As we know, the process of learning takes place in the brain. However, the brain is also responsible for the rest of our cognitive processes such as emotions, attention and memory. What we may not always realise is how closely these functions are related.
When your brain receives new information, this data will be stored most effectively if the mind is in a calm state, rather than a state of stress or fear.
The same concept applies when it comes to the retrieval of information. Have you ever been in a situation where you have studied all of the material that was required, yet you are struggling to recall this information in an exam setting? This may be occurring due to high stress levels and negative thought processes.
Stress decreases our ability to absorb information as it causes our bodies to expend too much energy on releasing hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. In this state of hyperactivity, our brain is denied the calmness required to absorb and retain information.
When we experience the emotion of happiness, our brain releases endorphins. These allow us to feel relaxed and calm, leaving us in the ideal state of mind to efficiently process new information.
If you have a great deal of negative emotions associated with a certain subject, then the quality of learning that will take place will naturally be affected. Since your brain’s natural response to stressful topics is to attempt to block it out, any new information you are trying to process will likely be rejected in an attempt to avoid anxiety.
This then becomes an unfortunate cycle. When we find that we are failing to absorb and process the material at hand, this will likely increase your aversion to the subject in question.
The best method to escape this cycle of negativity and anxiety, is to actively change your attitude and thought process towards the subject. Rather than perceiving it as something to be feared and avoided, try to see it as a goal to be achieved.
It is natural to feel demoralised towards learning a particular subject, especially if we have not had much success in this area in the past. It is essentially up to us to make a conscious effort to persevere and strive to achieve this goal.
When you sit down to study, avoid thinking about all the previous times you have been unsuccessful in this subject. This will only lead to increased anxiety and your learning processes will likely shut down as a defence mechanism. Instead, visualise your success. Think about the sense of achievement you will feel once you attain the result you seek, and use that feeling to motivate yourself. This simple technique will redirect your brain’s focus from the negative to the positive. Mental positivity causes our brains to release the necessary chemicals and hormones required to ensure effective learning.
Attention and long-term memory retention rely on a calm and stable mind. This will require some active changes on your part in the initial stages, but if you maintain consistency, it will transform into your brain’s natural response to learning.
