Your Body’s Control Center
You know the brain is powerful, but just how powerful is it? From regulating your emotions to making sense of the world, this vital organ keeps everything running smoothly behind the scenes. Without it, you wouldn’t be able to experience life as you do now. If you're ready for a quick lesson, let’s take a look at five key functions the brain is responsible for.
1. Emotions
When you feel sad, angry, happy, or frustrated, you can thank your brain for helping you regulate these emotions. And since our emotions play a big part in how we live and form relationships with others, without this vital organ being hard at work, we wouldn't be able to feel all the things we do.
2. Memory
The memory you have of yourself making your first friend in kindergarten? Or that memory of that delicious dish you tried last week at a new restaurant? You can thank your brain for being able to store all that information, too. It's why we're able to apply the things we learn, and why we don't forget about details as soon as we blink.
3. Vital Functions
If you were to ask a neurologist and a cardiologist which organ—the brain or the heart—is more important, they might both be biased enough to say their own. But you don't need to have a medical degree to know that both organs are equally vital, given that they're interconnected. Sure, the heart helps to pump blood and supply your body with fresh oxygen, but it's the brain that regulates all these processes behind the scenes.
4. Movement
An interesting fact about the brain is that each hemisphere is responsible for controlling the opposite side of the body: the left half guides the right side of your body, and the right half, the left side of your body. From simple gestures to complex actions, your brain is the manager that coordinates all your muscles so you're able to move the way you want.
5. Sensory Information
Your brain helps you make sense of the world. Every piece of information you gather about your surroundings through your five senses—touch, taste, smell, sight, and sound—is processed by your brain, allowing you to enjoy your favorite song, savor a delicious dish, or see a stunning sunset.
