All Blog - DO NOT DELETE

Your brain can be viewed as a car with each of the four circles like the tires that need to be balanced.

What does each ‘tire’ represent?

B—BIOLOGICAL

The physical aspects of your brain and body and how they function together. The brain is like a supercomputer, with both hardware and software. Think of your biology as your hardware. In order for it to operate at peak efficiency, its machinery (cells, connections, chemicals, energy, blood flow, and waste processing) needs to work right. Within the biology circle are factors such as your genetics, overall physical health, nutrition, exercise, sleep, and hormones, as well as infections and environmental issues, such as exposure to toxins. When the brain’s biology is healthy, these factors work together to maximize your success and sense of well-being. When trauma, toxins, illness, or infections affect your biology, you are more likely to suffer from various symptoms.

For example, when you don’t get enough sleep, you have overall decreased blood flow to your brain, which disrupts thinking, memory, and concentration. Likewise, a brain injury hurts the machinery of the brain, causing you to struggle with depression, thinking and memory issues, and temper problems. When you eat a high-sugar or simple carbohydrate diet, your blood sugar often becomes unbalanced, causing you to feel sluggish and foggy-headed.

P—PSYCHOLOGICAL

This includes how we think and talk to ourselves, and the running dialogue that goes on in our minds, as well as our self-concept, body image, past traumas, overall upbringing, and significant developmental events. Being raised in a reasonably happy home, receiving positive messages growing up, and feeling confident with our abilities and comfortable in our bodies all contribute to good psychological health. When we struggle in any of these areas, we are less likely to be successful. If we perceive ourselves as unattractive as or somehow less capable than our peers, trouble brews. If our thinking patterns are excessively negative, harsh, or critical, that will have a negative impact on our moods, anxiety levels, and ultimately, our ability to focus.

Developmental issues, such as being adopted, having been neglected or abused, or experiencing a significant loss or trauma as a child, are also significant. Children often believe that they are the center of the universe, so if something bad happens during childhood, such as a child’s mother dying of cancer, the child may think it is his fault and spend the rest of his life racked with guilt. Past successes and failures are a part of this circle, as are hope and a sense of worth, and personal power or control.

S—THE SOCIAL

Includes the quality of one’s relationships and any current life stressors. When we have great relationships, good health, a job or endeavor we love, and enough money, our brains do much better than when any of these areas are troubled. Dealing with difficult life circumstances elevates stress hormones and makes us more vulnerable to illness. Stressful life events often trigger depression, such as school failure, marital problems, family dysfunction, financial difficulties, health problems, work-related struggles, or losses. And as we’ve touched upon, the health habits of the people with whom you spend time have a dramatic impact on your own health and habits.

SP—SPIRITUAL

Beyond the biological, psychological, and social aspects of our lives, we are also spiritual beings. To fully heal and be our best, it is important to recognize that we are more than just our bodies, minds, brains, and social connections. We must ask ourselves deep questions, such as:

* What does my life mean? * What is my purpose? * Why am I here? * What are my values?

Do I believe in God or a higher power? * How does that manifest in my life? What is my connection to past generations, future generations, and the planet?

Having a sense of purpose, as well as connections to past and future generations, allows us to reach beyond ourselves to affirm that our lives matter. Without a spiritual connection, many people experience an underlying sense of despair or meaninglessness. Morality, values, and a spiritual connection to others and the universe are critical for many people to feel a sense of wholeness and connection. Research from multiple sources reports that having a sense of meaning and purpose helps you be healthier and live longer.

How to help people optimize the 4 Circles.

Biological interventions may include diet, exercise, supplements, and others.

Psychological strategies may include not believing every thought that crosses your mind, hypnosis, meditation, and dealing with past traumas or other emotional issues.

Social interventions may include school or work accommodations, relationship counseling, parenting classes, and social skills training.

Spiritual inventions may include an in-depth conversation on what your life means, why you are here, and major life goals. In addition, it may also include discovering connections to past and future generations and the planet.