The importance of understanding your brain
The brain is the most used organ in our body. It perceives, thinks, and acts: it's the engine of our life, managing all our organs. It functions somewhat like the CEO of a company, ensuring that each organ performs its job correctly and sending out warning signals when something is wrong. At the same time, it also manages itself.
The chemical messages sent by the brain allow it to react accordingly. It sends signals to the muscles, the heart, and all other organs. For these reasons, it is essential to understand how our brain works and why it demands so much energy from the body.
What is the brain made of?
The brain, along with the spinal cord, constitutes the central nervous system, capable of integrating information, controlling movement, and ensuring cognitive functions. It weighs approximately 1,3 kg, 75% of which is water, and is the best-protected organ in the body. Firstly, it is bathed in cerebrospinal fluid, which reduces the effects of shocks, and secondly, it is covered by three membranes called the meninges. The brain consumes 15 to 20% of the energy produced by the body, primarily in the form of glucose, a simple sugar obtained from food.
It is traversed by a large number of blood vessels, which bring it a significant flow of oxygen.
The brain is also composed of three essential parts, which can be compared to three departments in a company: human resources, communications, and accounting. The brain is somewhat similar.
The NEOCORTEX: the major part of the brain
The neocortex represents the part of the brain responsible for intelligence. It is the seat of reasoning, logic, and consciousness. It processes all the data essential for the proper functioning of the brain. Movement cannot be controlled without the neocortex's approval.
It is often called "grey matter" because of its color, hence the expression "to use one's grey matter".
The limbic system: the middle part of the brain
The limbic system contributes to memory and emotions. It is the center of our emotional memory. When it comes to making a decision, this part validates both the emotional and rational choices of the neocortex. Our earliest learning is stored in this system.
The REPTILIAN brain: the small part of the brain
The reptilian brain, meanwhile, is responsible for our basic needs such as breathing, eating, and safety. It reacts instinctively to alerts from our organs. It acts as a "survival center," much like the guardian of our body.
Taking care of your brain
These three areas are essential for the proper functioning of our brain and body, thus ensuring a serene and balanced life. It is therefore crucial to know how to use them and take care of them in the best possible way.
It starts with a healthy diet, because "you are what you eat," but also with regular physical activity. Furthermore, it's important to maintain intellectual activity to stimulate memory.
The brain is the engine of the entire body; it's the starting point for everything. Without a healthy brain, a human being cannot lead a normal life. It is therefore essential to stimulate it constantly. The Boclet method, for example, can help train your brain in memorization, mind-mapping, and comprehension skills, particularly through speed reading. Knowledge is the key to everything, and it too is limitless!
