Which hemisphere of the brain is responsible for creativity and which for logic? | BeLady.online

Description

Interhemispheric asymmetry of mental processes refers to the functional specialization of the cerebral hemispheres: when performing some mental functions, the left hemisphere is dominant, while others are the right hemisphere.

Functional asymmetry is one of the most important psychophysiological patterns in the activity of the human brain. According to the researchers, asymmetry is associated with optimization of the decision-making process. The right and left hemispheres operate at different frequencies. Twice a day, at the moment of falling asleep and waking up, the frequency is synchronized. At this moment, a person has incomparably greater capabilities.

Nerve pathways from the sense organs go to each of the hemispheres of the brain. The right hemisphere primarily “serves” the left side of the body, and the left hemisphere primarily “serves” the right. Thus, left-handedness, a dominant left eye or left ear may indicate a predominant role of the right hemisphere in the perception and analysis of information.

It is currently believed that the left hemisphere in right-handed people plays a predominant role in expressive and impressive speech, reading, writing, verbal memory and verbal thinking. The right hemisphere acts as the leading hemisphere for non-speech, for example, musical hearing, visual-spatial orientation, non-verbal memory, and criticality.

The mechanisms of abstract imaginative thinking are concentrated in the left hemisphere, and the mechanisms of concrete figurative thinking are concentrated in the right hemisphere, therefore those people in whom emotional-imaginative thinking predominates are called “right-hemisphere”, and those in whom rational-logical thinking predominates are called “left-hemisphere”.

A curious detail noticed by scientists is the ability of asymmetry to change with age. It has been experimentally proven that the dominant hemisphere works more economically and ages more slowly. It should be remembered that the dominance of the right hemisphere will sooner or later manifest itself. For many people who grew up in a left-hemisphere rational world, creativity manifests itself only in the second half of life. Someone suddenly starts cross-stitching at the age of forty, someone paints pictures in secret from everyone.

What is the left hemisphere of the brain responsible for?

The left hemisphere is mainly responsible for analysis and logic. One hemisphere will always work more actively than the other.

The left hemisphere is responsible for:

logical thinking;
understanding only the literal meaning of words;
reading and writing abilities;
number and symbol recognition;
language abilities;
speech control;
solving mathematical problems;
analysis of all facts;
processing information sequentially, in stages.

Features of the hemispheres

The symmetrical sections of the hemispheres provide movement and specific sensitivity equally. However, such averaging does not apply to higher cortical functions, emotions, activation and adaptation processes.

Neurophysiologists classify interhemispheric asymmetry of the brain into:

anatomical (expressed in the morphological heterogeneity of the hemispheres);
biochemical (manifested by differences in cellular reactions, content of neurotransmitters);
psychophysiological (motor, sensory, cognitive-emotional).

Left

The left hemisphere of the brain is responsible for verbal information; it is responsible for a person’s language abilities, controls speech, the ability to write and read. Thanks to the work of the left hemisphere, a person is able to remember various facts, events, dates, names, their sequence and how they will look in writing.

The left hemisphere is responsible for human analytical thinking; thanks to this hemisphere, logic and analysis of facts are developed, and manipulations with numbers and mathematical formulas are carried out.

The left hemisphere of the brain dominates in the following areas:

coordination of movements of the right side of the body;
control of speech, reading, writing, recognition and understanding of mathematical symbols, as well as remembering names and dates;
logical analysis of facts received from outside;
only a literal understanding of concepts;
stages in the processing of any information received;
all mathematical manipulations;
orientation in time and feeling of one's own body;
the concept of one’s own “I” and its isolation from the environment;
predominance of introversion in character;
logical, symbolic and sequential thinking.

In case of any damage to the left hemisphere of the brain, disturbances, disappearances or deformations of its function are noted. The following pathological conditions may occur:

impaired ability to generalize received data;
impairment of the ability to build logical chains;
various lesions of the speech apparatus (misunderstanding of speech, loss of the ability to speak, and others);
damage to the written analyzer (failure to understand what is written when perceiving oral speech or the inability to write with normal speech);
combined lesions of speech and writing;
violation of time orientation;
impaired ability to arrange in the correct sequence the tasks that need to be completed to achieve a goal;
inability to draw conclusions from available facts.

A child with a left-hemisphere dominant often learns to read on his own, because he has memorized the symbols mechanically, but the letters are unlikely to include images in his mind: this can lead to indifference to reading.

Interesting to know! It is also difficult for these children to play games on their own, inventing imaginary events and actions.

Right

The right hemisphere of the brain specializes in processing so-called nonverbal information, which is expressed not in words, but in symbols and images.

Important! It is responsible for imagination; with its help, a person is able to fantasize, dream, and compose. This is also where a person’s abilities for initiative and art are located.

