Fun brain facts: 10 things that will blow your mind!

Have you ever thought how many things our mind does every day, how it works and why? If you want to know 10 amazing truths about the brain, you had better keep reading. It is going to get pretty interesting!

Photo by Milad Fakurian on Unsplash

Fun facts about your brain

1. We use all of our brain and not just 10% of it. 

I don’t really know where this myth originates from but when you think of it, it doesn’t make sense. Still, a large number of people believe it. However, research and methods that measure brain activity have shown that we use most of our brains even when we do something very simple. This also applies every time we sleep or take a break. There isn’t a one-fits-all percentage of the brain that a person uses at a specific time.

2. The human brain is like a power generator. 

When awake, it can produce about 23 Watts. This is enough to light an electric bulb. Cool huh? It’s because of neurons. Our brain has a lot of them; approximately 100 billion. And while a single neuron can produce just a tad of electricity, imagine what 100 billion neurons can do all together. Light an electric bulb!

3. Every brain has its own fingerprint and therefore is unique. 

Just like everyone is different, all brains are different too. It seems that each mind has its own unique way of doing things. Moreover, this is related to our levels of intelligence. It won’t be long until your doctor looks at your brain MRI and know it’s you! Somewhat scary, huh?

4. We form our first memories in the womb. 

This type of memory is called prenatal memory or fetal memory. It is formed around 30 weeks of pregnancy. This memory is vital to the children as it helps them recognize their parents and attach to them naturally when they are born. Well, do you want to hear the crazy part? It is actually possible for anyone to remember being born! Personally, I am not sure I would like to!

5. Emotions make our memories stronger. 

When we face emotional situations, the specific memories that are formed are more powerful than those concerning neutral events. What is more, there is evidence that people who think positively have a much higher chance of recalling this information than those who have negative feelings. Just another reason to start spreading positivity. After all, it’s good for our memory.

6. Brain chemistry can be changed by emotions. 

There are different chemicals in our mind that our emotions can control. For instance, if you are feeling scared, your mind produces stress hormones in order to help you act more quickly. On the contrary, when you hug someone, you feel happy and fulfilled. Then, your mind increases the levels of serotonin, a hormone responsible for happiness. You see how our emotions affect our mind? So, more hugging from now on!

7. Only 5% of our thoughts are conscious and 95% subconscious. 

Just because the vast majority of our decisions are based on emotions, almost all critical thoughts and actions in our lives are made subconsciously. Now you realize how big of a role our emotions play to our decision-making. It’s practically saying that almost every decision in our life relies on our emotions. How do you think big advertising brands design their campaigns? In the future, feel twice (think twice) when you want to buy something.  

8. Up until 7 years old, our mind is being run by the subconscious. 

To be more specific, in the first seven years of their life, children’s minds are constantly in a hypnotic state and the children themselves act and learn through imitation. They can’t think logical and they are open to accepting anything they are told or see as true. These years serve the purpose of shaping the subconscious mind. Practically, we have formed our belief system by the age of 7.  Read no7 above once again. I don’t know about you but I am a bit amazed.

9. Our brain can adapt and change. 

This is called neuroplasticity. It actually means that the brain has the ability to rewire itself depending on the experiences we have. New neurons are formed and new connections are created. How is this useful? It is extremely useful in many ways. It allows us to learn new things or improve our existing skills. It also makes it possible for us to overcome brain damage. And the best part? It is a continuous process that needs training. How about taking up that new sport you were thinking about the other day?

10. Reading is very important for our mind. 

When we read out loud, our brain works hard. The more we exercise it, the more it develops. Every time we learn something new, our brain restructures itself so that it can transport the new information to the memory center. As a result, brain capability is amplified through learning and communication. So, read a novel and improve your mind at the same time. Seems fair to me!

Do you know any other fun facts about the mind? Be sure to leave a comment down below. Like and share this article with your friends.