Brain Candy for Writer’s Block
It’s January, I’ve just returned from a comforting and festive holiday, and can you believe that I have writer’s block? If I wasn’t a librarian stationed in the Science & Technology Department I would be inclined to believe that my brain is malfunctioning. Luckily I know that a perfectly good explanation exists for such a problem (or my brain is malfunctioning…did I say that already?).
Exploration of the brain, its processes, and functions have been studied for hundreds of years, only recently having technology allow us a deeper peek inside. Some of the most fascinating aspects of this subject deal with the brain’s solid grasp on our thinking and physical abilities. There’s still a lot to understand, but we’re getting there.
Quick! Think 70,000 thoughts. Not possible? You’ll be surprised to learn that 70,000 is the approximate number of thoughts we have each day, so technically, whether I ask you to or not, you are thinking 70,000 thoughts.
Q: How many brains does it take to power a light bulb? A: One. Technically, the brain consumes enough energy to light a 25 watt bulb.
Want to know more? Neurons in the brain have information travelling at a speed of 260 mph. That’s approximately 400 km/h AND that isn’t even the fastest it can run! (Eat your heart out Lamborghini Aventador).
Author Steven Johnson in his book, Mind Wide Open, uses narrative and humour to make the fascinating workings of the brain easy to grasp and engaging to learn. Understand why we smile inappropriately sometimes at funerals, or discover your own ability to “mind read”.
The Accidental Mind by David J. Linden, is another title bound to wet your mental appetite. Linden knows how to break down, and incorporate biology and neuroscience for the general reader. Read stories like the one about Phineas Gage; a 19th century railroad foreman who was struck with a metal rod through his brain, only to survive and yet still have his persona change completely. Through the use of such engaging narrative, Linden will get you wanting to learn more.
Guess what? We don’t use only 10% of our brains, suggests author Sandra Aamodt in her book, Welcome to Your Brain. Men and women DO have different brains, and a knock on the noggin won’t restore memories. This book will appeal to the general reader with its added facts, tips and myth boxes about the ways our brains contribute to our daily functioning and the techniques useful for maintaining a healthy mind.
And now…………….give your brain a rest. Phew!
6 thoughts on “Brain Candy for Writer’s Block”
Thank for this article. I usually don’t look to read articles on the library site (though I consult it at least several times a week), yet I read your article, as the subject interests me – writer’s block and learning about the brain (with the goal to overcome personal challenges). And yes the books you mention interest me and I definitely am a bibliophile.
How the heck did they count the number of thoughts? LOL. I’ve been a Vipassana Meditator for years, and I’ve read that the Buddha counted thoughts in a similar manner, and came up with an equally astonishing number. No idea how he did it, either!
Interesting post. As a writer as well as a librarian, I found it useful.
Hope you enjoy those books Lynda, and thanks for the comments! 🙂
Well, from one librarian to another, I’d agree to the number without even having to see the stats. Especially on a busy day at the reference desk lol. Am I right? LOL. Thanks Sheila! 🙂
Wonderful post. Great references too. I’ll have to check into each and every one. 70,000 thoughts? That’s a big number, but I’m certainly not surprised. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you Dani! This blog was fun to write. While researching all the little tidbits I found it difficult to pick only a few to share. There’s so much to learn! Hope you get an opportunity to enjoy the books!