“I think, therefore I am” -Descartes

“I feel, therefore I am” -René Descartes 

When thinking about your life, and how you handle situations, which quote describes you more? Are you more of a thinker- critically analyzing every situation, balancing the pros and cons to each decision, each decision following linearly behind the next? Or maybe you’re more of a feeler- relying more on your intuition, or gut, to tell you what is the best decision; going with the flow to see what happens next, a more laissez faire way of living? Knowing which way you generally align your life, thinking vs feeling, could tell you which side of your brain is more dominant. And this knowledge could help you in life- from determining better study habits to finding a job- even determining what game show you may be best at! 

The left hemisphere (side of the brain) is considered the analytical side. People who are more left-brain dominant are logical and focus on the small details. They are considered quantitative personalities- they prefer facts and logic over intuition and feeling. The left side is considered the dominant side when it comes to language and speech. Damage to the left side of the brain can result in aphasia- the loss of ability to understand language or speak. Left brain people like to express themselves in words, and have a linear thinking pattern. The left brain is also more dominant in areas such as math, writing, and comprehension. 

The right hemisphere is considered the creative side. People who are more right-brain dominant are creative and intuitive- they focus more on what they feel instead of facts. They are considered qualitative personalities- they prefer to look at the big picture, instead of focusing on the small details. Right brain people prefer to express themselves in nonverbal ways. They use visuals to express themselves, more in line with the saying “a picture is worth a thousand words”. The right brain is also more dominant in areas like music and the arts.

If TV game/reality shows intrigue you- knowing which side of the brain is more dominant might help you out on these. 

Left brain dominant people would be excellent contestants on the show Jeopardy. Memorization, reciting facts, answering questions quickly- all typical attributes of a left brain person, and all key items when trying to answer Alec Trebek quickly and correctly to earn money. 

If the right side is more dominant, go for a show like Survivor. Intuition, creativity, teamwork- all dominant skills of a right brain person, and all important characteristics when battling the elements, and a group of strangers, to make it to the end and have Jeff Probst announce you as the winner.  

When it comes to school, finding ways to study effectively can be difficult and stressful. Knowing the way your brain typically works can help you find better studying habits, know where you might struggle more, and what areas you may find come easily to you. Math is one area that the left brain dominant people seem to excel in. Counting, memorization, reciting formulas and equations- all skills that come easily to an analytical left brain thinker. Art is one area that the right brain dominant people excel in more. Creativity, freedom of expression, visualization- all skills found in the intuitive right brain thinker. 

Left brain people tend to like to work and study alone. They are not known for liking group projects; the preference is to do everything on their own, in their own way. Loud spaces are not a good place for them to study- they prefer a quiet solitude area to be able to focus completely on the project at hand. Analytical thinkers tend to be auditory learners- they like to listen to lectures and take their own notes, occasionally participating in a discussion. They are cautious workers- adhering strictly to rules and schedules to accomplish their work correctly and in a timely manner. 

Right brain people are typically the exact opposite. They prefer to work and study in more lively areas. They like to work in groups, utilizing the creativity of the others in the group to achieve a common goal. Quiet areas are not a good place for creative thinkers to study- they thrive more on noise and business to help them focus. Creative thinkers tend to be visual learners- they like to use pictures and models to help them learn. They tend to be more spontaneous workers- utilizing their imagination and creativity to help guide their work. Adhering to strict schedules and rules is difficult for these kinds of workers. 

Despite the clear separation of skills between the left and the right hemispheres, there are sometimes where the analytical and creative minds must come together to achieve a common goal. Keeping a structured time schedule can ensure you are able to effectively study for every area you need to; bringing in some creative ideas may help you remember difficult topics more easily. Being able to marry these skills together is a perfect way to find some middle ground- and result in being a middle brain thinker! 

Interested in finding out what side of your brain is more dominant? Check out the quiz in the link below!

https://www.mentalup.co/blog/right-brain-left-brain-test

References

Dye, Felicia, and Anne Arundel Community College. “Characteristics of Left Brained People.” Career Trend, careertrend.com/info-8312308-characteristics-left-brained-people.html.

Kleven, Ernie, et al. “Left Brain or Right Brain? Take The Quiz.” Fine Art Tips & The 2020 Club with Lori McNee, 22 Apr. 2020, www.finearttips.com/2014/10/left-brain-or-right-brain-take-the-quiz/.

Lombrozo, Tania. “The Truth About The Left Brain / Right Brain Relationship.” NPR, NPR, 2 Dec. 2013, www.npr.org/sections/13.7/2013/12/02/248089436/the-truth-about-the-left-brain-right-brain-relationship.

Shmerling, Robert H. “Right Brain/Left Brain, Right?” Harvard Health Blog, 8 Nov. 2019, www.health.harvard.edu/blog/right-brainleft-brain-right-2017082512222.