neuropsychology
The 5 brain types and how they affect your happiness
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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 formula for happiness is as follows: 40 percent genetics + 10 percent life events + 50 percent mindset and habits. That gives us hope – after all, we can influence how happy we are half a day anew.
The bad news: we have to take the other half as it comes. Of course, the 10 percent that is linked to life events is beyond our control, as is the 40 percent that is genetic. But what exactly does “genetic” mean in this context?
How we feel happiness is mainly due to 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 released in English on March 22, 2022, in German approximately “Du, happier: The 7 neuroscientific secrets to feeling better based on your brain type”) he has examined more than 200,000 brain scans and was able to do so distinguish five different types.
He examined these for activity and personality traits and was able to analyze how our brain influences our feeling of happiness. So: What do we need to be satisfied and happy, and what particularly stresses our brain?
The 5 brain types: How our brain affects how happy we are
1. Balanced Brain Type
The first type has a well-balanced brain that shows balanced and symmetrical activity in all areas. If 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 course.
2. Spontaneous brain type
Those who have less activity in the front part of the brain, the so-called prefrontal cortex, usually belong to the spontaneous brain type. He is particularly characterized by creativity and a thirst for adventure – but can also be impulsive and unorganized at times. This guy gets bored easily and is always looking for something new to keep him happy and content.
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 sense of control. He doesn’t handle sudden changes well 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 is therefore at risk of being hurt easily. He is also prone to negative thought patterns, which in the worst case can lead to depression. Mindfulness exercises, nature walks, or talking to close friends are happiness drivers for this guy, while loud noises, small talk, and feeling isolated 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 brain type, you are probably always well prepared, reliable and prone to anxiety at the same time. You love completing tasks (above) punctually, always make a list of pros and cons 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 long to-do list and disturbing news.
Did you find yourself in one or more of the brain types? Knowing how your brain typically reacts can help you better understand yourself and be more relaxed about situations. And you have initial input on how you should shape 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