Why Does Our Cognitive Function Seem to Diminish

 

  Hi, today I would like to share about the interesting topic, namely "Why Does Our Cognitive Function Seem to Diminish?", the main reason why I choose that topic because many people can't use their logic when they are falling in love, From a neuroscientific perspective, there are several reasons why falling in love makes us appear (and feel) less intelligent:

1. A Flood of Dopamine and the Disengagement of the Prefrontal Cortex

When we fall in love, the brain releases large amounts of dopamine into the reward system. This activates the same areas as substance addiction. The problem is, when this emotional (limbic) system becomes overactive, activity in the prefrontal cortex (the centre for logic, decision-making, and self-control) actually decreases.

Analogy: Your emotional engine is revving at full throttle, whilst your logical brakes have failed.

​2. Decreased Serotonin Levels

​Research shows that people who are in love have low serotonin levels, similar to those with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). This is why you find yourself constantly thinking about them (intrusive thoughts), making it difficult to concentrate on work or university assignments.

​3. Excessive "Cognitive Load"

​Our working memory capacity is limited. If 80% of your brain’s energy is spent analysing the meaning behind “Hang on, did they just smile at me?”, then only 20% remains for tackling calculus or a work report. This isn’t a drop in IQ, but a problem of resource allocation

✅How to Overcome the "Foolishness" of Being in Love

​Although it’s hard to fight hormones, you can minimise their impact with a few strategic steps:

​1. Apply the "10–20 Minute Rule"

​Don’t let yourself get lost in daydreams or endless social media stalking. Set aside specific time, for example: allow 10–20 minutes out of every hour when you’re constantly thinking about them, then force your brain back to work or engage in activities that support productive work or hobbies. This helps retrain your prefrontal cortex to regain control.

​2. Avoid Making Major Decisions (such as making promises) whilst in love

​If possible, postpone crucial life decisions whilst you are close to the person you love, as you are currently at the peak of the infatuation phase. Remember, your assessment of risk is currently distorted; counterbalance this by engaging in activities that make you sweat or keep you busy, with the aim of reducing the infatuation phase

​3. Grounding: Return to Reality

​Love often leads us to create an idealised narrative about someone. Try to remain objective.

​Tip: Write a list of their human traits or minor flaws to remind your brain that they are an ordinary person, not a perfect god or goddess.

​4. Intense Physical Activity

​Intense exercise can help burn off excess energy and rebalance neurotransmitters in the brain. This is the quickest way to ‘cool down’ an overheated limbic system.

​Important Note: This phase is temporary. Over time, stress hormones (cortisol) and dopamine will stabilise, and your cognitive abilities will return to normal as the relationship enters a more stable phase (attachment).

The power of a coping mechanism in stressful situation

   Hi, today I would like to share about the interesting topic, namely "The power of a coping mechanism in stressful situation". The main reason why I choose that topic because many people are trapped in negative emotional until they can't go back in peaceful situation, In psychology, a coping mechanism is a strategy used by an individual to manage stress, negative emotions, or stressful situations. Broadly speaking, experts (such as Lazarus & Folkman) divide them into several main categories based on their focus.

The following are the types of coping mechanisms commonly studied:

1. Problem-Focused Coping

This strategy aims to resolve the source of stress directly. It is usually employed when a person feels they have control over the situation.

 *Problem Analysis: Examining the situation to find logical solutions.

 *Time Management: Organising one’s schedule so that a heavy workload feels more manageable.

 *Seeking Instrumental Support: Asking for practical help, such as borrowing money during a financial crisis or consulting an expert on how to fix something.

2. Emotion-Focused Coping

This strategy aims to reduce the negative emotional impact of stress, without changing the situation causing it. It is often used when the situation is beyond our control.

 *Journaling: Writing down feelings to release mental burdens.

 *Meditation or Mindfulness: Calming the nervous system so it does not react to stress.

