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Brain Spooked: Are You Being Watched?

October 30, 2018

 

BOO!

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Super cute, right?

But also… kinda NOT. Doesn’t it bug you a little when you see eyes staring back at you?

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Did you know that humans & primates have something known as “gaze detection” …. a system built into our brains that show certain brain cells firing when someone’s staring at us (and thus, possibly a threat?) It’s fascinating to read studies on how “eyes” (or shapes that look like eyes… which can even include garage doors or windows with eye-like spacing!) can provide a crime deterrent.  A criminal may KNOW consciously that it’s a garage door & not a person “looking at him”…but somewhere subconsciously…he may feel “watched” enough not to steal something from that house! Several studies have been conducted to test this theory that people “behave better” when they feel watched, and the results look confirmative.

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We also have built-in mechanisms for recognizing a very specific threat based on its shape says Isabelle Blanchette, a cognitive psychologist at the University of Quebec who studies the role of emotion in how we process info. The cluster of neurons is in an evolutionarily ancient part of the brain called the thalamus.  This may be why we automatically “jump” when we see an innocuous stick on the ground. Our primitive brain may be processing it as a dangerous snake instead, registering as an immediate threat, simply based on its shape (and, quite plausibly– thousands of years of genetic coding.)

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So, Halloween is here. There will be PLENTY of EYES on you: googley eyes, ghosts, and scary clown faces staring you down.  There will be snakes & other triggers for our subconscious to process.  This can make a person (or a kid!) very wired! Not to mention….the candy.  🤪

Maybe an Epsom Salt bath with a dash of lavender oil would be nice before bed…. it is a nice way to reset the parasympathetic system, taking your nervous system back to neutral before beddy-bye.

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On the other hand… BIOHACK ALERT — gaze detection can also serve us well: Don’t be surprised if you go to eat yet another slice of pizza at the Halloween party, only to think …

”Nahh maybe I’ve had enough. I don’t need ANOTHER piece” when you see those little ghost-eyes staring back at you!  

Note to self: Install a deterrent ghost with big eyes in the pantry near the bag of Doritos!

 

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Here is a recipe for Keto friendly (Low Carb/ Sugar Free/ gluten free) lemon meringue cookies that I found on KetoVale (a great place for recipes!)  They look easy, healthier & delish– my fave trio when it comes to better eating!

KetoVale Lemon Meringue Keto Cookies

 

If you haven’t already, please subscribe to my blog- for more “treats”!!

 

Thank you for reading!

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About Michelle

I help clients reboot and invigorate their lives! I do this by guiding them as they gain clarity on what they truly want in their careers/ relationships/ lives; by coaching them as they create actionable plans to achieve their goals, and by supporting them as they create sustainable habits that lead to more meaningful, purpose-driven, healthier lives!