At NeuroX, we’re fascinated by all things related to the brain, cognition, and behavior. One concept that has recently caught our interest is “limbic friction.” This concept is a relatively new term in neuroscience and psychology, and it refers to the resistance our brains often put up when we’re trying to change habits or behaviours.
What is Limbic Friction?
The term “limbic friction” is derived from the limbic system, a complex set of structures in the brain that, among other things, plays a crucial role in emotion, behaviour, motivation, and long-term memory. The “friction” part of the term refers to the resistance or difficulty we face when we try to change our established patterns of behavior.
Limbic friction essentially represents the struggle between our cognitive intentions (our “thinking brain”) and our emotional and habitual responses (our “feeling brain”). It’s the reason why we might know logically that we should do something (like exercise more or eat healthier) but struggle to actually implement the change.
Why Does Limbic Friction Occur?
The limbic system, including the amygdala and the hippocampus, is highly involved in emotional processing and memory formation. This means it plays a significant role in forming and maintaining habits, which are essentially learned automatic behaviours.
When we attempt to change these habits, it often feels “uncomfortable” or “wrong” because our limbic system is used to the old patterns of behaviour. This discomfort is limbic friction. It’s the brain’s way of signaling that what we’re doing is different from what it’s used to, creating a sort of psychological resistance to the change.
Overcoming Limbic Friction
Overcoming limbic friction isn’t about overpowering our emotional brain with our logical brain; it’s about understanding and working with our brain’s innate processes. Here are some strategies:
- Small Steps: Instead of trying to make big changes all at once, start with small, manageable steps. This makes the change less overwhelming for your brain and reduces the resistance.
- Consistent Practice: Habits form through repetition. The more you engage in the new behaviour, the more your brain will get used to it, and the less limbic friction you’ll experience.
- Positive Reinforcement: Reward yourself when you succeed in implementing the new behaviour. This can help strengthen the new neural pathways you’re building and make the new behaviour more appealing to your limbic system.
- Mindfulness: Be aware of the discomfort that comes with changing behaviour. Acknowledge it as a natural part of the process, and don’t let it discourage you.
- Patience: Changing habits takes time. Don’t get discouraged if progress is slow. Remember, every small step you take is a victory.
Limbic friction can be a significant roadblock when we’re trying to change our habits or behaviours. However, by understanding what it is and why it happens, we can develop strategies to overcome it. Remember, change is possible, and with patience, practice, and a little bit of neuroscience knowledge, we can reduce limbic friction and achieve our goals.