 *Reframing: Trying to see the positive side or the silver lining of a bad event.

 *Distraction: Engaging in a hobby or watching a film for a while to avoid constant worry.

3. Meaning-Focused Coping

A person uses their beliefs, values, or life goals to give meaning to difficult situations.

 *Spirituality: Finding strength through prayer or religious faith.

 *Altruism: Helping others facing similar difficulties to feel a sense of empowerment.

Classification Based on Impact

In addition to the categories above, psychology also distinguishes these strategies based on whether their impact is healthy or harmful:

Adaptive (Healthy)

Strategies that help a person grow and recover in the long term.

 * Exercise: Channelling stress into positive physical energy.

 * Social Support: Discussing with friends or professionals (such as counsellors) to gain a new perspective.

 * Acceptance: Acknowledging the reality of the situation so one can begin to move forward.

Maladaptive (Less Healthy)

Strategies that provide instant relief but worsen the problem or mental health in the future.

 * Denial: Pretending the problem does not exist.

 * Excessive Escapism: Using drugs, alcohol, or excessive escapism (such as scrolling through social media for hours) to numb oneself.

 *Self-Blame: Constantly blaming oneself, which actually lowers self-esteem.

Choosing the right type of coping usually depends on the context of the problem. Adaptive strategies generally involve a balance between resolving problems that can be changed and soothing emotions regarding things that cannot be controlled.

The waiting phase prevents a person from growing mentally

    Hi, today I would like to share about the interesting topic, namely "The waiting phase prevents a person from growing mentally", the main reason why I choose that topic because not everyone is aware about the phase where they get into it, If we pay attention, those who do not pay attention to the direction in which their life is developing, they tend to enter a waiting phase,  The waiting phase is often a period of uncertainty, yet also a transitional space for growth. Psychologically, this is not merely a pause in time, but a mental state in which a person feels their life is being ‘held back’ by external factors or unresolved decisions.

The following are the factors that cause a person to enter this phase and how psychology views them:

Factors Leading to the Waiting Phase

 *Ambiguity of Purpose: Uncertainty regarding the next step following an achievement (for example, after graduating or completing a major project).

 *External Dependency: Waiting for validation or a decision from another party, such as recruitment results, bureaucratic approval, or a response in an interpersonal relationship.

 *Defence Mechanism (Avoidance): Sometimes, waiting becomes a form of subconscious procrastination to avoid the risk of failure that might occur if they move forward.

 *Lack of Resources: Feeling that one does not yet have sufficient capacity (financial, mental, or skills) to begin the next stage.

Psychological Perspectives on the Waiting Phase

In psychological discourse, this phase is often viewed from several key perspectives:

1. Liminality (The In-Between Space)

The concept of liminality describes the condition of being ‘on the threshold’. A person is no longer in their old position, but has not yet reached the new one. Psychology views this as a crucial transitional period for identity formation, though it is often accompanied by anxiety due to the loss of clear structure.

2. Uncertainty Tolerance

Cognitive psychology highlights how each individual responds to uncertainty. Those with low tolerance tend to experience severe stress and perceive the waiting phase as a threat. Conversely, individuals with high tolerance view it as an opportunity for reflection.

3. Expectancy Theory

According to Victor Vroom, a person’s motivation is heavily influenced by the expectation that their efforts will yield results. During the waiting phase, if the link between ‘effort’ and ‘outcome’ becomes unclear, a person may experience a drastic drop in motivation or even learned helplessness.

4. Existentialism: The Search for Meaning

From the perspective of logotherapy, the waiting phase is a moment in which the individual is tested to find meaning amidst emptiness. Rather than viewing it as wasted time, this approach suggests transforming ‘waiting time’ into ‘preparation time’ to maintain internal control over one’s life.

Important Note: The waiting phase becomes destructive if it turns into total passivity. Psychology suggests continuing to perform ‘Micro-Actions’—small actions that remain under personal control—to maintain mental well-being during this period.