The right hemisphere is responsible for parallel processing of information, that is, like a computer, it allows a person to simultaneously analyze several different streams of information, make decisions and solve problems, simultaneously considering the problem as a whole and from different angles.

Thanks to the right hemisphere of the brain, we make intuitive connections between images, understand a variety of metaphors, and perceive humor. The right hemisphere allows a person to recognize complex images that cannot be broken down into elementary components, for example, the process of recognizing people's faces and the emotions that these faces display.

Therefore, we can identify a certain “area of responsibility” of the right hemisphere:

reading information from images, symbols;
representation of images under the influence of music;
orientation in space;
collecting puzzles and mosaics;
perception of musical works;
understanding the figurative meaning of words and expressions;
the ability to dream, compose;
expression of sexuality;
a penchant for mysticism, religious consciousness;
control of the left side of the body.

It follows from this that although the left hemisphere of the brain is responsible for logic, speech, event planning and the ability to perform exact sciences, their holistic perception will be impossible without the right half of the brain.

Relationship

The work of both hemispheres of the brain is equally important for a person. With the help of the left hemisphere, the world is simplified and analyzed, and thanks to the right hemisphere, it is perceived as it really is. The intuitive work of the right hemisphere of the brain is based on facts that have been analyzed by the left hemisphere.

Important! If there were no right, “creative” hemisphere of the brain, people would turn into emotionless, calculating machines that could only adapt the world to their life.

It should be noted that the right hemisphere controls the left half of the human body, and the left hemisphere controls the right half of the body. That is why it is believed that a person whose left half of the body is better developed (“left-handed”) has better developed creative abilities. By training the corresponding part of the body, we train the hemisphere of the brain that is responsible for these actions.

In the majority of people, one hemisphere is dominant: the right or the left. When a child is born, he evenly uses the capabilities that were initially inherent in him in different hemispheres.

Interesting to know! However, in the process of development, growth and learning, one of the hemispheres begins to develop more actively.

In addition, the peculiarities of the distribution of functions in the hemispheres and their interaction give a different clinical picture when pathological conditions occur. This is the basis for diagnosing a number of neurological diseases. At the same time, it is impossible to consider interhemispheric asymmetry as the work of isolated structures.

Important! Only the unity of both hemispheres and their coordinated work guarantee the full functioning of the body.

Reasons for the popularity of the myth of the left and right hemispheres of the brain

So for what reason is the myth about the functional asymmetry of the cerebral hemispheres so firmly ingrained in people’s consciousness and has become extremely widespread?

One of the reasons is the very simplicity of the interpretation of the work of the brain, which, in addition to everything else, quite easily fits into the framework of common sense. On the one hand, a person has to perform various types of activities that are radically different from each other, but on the other hand, the brain has two similar halves. But why do the brain need them? Most likely, precisely so that they perform various tasks.

Another reason is that the myth we are considering is actively cultivated by popular scientists who are trying to make money from it. Pointing out that modern society is not able to fully appreciate the emotional perception of reality, which is a property of the right hemisphere, adherents of the difference between the hemispheres began to advertise intricate schemes for increasing the activity of the hemisphere, as if responsible for creativity. Numerous seminars, trainings, publications and books by these people promise to those who want to develop to remove from their path of personal development any barriers that are imposed on a person by the ossified system of basic education, which specifically approves of “left-handed” thinking.

Those who strive to develop the right hemisphere have at their disposal a huge number of exercises, which in themselves are completely harmless and even extremely positive, but have nothing to do with this very “development” of the right hemisphere. But the situation is aggravated by the fact that many “specialists” often suggest that people start using some special devices that harmonize and synchronize the work of both hemispheres.

Of course, there is no evidence that a person is able to learn to use a specific hemisphere of the brain separately from the second, or, conversely, learn to use them harmoniously. In fact, if the human psyche works normally, then this work requires the activation of various parts of the hemispheres, and not their synchronization at the first request of the “owner”.

So, remember that during the work of a healthy person’s brain, his hemispheres are in the process of interacting with each other, and the work of these hemispheres itself is harmonized exactly as needed. So you shouldn’t do “it’s not clear what” - it’s better to throw out of your head the idea that the hemispheres of the brain are responsible for different functions, and just start developing your thinking, regardless of what activity you’re doing - logical or creative.

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Key words:1Cognitive science

Short test

It is very easy to determine which of them is dominant at the moment; you need to conduct a simple test that will show the most active side of consciousness. You need to pay attention to the location:

thumb when intertwining the fingers of both hands together into a kind of fist;
palms during voluntary clapping;
forearms when crossing arms over chest;
legs thrown over one another while sitting.

