Brain-Body Connection

The brain-body loop: what is it?

Your brain is the main command center of your body. It fields feedback flowing in from every part of the body and sets responses in motion.

Are you biking or walking on a hot, sunny day? The part of your brain that automatically controls body temperature prompts blood vessels to dilate to increase heat loss through the skin. It signals sweat glands to get busy, so that damp skin will help cool the body as it evaporates.

Bad smell wafting in your direction? Your brain suggests ways to avoid it: move away, hold your breath, or pinch your nose and breathe through your mouth. Your brain also alerts you to figure out where the odor is coming from and respond appropriately.

In these scenarios, your brain signals your body to react to outside factors, causing a physical response — feeling hot and sweaty, crinkling your nose in disgust. Your emotions cause physical responses as well. Ace that difficult test? Argue with your best friend? As you recognize relief, excitement, anger, worry, or other feelings in your mind, you’re likely to sense them in your body, too. Our emotions send signals to our brain that can result in a physical response such as sweating, increased heart rate, or rapid breathing.