learning brain vs survival brain

Introduction

Two distinct yet interconnected networks exist inside the human brain – the learning and survival brains. The former drives our growth, development, and ability to learn new skills, while the latter remains focused on keeping us safe from harm. Though remarkably different in function, both served critical evolutionary purposes and allowed humans to evolve intellectually and physically navigate threats.

By better understanding how these two modes operate, individuals can better regulate their responses to stress and optimize decision-making. Learning to consciously activate the prefrontal learning networks while deactivating the instinctual survival circuits empowers positive change and personal growth even in challenging times.

This article explores the critical distinctions between the learning and survival brains, how their activation is triggered differently, and practical strategies for navigating both states adaptively. Ultimately, recognizing these dual brain states enables us to make informed choices about how we respond and process information on life’s journey.

The Learning Brain

When we encounter safe, non-threatening circumstances conducive to exploration and experimentation, our prefrontal learning brain dominates activity. This network toward the front of the head allows open-minded, flexible thinking associated with learning, insight, and problem-solving.

In learning mode, the environment reliably reads as safe and stable. Stress hormones are relatively low, keeping synaptic connections tuned to adapt effectively to new inputs. It’s focused not on what could go wrong but on opportunities ahead. Curiosity is piqued, seeing possibilities where others may see limitations.

The prefrontal cortex can remain present- and future-oriented thanks to its command position over the limbic emotional regions. Its neuroplastic ability changes how we interpret situations, dependent on experience. The learning brain upgrades our options over time by assimilating fresh perspectives with existing frameworks.

The Survival Brain

Conversely, our instinctual survival circuits instantly override higher reasoning when facing real or perceived threats. The amygdala emotional processing center and hippocampus memory processor shift control rearward to the lower brainstem’s triggers for fight, flight, or freeze response.

In survival mode, stress hormones like cortisol flood the body, preparing it to either engage in threats or quickly remove itself from perceived danger. Risk assessment here reads situations as potential risks first before registering any opportunities. Self-preservation becomes priority number one.

With its primary function protecting the body, the survival brain adopts a fixed, close-minded posture. Novelty or ambiguity may suggest vulnerability is better avoided. It learns rapidly what’s worked before to survive and relies heavily on precedent versus experimentation when under duress. Its focus narrows concentrating all efforts on the triggering stressor.

Triggers For Learning and Survival States

At birth, the human brain relies almost solely on innate survival instincts until the prefrontal cortex develops fully around age 25, granting higher reasoning abilities. During childhood, however, both systems likely activate situationally dependent on environmental cues.

As adults, our default state relies predominantly on a balanced interplay between learning and survival networks. However, certain internal and external triggers can alter that balance, tipping control fiercely into one camp or the other:

• Internal triggers: Strong negative emotions, traumatic memories, poor physical health, fatigue, dehydration, low blood sugar, etc.
• External triggers: Physical threats, harsh criticism, public embarrassment, chaotic or unpredictable environments, financial turmoil, natural disasters, pandemics, etc.

While stress activation served important protective purposes in ancient times, chronic over-stimulation of survival circuits trades long-term costs against short-term benefits in modern life. Ongoing stress impairs the prefrontal learning networks, reducing adaptability, divergent thinking, and regulated decision-making.

Navigating Stressful Environments

Given that threats understandably shift our mental posture to risk aversion automatically, how can we maintain learning mindsets even when challenges arise? The intentional practice of consciously activating prefrontal functions despite distress proves helpful:

• Reframe triggers cognitively by challenging fixed crisis perspectives with alternative positive views. See opportunities amid difficulties.
• Use deep breathing/meditation to lower the physical stress response, calming amygdala hyperactivity to foster clearer thinking.
• Practice mindfulness to stay present-focused instead of uncontrollably ruminating on threats or the past/future.
• Self-soothe by fulfilling basic comfort needs and safety, which reduces dependence on primitive stress reactions.
• Challenge automatic assumptions and beliefs with fact-based evidence favoring experimentation over absolutes.
• Lean on social support networks that provide empathy, perspective, and alternate viewpoints.
• Prioritize rest, exercise, and nutrition to maintain robust frontal brain functions less reliant on easy survival shortcuts.

Conclusion

By understanding how stress physiologically impacts our dual brain systems, individuals can make compassionate choices navigating both states adaptively. While survival instincts automatically protect us in the short, prolonged activation trades away the long-term benefits of flexible, open-minded learning perspectives. Learning self-control strategies consciously activates the prefrontal learning brain even during challenges. With practice, recognizing danger versus opportunity enables personal growth and enriching life’s journey.