While visiting a friend's art gallery, we were talking with the artist and it took me a while to explain him the fascinating myth in modern culture of people being right-brained or left-brained...Clearly he is an right-brain thinker and i am a left-brain one😅
Have you ever heard people say that they are more of a right brain vs left brain thinker? From books to television programs, you've probably heard the phrase mentioned numerous times. Or perhaps you've even taken an online test to determine whether you are right-brained or left-brained.
According to the theory of left brain or right brain dominance, each side of the brain controls different types of thinking. Additionally, people are said to prefer one type of thinking over the other.
For example, a person who is "left-brained" is often said to be more logical, analytical, and objective. A person who is "right-brained" is said to be more intuitive, thoughtful, and subjective.
People described as left-brain thinkers are told they have strong math and logic skills. On the other hand, those who are described as right-brain thinkers are told that their talents are more on the creative side of things.
Here are a few traits of each:
Left Brain
✅ Logical
✅ Analytical
✅ Linear
✅ Verbal
✅ Factual
✅ Sequential
Right Brain
☑ Creative
☑ Intuitive
☑ Artistic
☑ Non-verbal
☑ Emotional
☑ Musical
☑ Imaginative
If we want to analize it further, we can say that the left-brain is connected with IQ, and the right-brain with EQ.
An general and abstract theory says that our mind as children is 90% right-brain dominanced, that's why we are more sensitive and curious at young age. And as we grow up there is an total reversal and our brain transform to an 90% left-brain dominance, that's why it's harder as grown-ups to express our feelings
Applying all of the above in a workplace, we can realize that most of managers are applying all the technical knowledge (90% left-minded thinkers, high IQ) which help them rise in the cooperate ladder, but have huge problems communicate and manage their teams (10% right-minded thinkes, low EQ).
Management from left brain, and leadership from right brain!
And if it's hard for someone to increase their IQ through studying and practising, we can only imagine how much harder is for all of us to practise and improve our EQ.
Whether you feel like you tend to be more of a creative type or an analytical type, there are things that you can do to keep your mind sharp and your brain healthy:
🚴 Get regular exercise: Research has found that exercise has a protective effect on cognition and brain health as people age.
📚 Keep your mind active: Studies found that people who are mentally active and work in mentally challenging fields, such as academics, tend to have better brain health.
👫 Socialize: Social support is important for psychological well-being, but it is also essential for the health of your brain, particularly as you age.
🥦 Eat a healthy diet: The foods you eat can also impact your brain's health and function. Focus on eating a balanced diet focused primarily on fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, healthy fats, and complex carbs.
🛌 Get enough rest: Sleep is essential to brain health and mental function, so focus on getting enough rest each night. Practice healthy sleep habits and stick to a regular sleep-wake schedule.
No matter what type of thinking you are doing, both sides of your brain are involved. The right-brain, left-brain theory might be inaccurate, but that doesn't mean that understanding your strengths is not helpful. You can also take steps to protect the health of your brain by getting regular exercise, sleeping well, staying social, and putting your mind to use.
