Have you ever used the “your mind” meme? Aka – when someone says something so incredibly intellectual that you have to respond with “wow, your mind.” Now, try and say it in another way – “your brain.” Doesn’t feel the same (or as funny), right? The slight difference when referring to that part of your existence as “your brain” versus “your mind” is marginal, yet vast – but what exactly is the difference between the brain and the mind? Is there a difference? Can they be used interchangeably?
Let’s Use Science
Though each is influenced by the other, to simply break it down: brain = brain health (the structure, integrity, and biology of your actual brain), and mind = mental health (your thoughts, emotions, and feelings).
As always, science has an answer. Several clinical trial results show a continuous feedback loop where your thoughts inform your brain activity, and the condition (how healthy your brain is) of your brain informs the quality of your thoughts. Through brain imaging, researchers have been able to show that electrical energy in the brain visibly changes as a person thinks. This implies that the brain’s activity is always responding to your stream of both conscious and subconscious thoughts.
Quite obviously, mental health plays a key role in your brain’s activity. In fact, nearly 1 in 5 US adults live with a mental illness (PMID: 20855043). Therefore, while it can sound gimmicky most of the time, things like meditation and practicing mindfulness truly do aid in upkeeping a general balance between brain health and mental health. Additionally, it always helps immensely to seek cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or other forms of therapy when possible.
Wellness is all encompassing including both brain health AND mental health. At MULTI, we make efforts to practice mindfulness as a community by sharing our weekly gratitude thoughts in our Dotcom. To join in our our mindfulness, apply for our DOTCOM here
DISCLAIMER: THIS POST DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AS MEDICAL ADVICE. THIS POST IS NOT MEANT TO TREAT, CURE, PREVENT, OR DIAGNOSE CONDITIONS OR DISEASES; AND IS MEANT FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES. AS ALWAYS, PLEASE CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE TRYING ANY NEW TREATMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS.
