Written by CFD Coach Keo Siharath
Part 2 of 2
In the last article, we looked at our life as an ever-changing graph chart where there are at least three zones when it comes to growth, if we are challenging ourselves, and whether we are building grit to overcome hard things.
What is actually growing? Why not stay in our comfort zone and be safe? Well, think of our brain as a muscle and not just an organ. It is constantly growing or shrinking depending on if we exercise and use it to do hard things. The part of the brain that we are trying to grow is called the anterior midcingulate cortex (aMCC). It is considered the hub for tenacity and willpower. It can be looked at as the central command center of the brain where dopamine is determined to be released or not.
The aMCC manages emotions from decision making to staying motivated. Think of the aMCC as the brain’s thermostat. It helps you process and manage emotions. It is involved in decision making and your focus. Some would say this part of the brain is the deciding factor regarding your grit, tenacity, willpower, and/or motivation.
It’s important to keep our mind sharp. The aMCC is believed to be linked to longer life which helps to manage stress and it is essential to overall health.
How do we boost our aMCC? We need to challenge the brain. We should be learning new skills and hobbies, being active, and challenging the mind as often as possible. Are you exercising? In CrossFit, we are constantly doing various exercises or movements that are not the same compared to the rest of the week and doing them at a high intensity. Some would say our workouts are tough and unattainable, but pushing through those workouts little by little and knowing how to scale appropriately can make the difference.
The aMCC is the place where the management of stress is critical. The release of dopamine is also decided by the aMCC, especially when we complete a hard workout session in the gym. It is important that we stay motivated, set goals, etc. to boost the aMCC. A healthy lifestyle, nutrition, rest, and sleep is incredibly helpful.
The aMCC is a vital hub for the brain for allocating energy and resources to generate tenacity and willpower.
Data from studies stated that people who complete cardio training vs. those who only stretch showed an increase in the size of their aMCC. Studies also stated that those who live longer, known as “superagers,” have a larger aMCC. Superagers not only have greater cortical thickness in the aMCC, but they also exhibit greater intrinsic functional connectivity between aMCC and major nodes of the salience network when compared to typical older adults.
Here are some key functions of the aMCC:
1. Emotion Regulation: The aMCC is involved in processing emotions and regulating emotional responses. It helps in evaluating emotional significance and modulating reactions to emotional stimuli.
2. Cognitive Control: This region is associated with higher-order cognitive functions, including decision-making, attention, and conflict monitoring. It helps in assessing situations and making choices based on emotional and cognitive inputs.
3. Pain Perception: The aMCC is implicated in the perception of pain, particularly in the emotional aspects of pain. It helps in integrating sensory and emotional information related to painful experiences.
4. Motivation and Reward: The aMCC is involved in motivational processes, influencing how individuals respond to rewards and punishments. It plays a role in goal-directed behavior and the pursuit of long-term objectives.
In summary, the anterior midcingulate cortex is a vital brain region that integrates emotional and cognitive processes influencing behavior, decision-making, and emotional regulation. It is a powerful hub in the brain that connects how we think, feel, and respond. It plays a critical role in emotional regulation, motivation, decision-making, and our ability to handle stress. Strengthening this part of the brain can help us stay focused, push through challenges, and build the mental and physical resilience we need to thrive in everyday life.
Ready to challenge yourself and build mental strength?
Yes, at CrossFit Dwell, we train your body. However, all that we do here also trains your mind. Each workout is a new opportunity to challenge yourself, adapt, and grow. If you’re ready to develop the kind of inner strength that comes from doing hard things consistently, we’d love to talk with you.
👉 Click here to book a free intro and take the first step toward building a stronger you both physically and mentally.
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References:
NIH (National Institutes of Health): https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7381101/
Dr. Andrew Huberman, associate professor of neurobiology and of ophthalmology at Stanford University (School of Medicine): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwakOgHIT0E
