Naming your emotions allows for the activation of cognitive brain regions while soothing those responsible for emotional reactivity.

noli's read

This advice is based on the concept of 'affective labeling' (naming the emotion), which is widely studied in cognitive neuroscience. Research, notably the work of Matthew Lieberman (UCLA), has demonstrated via brain imaging (fMRI) that verbally expressing an emotion reduces activity in the amygdala, the center for fear and immediate reaction. Simultaneously, increased activation is observed in the ventrolateral prefrontal cortex, the area associated with regulation and cognitive control. This is a robust and scientifically documented mechanism, frequently used in behavioral therapies. The analogy of the 'dashboard' is a useful pedagogical simplification to illustrate the adaptive function of emotions without distorting the neurological basis. The connection established with sleep and nutrition as supports for emotional regulation is also consistent with observational evidence regarding the impact of lifestyle on psychological resilience.

the sources

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