What's the Difference Between Your Left Brain and Right Brain?

Have you ever heard people refer to themselves as "left-brained" or "right-brained?" It's a common belief that people with a left brain are more analytical and logical, while people who favor their right brain tend to be more creative and intuitive.

While everyone has certain personality traits influenced by the brain, the theory that people favor one side of their brain is a myth. Regardless of your unique or dominant traits, both sides of your brain are necessary for your overall well-being. 

Characteristics and Functions of Each Side

The left hemisphere is responsible for processing language and numbers and is active during critical thinking and reasoning. Some people believe their ability to be logical and objective is related to their left brain being more active than their right.

The right side of the brain is responsible for the senses, like vision and hearing, memory, and cognition (thinking). The right brain may also be more active during creative tasks, which is why more naturally artistic people may consider themselves right-brained.

In reality, the left and right sides of the brain work together. Both sides of your brain are active and communicating when you process language or talk with another person. The left brain specializes in language, picking up on the sounds of words. The right brain is also involved, tuning into the emotional features of words and language.

Is One Side More Dominant?

The brain acts as the command center for the body. Billions of neurons connect both sides of the brain, which work together during most tasks. There is no scientific evidence that one side of the brain is more dominant. Instead, each hemisphere has unique abilities.

However, many people still believe one side of their brain is more dominant. One study estimated that up to 68% of adults in the United States believe that people favor one side of their brain or that one side is more dominant.

The theory originated from the work of psychologist Roger W. Sperry. Sperry studied people with a corpus callosum that was surgically cut during treatment for uncontrolled epilepsy. The corpus callosum is the brain structure that connects the brain's two hemispheres. Sperry determined that each side of the brain had specific functions based on the changes experienced by the study participants. 

The idea that one side of the brain is dominant and entirely responsible for one's personality and strengths has never been proven. The left hemisphere controls much of the brain's language and logic skills, while the right hemisphere controls spatial awareness and visual understanding. Even though one side of the brain may be more active during particular tasks or functions, they are both necessary.

Tips for Boosting Brain Health

Because both sides of your brain are important to your well-being, promoting overall brain health and staying sharp is essential, especially as you age. Both sides of your brain may benefit from the following lifestyle approaches:

• Exercise daily: Physical activity has a protective effect on the brain and may boost alertness. 
• Eat nutritious foods: Focus on fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, healthy fats, and whole grains to sustain brain power and mental health. 
• Rest well: Aim to get 7-8 hours of sleep each night to maintain optimal brain function.
• Stay connected: Social support and relationships are essential for brain health, so it's important to maintain healthy relationships and lean on your network. 
• Give your brain a workout: Keep your brain stimulated through reading, word games, math problems, or puzzles.
• Avoid smoking: Quit or avoid smoking tobacco, as excess use can increase your risk of neurological conditions, among other chronic illnesses. 
  

A Quick Review

Several pathways connect the left and right sides of the brain. In the past, people believed one side was more dominant and that this dominance affected personality. Left-brained people were considered objective and logical, while right-brained people were considered creative, artistic, and intuitive. 

No scientific evidence supports the belief that one side is more important or dominant, as both are necessary for most tasks and overall well-being.