuse. The “cerebral cortex” of the brain is divided into four distinctive parts which carry out different tasks: frontal, occipital, parietal, and temporal lobes. The “limbic system” controls the human “pleasure” circuit.
According to the National Geographic website, the human brain is composed of neurons that transmit and chemical information, and send messages through neuron fibers called axons and dendrites. When we touch something of a certain temperature (like touching a hot stove) neurotransmitters send a message to the brain’s neurons so the human brain identifies the danger. The same effect is responsible for cold, sharp, smooth objects; utilizing different senses necessary for survival.
The negative aspects that can formulate are anxiety disorders, depression, and forms of memory loss (such as Alzheimer’s disease). According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, over 40 million adults are affected by anxiety disorders, and 18.1% of the total population is affected in the United States. Many forms of disorders stem from depression and anxiety such as PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), Panic Disorder, OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder), etc.
According to Dr. Amy R. Pearce, Ph.D., Professor of Psychology, “The brain stem region is comprised of the structures of the midbrain pons and medulla. The brainstem is responsible for our vital signs-breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, awaking, so damage to this area (trauma, aneurysm) typically results in death.”
However, when the mind is treated the body exuberates confidence and superior health status. Managing your time wisely in school and social life can have a positive effect on your overall state of mind. When stress clouds our judgment we tend to think unclearly, resulting in actions that can be damaging to our health and mind. Topics such as suicide awareness have helped encourage people to manage their mindfulness and overcome obstacles. Preventing depression or anxiety can seem too difficult to accomplish, but it is not impossible.
Some methods for relieving stress, anxiety, or depression are meditation techniques lasting a minimum of 10 minutes, yoga, adequate sleep, hydration, nutrition foods, and moderate exercise as encouraged by WebMD. It is only logical that in order to be mindful and accomplish tasks in life, that you must first provide ways to avoid negative intake.
Devin Nelson, Education specialist, Student Life Counselor here at A-State describes that, “We hear our own voices more than we hear anyone else’s. If we are focusing on what we cannot do, or doubting ourselves, this will negatively impact our performance. However, by challenging those thoughts and replacing them with positive affirmations, performance will be improved as will our overall mental well-being.”
A body cannot function without being prepared for the task at hand. Products such as alcohol or drugs are the most common forms of negative intake. Alcohol and drugs are an example of negatively intake. The fundamental purpose of alcohol and drugs is to damage brain cells and limit brain functionality. When we begin to prioritize our friends, family, school and work over our health, our bodies take a tremendous toll. However, as our brain cells die in response to the foreign substance within the body. When excessive alcohol and drug use take place in the body, the repercussions can be hazardous to all of the body’s systems, and often can lead to death.
Our bodies are not to be taken for granted. We only have one body– treat it with respect. When you are concerned about a test, take a moment of meditation. If you need assistance in facing a challenge, ask for help. Do not stay silent. When treated, the mind has a positive effect on our overall physical health as well as mental health. Negative thoughts or stress-induced episodes can have a withering effect on the body’s ability to function.
However, if cared for the mind and body can work in harmony, bringing peace to human lives around the country. Take care of your mind, body and livelihood.