If the activity of the right side of the body predominates, it means that the left hemisphere is more developed, since it is it that controls it. If it’s the other way around, it means that the person is prone to emotional and illogical behavior and has creative abilities, but he needs to pay more attention to the development of his mind and analytical skills.

Another way to determine the dominant hemisphere is presented in the video below.

Exercises

So, in order to improve your creative side, you should visit exhibitions, museums, art galleries, and, of course, try yourself in writing poems, stories, and practice drawing, even if it’s abstract and understandable only to you. Dancing helps coordinate movements, which also has a beneficial effect on development.
Start practicing visualization techniques that will help you achieve your goals faster and also help you develop your ability to fantasize and daydream. This is easy to do, just read the article first, where I talk in detail about all the nuances of the practice.
Meditation is not easy for people who have well-developed logical thinking, but it is very effective for them. And not only to expand the boundaries of consciousness, the ability to move away from a clear structure and think three-dimensionally, but also to improve the quality of life and health. Start with a very simple meditation focused on breathing and concentration. You can find detailed instructions here.
Massage your left ear to help activate the right side of your brain. Suitable in cases where it is necessary to take a creative approach to solving any issue and rely on your intuition.
Creativity is not limited to drawing and poetry, read jokes and watch humorous programs, laughter will not only activate the brain, but also improve well-being, preventing the onset of depression. Besides, are you aware that people who use humor and sarcasm in their speech have a high level of intelligence?
When listening to music, try to listen to your feelings and breathing. Let images, associations and pictures circle freely in your head, do not control them, trying to get rid of them. Just watch them, like an unwitting spectator of a performance organized by your consciousness and subconscious.

Development methods

Music lessons will be very useful for anyone, especially piano, accordion, and accordion. The motor activity of the hands and fingers is directly related to the functioning of the brain. When both hands are used at the same time, two hemispheres develop harmoniously at once, getting used to cooperating.

In addition, they are extremely useful for the development of logic, intelligence and memory, as well as imaginative thinking:

chess and checkers;
poker, backgammon;
Monopoly and Scrabble games;
puzzles and puzzles;
embroidery and knitting.

Left hemisphere

Since it is known that the left hemisphere controls the right side of the body, it can be activated in two ways: by loading it with the work it is oriented to, and by maximizing the use of the side of the body that it controls.

Logical tasks You will find a large number of them on the Internet, both individually and collected into games and applications. Play, solving both yourself and getting together with the whole family.
Exercise To activate the left hemisphere, you need to use the right side of the body. For example, perform normal actions with your right hand (write, brush your teeth, stir tea). For right-handed people this will not be difficult, but for left-handed people it will be more difficult. Also, when performing regular gymnastics, pay more attention to the right side of the body. For example, you can jump on your right leg and bend to the right side.
Self-massage There are many points on the human body that are responsible for different organs, including the brain. At the base of the big toes there is a point responsible for the cerebellum, and below it are the points of the cerebral hemispheres. By massaging the point under the big toe of your right foot, you activate the left hemisphere.
Fine motor skills of the hands Fine motor skills of the hands are very useful for the development of the hemispheres. There is a special exercise for this. Place the tip of the little finger of your right hand against the tip of the thumb of your left hand, and the little finger of your left hand against the thumb of your right. Rotate your hands so that the position of your fingers changes places. Then the same should be done with the ring and index fingers.

Right hemisphere

Any creative activity is suitable for developing the right half of the brain - composing music, drawing, writing stories. There are also special exercises that will increase the potential of the right side and make it work at full strength.

Visualization Close your eyes and imagine a blank white sheet of paper. Now try to see your name on it in your favorite color. Then make the name change color several times. The brighter the picture, the better. You can also use not a “fictional” sheet of paper, but use applications with exercises to train the right part of the brain. Try to name the colors in which the words are written as quickly as possible.
Motor exercises Some are known to us from childhood, for example, “ear-nose”. With your left hand, grab the tip of your nose, and with your right hand, grab your left ear. Then clap your hands and change hands - now the right one should hold the nose, and the left one should hold the right ear. Anyone who played this game as a child remembers that it worked out much better then. This is due to the fact that in childhood the right hemisphere is more developed (hence the love of drawing and all kinds of creativity in children).
Tactile Senses Another effective way to develop the right hemisphere is through the use of tactile senses. You can imagine absolutely any images during the exercise. For example, try to feel that you are eating a certain dish, what it tastes like, what you associate with it. To develop creative skills, the same can be done with smell or in any way.
Finger work Such gymnastics will help develop creative thinking. Try clenching both palms into fists at the same time. After this, straighten the thumb on your right hand and the index finger on your left. Then straighten the index finger on your right hand and the thumb on your left hand. Repeat this exercise several times, speeding up the pace. Alternate and throw other fingers.
Infinity sign This exercise also helps to effectively develop the right hemisphere and improve creative skills. To do this, you need to press your left ear to your shoulder and extend your left arm forward. Then all attention should be concentrated on the index finger. Draw a figure eight with your hand, starting from the center - up and from the center - to the left. Perform the exercise with your left hand 8 times, and then do the same for your right hand.

