Mind vs Brain

Difference Between the Brain and Mind

The brain, which is the center of the nervous system, coordinates the movements, thoughts

and feelings. But these are put forth or felt through the mind. We all use the mind to think, feel and respond. The Mind refers to a person’s

understanding of things and also his conscience. Mind also refers to a person’s

thought process (DifferenceBetween.net, 2015, para. 4).�

Negativity Bias

You win $500, how does it make you feel? You lose $500, how does it make you feel?

Which scenario made you feel worse?

Why? The negativity bias is a result of the of the fight-or-

flight response that is activated only during negative experiences. The adrenaline rush and

increased heart rate that occur with the fight-or-flight response cause negative events to be

experienced more intensely and imprinted on the brain more.

The brain gives more attention to negative

experiences over positive ones because negative events pose a chance of danger firmly (Force,

2010, para. 8).

By default, the brain alerts itself to potential threats in the environment, so

awareness of positive aspects takes deliberate effort. The most effective

therapies would use methods of making our brains more responsive to the

positive than the negative (Force, 2010, para. 9).

https://blog.bufferapp.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/happyier.png

•  Giving – Doing things for others •  Relating – Connect with people •  Exercising – Take care of your body •  Appreciating – Notice the world around you •  Trying Out – Keep learning new things

•  Direction – Have goals to look forward to •  Resilience – Find ways to bounce back •  Emotion – Take a positive approach •  Acceptance – Be comfortable with who you are •  Meaning – Be a part of something bigger

(Action for Happiness, 2014)

Ten Keys to Happier Living  

Neuroplasticity The ability to change the structure and

functioning of the brain through experiences and the conscious use of directed thoughts is

referred to as neuroplasticity.

The latest research indicates that the adult brain not only has the ability to repair damaged

regions, but to grow new neurons; that willful activity has the power to shape the brain in new

directions far into adulthood (Force, 2010, para. 1 - 2).

References •  Action for Happiness. (2014). Ten keys to happier living.

Retrieved from http://www.actionforhappiness.org/10-keys •  DifferenceBetween.net. (2015). Difference between mind and

brain. Retrieved from http://www.differencebetween.net/science/health/difference-between-mind-and-brain/

•  Dvorsky, G. (2013). The 12 cognitive biases that prevent you from being rational. Retrieved from http://io9.com/5974468/the-most-common-cognitive-biases-that-prevent-you-from-being-rational

•  Force, N. (2010).Humor, neuroplasticity and the power to change your mind. Retrieved from http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2010/10/20/humor-neuroplasticity-and-the-power-to-change-your-mind/

•  Sentis. (2012). Neuroplasticity. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELpfYCZa87g