Comprehending Brain Conflict Resolution
“The right brain is more involved when faster responses are needed whereas the left-brain is more involved when there is enough time available for logical reasoning”
Resolving Conflicts Continuously
Since we have to constantly decide between ‘what is good’ and ‘what is bad, conflicts are common in day-to-day lite. For example. if a traffic signal turns red, a pedestrian is supposed to cross the road. However, if he sees a speeding car coming, he must stop where he is, as it would be dangerous to cross the road at that time. The decision to avoid crossing the road despite a red signal, is important for survival and the brain has to resolve this conflict within a traction of a second, because the brain plays an important role in resolving conflicts like this.
Conflict resolution is not only a part of modern life, but has very much been a part of ancient humans’ lives too, For instance, in olden days, going closer to a lion was supposed to be ‘bad’ as lion can eat man. He must avoid going near. However, if he saw a fruit-bearing tree, it was presumed to be ‘good’ as it was a source of food (and survival). Thus, he would go near. In these cases, where the ‘good’ and ‘bad’ are clearly known, conflict resolution is easy.
Distinction Between The ‘Good’ And ‘Bad’
Prior learning and experience from the past play an important role in conflict resolution. A person who does not know swimming would not venture deep into a lake because of a potential threat of drowning (based on his prior knowledge). In some cases, the distinction between ‘good’ and ‘bad’ is not so distinct and the margins are blurred. In these doubtful cases, the brain errs on the side of caution and avoids it. For example, if ‘a not so friendly person’ suddenly changes his/her behaviour and becomes ‘over friendly and helpful,’ the act is looked upon with suspicion and the brain assumes the changed person to be a threat.
However, it this person continues to show the changed character over a longer period without causing any harm, the brain would start considering him/ her to be good. This erring on the side of safety, has also been deeply rooted for long and ancient humans used it as a surviving tool. lithe ancient human was not sure about the threat, he avoided it. This is because it is better to go hungry for some time and survive to eat later, rather than being eaten and die.
Involvement Of Specific Brain Regions
There are specific brain regions that are involved in conflict resolution. The memory region hippo campus, has been found to modulate conflict resolution. In addition, the two sides of brain, left and right, play different roles in conflict resolution. The right brain is more involved when faster responses are needed whereas the left-brain is more involved when there is enough time available for logical reasoning.
The amygdala in the right brain works as the ‘smoke detector’ and warns one of an imminent threat. This part of the brain shuts down logical thinking. It focuses on the fight, flight or freeze response and has probably saved your life several times in the past, such as falling from a cliff, drowning, getting hit by a car, etc.
On the other hand, the left hemisphere of brain is Involved in in-depth analysis of problems, based on past experiences. All the pros and cons are well considered and then, the conflict is slowly resolved. In real life, there is a healthy balance between the left and right hemispheres of the brain and both the hemispheres communicate for the best resolution of conflicts.
Four Practices For Smoother Conflict Resolution
Meditation
A few minutes of meditation before bedtime, helps the brain calm down and put conflicting thoughts aside. The phrase ‘sleep over it’ has stemmed from this ideology, as you wake up with a solution for the problem that has been vexing you.
Eating Healthy
Consuming nutritious food isn’t merely necessary for keeping fat and lifestyle diseases at bay. Nutritious food also helps the brain in processing and functioning efficiently. Junk food slows the brain and makes it sluggish.
Journaling
Writing out each one of those multitudinous thoughts, helps in clearing the knots in the brain. The ability to see it all in black and white eliminates the uncertainty and prevents over-thinking and over analysing the situation etc.
Exercise
Exercising regularly not just strengthens your body muscles and keeps you fit, it also boosts your brain power by improving memory and alleviating stress.