In addition, we can highlight a number of recommendations that also have a good effect on the development of creative potential.

Right-handed people should sometimes use their left hand for writing or daily tasks. It will be difficult at first, but over time the illegible scribbles will turn into elegant handwriting, and new and fresh ideas will appear in the right hemisphere.
Meditation and visualization are useful not only for mental comfort and activation of the subconscious. It is also a training of imagination and intuition. Even if a person is far from esoteric, it would be useful to imagine the taste of a favorite dish in the mouth or remember the smells of a forest clearing or a perfume that you like, activating your figurative memory. You can simply try to imagine any object with your eyes closed, clearly and in color.
Constant training of intuition also expands the functions of the PP. You can ask a friend or relative to make a wish for an inanimate object, for example, one of those in the room. Concentrate and try to guess with your inner vision what it could be. When you hear the phone ringing, try to imagine who is calling before answering.
Drawing pictures, even if you don’t have any special artistic abilities, is a great way to refresh your mind and increase creativity, which even a financial analyst will benefit from. This helps remove excess control. At first, it can be scary to make the first smear, since there is no clear plan of action, which is what people with strong LP are used to, but your imagination will definitely awaken.
Keeping a diary, writing poems, stories and fairy tales in the evenings for children is not just entertainment, but also very useful activities.

How to develop the left hemisphere

Solve math and logic problems.
Drawing and writing with the right hand improves the functioning of the left side of the brain. This exercise is especially interesting and useful for left-handed people.
Solving puzzles, solving puzzles and crosswords also trains the logical side.
Tongue twisters and pure twisters are associated with the logical area. These exercises are used in acting schools, but you can practice them at home.
Enroll your child in English for children.

General recommendations

Much more important are exercises aimed at improving the connections between the right and left hemispheres of the brain. Development methods include:

A very simple exercise involves simultaneously stroking your stomach with your right hand and tapping your head with your left hand. You should do it slowly at first, carefully monitoring the movements of each hand, and then gradually speed up.
The next exercise also requires arm work. Having placed them in front of him, a person should draw a square in the air with one, and, for example, a star with the other. At the same time, as soon as he notices progress, that is, it becomes easier to perform the exercise, he should change hands.
A more complex coordination exercise involves holding the tip of your nose with one hand while holding the opposite ear with the other. The training method is to change hands as quickly as possible.
Depending on whether a person is right-handed or left-handed, you should try to do familiar things with your opposite hand, such as brushing your teeth or eating.
Dancing classes, in particular tango, help develop both hemispheres at the same time.

There are also a number of exercises that will help harmoniously develop both hemispheres of the brain.

"Ring". Consistently and very quickly connect the fingers of both hands into a ring with the thumb for several minutes.
“X-Men” - on paper of any size, draw in bright color two intersecting straight lines in the form of the letter “X” and hang the sheet on the wall. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, back straight. The gaze is directed to the point of intersection of the lines. At the same time, connect the elbow of your right hand with the raised knee of your left leg. Perform vigorously for several minutes. This type of training very effectively relieves fatigue after routine work and invigorates.
“Multi-colored confusion” - you will need a piece of paper on which the names of the colors are written with multi-colored felt-tip pens. The difficulty is that the name and colors do not match each other. For example, the word “yellow” is written in red, “green” in blue. The more words, the better. You need to quickly read aloud not the word, but the name of the color with which it is written.

How to determine which hemisphere is dominant

— The right hemisphere is the creative hemisphere. It's melodic, it's intuitive and it's emotional. And the left hemisphere is logic; it is very important that it is the speech hemisphere. Emotionally, this is a more positive hemisphere. Determining which hemisphere is dominant is quite simple - clasp your hands and see which finger is on top - your right hand or your left. If it is left, then your right hemisphere is dominant, but if the finger of your right hand is on top, then the left hemisphere is dominant. It always crosses paths,” says neuropsychologist Svetlana Shishkova in the program “Association of Practical Psychologists and Coaches.”

Which hemisphere of your brain is dominant can also be determined using a test. We invite you to watch the video carefully. If the figure rotates clockwise, your left hemisphere is dominant. Rotating counterclockwise means your right hemisphere is dominant. If the figure rotates alternately in one direction or the other, this is a sign of equivalent work of both the right and left hemispheres of the brain.