How our brain affects our behaviour

Over the last few weeks in our SEL classes, we've been looking at how our brain affects our behaviour and emotions. The main two parts of the brain we've looked at are our amygdala (which is responsible for our emotions) and our prefrontal cortex (which is responsible for concentration, decision-making, and getting started with tasks). When we're upset, angry or overly excited, our amygdala is in control and we can't make strong choices. When we're calm and relaxed, our amygdala settles down and lets our prefrontal cortex take charge so we can focus on what we're meant to be doing and make strong choices.

The GEM principles from The Resilience Project help us to keep our amygdala calm and our prefrontal cortex switched on. Mindfulness, gratitude and empathy all help us to regulate. What activities do you do mindfully? Reading? Drawing? Going for a walk or run? Cooking? Playing with Lego? Anything that you do where you focus on one thing at a time (and often lose track of the world around you) can be done mindfully.

Check out some of the videos we've watched in the last few weeks that explain how the different parts of our brain work!

The Resilience Project - Mindfulness

Today’s presentation from The Resilience Project is all about Mindfulness.

Mindfulness is our ability to be present at any given moment. We practise this by using intentional awareness and concentrating on what you are doing when you are doing it.

Thousands of studies into Mindfulness indicate that with regular practise, Mindfulness can lead to benefits such as; reduced stress, reduced rumination, increased memory, increased cognitive function and physical health benefits through improved immunity.

View Part 4 of the series here:

Part 4 - Mindfulness: https://theresilienceproject.com.au/2023-parent-carer-hub-inspire-martin/

Mindfulness can be practised through meditation, yoga, flow-states and daily activities such as cooking.

Source: UC Berkeley, Greater Good Science, American Psychological Association

For mental health resources and support information, visit The Resilience Project’s Support Page.

Community News