Neuropsychology
The 5 brain types and how they affect your happiness
© simona pilolla 2 / Shutterstock
How satisfied we feel depends on many factors – including our brain. There are five different brain types that experience happiness very differently.
According to various studies, the ultimate happiness formula goes like this: 40 percent genetics + 10 percent life events + 50 percent mindset and habits. That gives us hope – after all, half of us can influence how happy we are every day.
The bad news: We have to take the other half as it comes. The 10 percent that is linked to life events is of course beyond our control, as is the 40 percent that is genetically determined. But what exactly does “genetically determined” mean in this context?
How we experience happiness depends primarily on our brain. And here there are different types, like the US neuroscientist and psychiatrist Dr. Daniel Amen found out. For his book “You, Happier: The 7 Neuroscience Secrets of Feeling Good Based on Your Brain Type” (to be published in English on March 22, 2022, in German for example “You, happier: The 7 neuroscientific secrets to feeling better based on your brain type”) he examined more than 200,000 brain scans and was able to differentiate between five different types.
He examined these for activity and personality traits and was able to analyze how our brain influences our sense of happiness. So: What do we need to be content and happy, and what particularly stresses our brain?
The 5 brain types: This is how our brain influences how happy we are
1. Balanced brain type
The first type has a well-balanced brain that exhibits balanced and symmetrical activity in all areas. When your brain works like this, you’re probably focused, flexible, organized, and emotionally stable. The balanced brain type also tends to be mostly happy and not easily thrown off track.
2. Spontaneous brain type
Those who have less activity in the front area of the brain, the so-called prefrontal cortex, usually belong to the spontaneous brain type. He is particularly characterized by creativity and a sense of adventure – but can also be impulsive and disorganized. This type gets bored easily and is always looking for a new kick to feel happy and satisfied.
3. Stubborn Brain Type
The stubborn brain type shows a lot of movement in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC for short), an area of the cerebral cortex. He has a strong will and is usually rather stubborn. To feel happy, this brain type needs routine and a feeling of control. He doesn’t deal well with sudden changes and tends to brood.
4. Sensitive brain type
Those who are very sensitive and empathetic usually have a lot of activity in the limbic system, the emotional center of the brain. This sensitive brain type feels very deeply and therefore runs the risk of being quickly injured. He also tends to have negative thought patterns, which in the worst case can lead to depression. Mindfulness exercises, walks in nature or conversations with good friends are drivers of happiness for this type, while loud noises, small talk and the feeling of isolation trigger negative emotions.
5. Cautious brain type
The cautious brain type has the most movement in the basal ganglia and amygdala. If you have this type of brain, you are probably always well prepared, reliable and at the same time prone to anxiety. You love completing tasks on time, always make a pros and cons list before making important decisions, and are happy when you feel safe and secure. On the other hand, you don’t like stress and chaos, a too long to-do list and upsetting news.
Have you identified yourself in one or more of the brain types? Knowing how your brain typically reacts can help you understand yourself better and deal with situations more calmly. And you have initial input on how you should design your mindset and habits individually for your brain type. After all, at 50 percent, they are the biggest factor for your personal level of happiness.
Sources used: “You, Happier: The 7 Neuroscience Secrets of Feeling Good Based on Your Brain Type,” mindbodygreen.com