Brain Control Emotions

1. What Part Of The Brain Controls Emotions? We are emotional beings. From happiness to sadness, fear, anger, love, and everything in between. These feelings seem to happen automatically and sometimes feel outside the realm of our control. But emotions are very much a mental process. Have you ever thought about what part of the brain controls emotions? We know all about the brain centers that control breathing, balance, and speech. But what the less tangible aspects of our behavior? What about our emotions?

2. Here’s all you need to know about what part of the brain controls emotions. What Part Of The Brain Controls Mood And Emotional Behavior? Learning is your superpower. —Jim Kwik, Author of Mindvalley’s Superbrain Program The prefrontal cortex is responsible for planning future action. So if you thought about robbing a bank, your prefrontal cortex would help you process the idea and connect it to an appropriate emotional response. Your emotional response is generated in the amygdala. Feelings of anxiety and fear would likely motivate you to change your mind. If the amygdala is damaged, you lose control of base impulses. In fact, you may even begin to act in an inappropriate way. Disinhibited behavior, hypersexuality, and risk-taking are behavioral consequences of a damaged amygdala. The left hemisphere of the brain processes while the right hemisphere identifies. For example, if you felt as if you were falling in love, your right hemisphere would identify the feeling, but your left hemisphere would help you decide on how to act.Which Part Of The Brain Regulates Emotions? The hypothalamus regulates the emotions by controlling theautonomic nervous system. It also controls the endocrine system which is responsible for hormone production and release. The hypothalamus also controls our physical reaction to emotion. Ever had butterflies in your stomach after you see someone you like? Or tingling in your legs after you’ve been scared? This is all the work of the hypothalamus. The three hormones responsible for many of your emotions are: Adrenaline (stress and anxiety)

3. Oxytocin (love and affection) Dopamine (pleasure and reward) among several others What Part Of The Brain Is Responsible For Sadness? Sadness is experienced in the amygdala and left prefrontal cortex. But what’s interesting to note is that the amygdala shows more inactivity in those suffering from clinical depression. A little sadness is normal. But prolonged sadness can actually inhibit the brain’s ability to process emotion. In fact, this is what leads to feelings of apathy — a common psychological symptom of depression. How Does The Limbic System Control Emotions? The hypothalamus, amygdala, thalamus, and hippocampus are the four main components of the limbic system: The hypothalamus controls the endocrine system. The effects on your body are a faster heartbeat, dilated pupils, and quicker breathing. The amygdala is related to feelings of fear, anxiety, and anger. In collaboration with the hypothalamus, the amygdala is responsible for the fight-or-flight response. The thalamus is responsible for directing sense into the corresponding areas in the cortex. In the context of emotions, senses influence them immensely. This is why certain nostalgic songs may trigger an emotional response. The hippocampus processes sensory input and helps the limbic system produce an appropriate reaction. It converts short term to long term memory and ties emotions into memories. The brain is a complex piece of organic machinery. And even when it feels as if our emotions are out of control, there are actually many predictable, structured processes responsible for our emotional responses.