The Social Brain
Did you know the brain was social? Positive social interaction promotes brain health and overall wellness.
Dialogue exercises our language skills, which helps to keep parts of the brain connected to other neural structures. It requires social interaction, nurturing our brain’s social functions. It all helps to slow the decline of cognitive abilities.
Conversing with others involves social interaction which protects the brain’s health. Without social interaction portions of the brain are damaged, leading to aggression, depression, and various neuropsychiatric disorders.
Other interesting facts about the social brain:
- Healthy conversation does not include just any talk; gossip, the weather, sports, and the like.
- Healthy conversation involves abstract ideals, such as what one thinks about big topics in the world, what technology will look like in 20 years, the meaning of life, the omnipresence of God, or the universe.
- Angry, fearful, worrisome, argumentative talk is harmful and driven by the amygdala (the downstairs brain).
- Healthy conversation involves dialogue with others without trying to “win” your perspective, but with the intent to listen.
- Listen with the intent to understand. Understanding leads to empathy, empathy to compassion, compassion to caring, caring to love.
So ask challenging questions and save room for disagreement. Be social! Your brain demands it!
