[A Sip of Books] The Decider in Decision-Making Is 'Emotion'

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The author emphasizes that emotions play a crucial role in making important decisions in daily life. While various brain functions can list options at the moment of decision, if the emotional function is impaired, the final decision becomes limited. The author sharply analyzes the importance and role of emotions beyond reason. The limbic system, known as the emotional brain, is reimagined as the character 'Limbi' to explore how to use emotions directly. Practical methods for daily life, such as improving concentration and avoiding impulsive purchases, are also introduced.

When you anticipate something, Limbi’s neurons produce dopamine. This undergoes a chemical process throughout the brain, creating the feeling of happiness. One part of this process occurs in the nucleus accumbens, also known as the ‘reward center.’ There, dopamine enhances concentration, increases work efficiency, and gives us a sense of accomplishment. Another happiness substance, endorphins, called ‘natural painkillers,’ relieve pain like morphine or opium and spread an overall good mood. You can experience Limbi’s miraculous medicine, endorphins, in moments of awe in nature, falling in love, exercising, or bursting into laughter in everyday life.
- p.36, How Happiness Is Made

True focus can only be on one thing at a time. And ‘true focus’ is related to Limbi. Therefore, the key to living a brain-friendly life is this: even if only for a moment each day, immerse yourself in one thing so that Limbi can fully feel that moment. A moment when you neither worry about what’s coming nor agonize over the past.
... Of course, it won’t be a spectacle like juggling multiple plates at once. But it will be perfect for you and Limbi. Having a regular ‘Limbi moment’ every day can protect you from burnout.
- p.57, Five Training Methods to Regain Lost Concentration

Economics lectures say prices are determined by supply and demand, but reality is different. In most cases, actual prices are set according to Limbi’s expectations. ... When a wine enthusiast is served wine from an expensive-looking bottle and told it costs 150,000 won, they perceive it as tasting better than the same wine poured from an ordinary bottle or a pack. For Limbi, this phenomenon is not false but reality. fMRI scans have confirmed that when drinking wine believed to be expensive, the nucleus accumbens, the center responsible for reward and motivation, is more strongly activated.
- p.141, How to Prevent Impulsive Purchases You Always Regret

The phrase “Can you help me?” is significantly less effective than “Will you be my helper?” Presumably, nouns are more closely connected to the self, creating a direct appeal to Limbi. ... Instead of asking your spouse, “Can you help with cooking?” try saying, “Honey, I wish you would be the chef today!” Depending on the situation, adapt it appropriately as patissier, sommelier, sauce expert, pizza chef, cheese expert, grill master, etc.
- p.253, Conversation Techniques to Make Everyone Your Ally

Men are astonishingly devoted to their partners. Psychologist Donatella Marazziti from Pisa University discovered why. People in love have significantly lowered serotonin levels. This means a decrease in the happiness hormone. It’s truly an ingenious evolutionary strategy. Lovers feel happy only when they are together! Marazziti also found another natural law. Generally, the sex hormone testosterone is secreted much more in men than in women. However, when in love, men’s testosterone levels drop sharply, while women’s testosterone levels rise. Men become a bit more feminine, and women a bit more masculine.
- p.296, The Definition of ‘Perfect Love’ According to Neuroscience

One excellent way to find your own happiness is to keep a daily gratitude journal. Reflecting on moments during an otherwise unremarkable day when you felt grateful helps you clearly understand what makes you happy. Also, when feeling gratitude, specific parts of the cerebral cortex activate, areas deeply related to empathy, emotional regulation, and stress relief. Therefore, training gratitude improves both body and mind health.
- p.368, Find Your Own Words for Happiness

How to Use Emotions to Save a Brain Tired of Thinking | Werner Tiki K?stenmacher | Translated by Han Yunjin | NamuSai | 384 pages | 26,000 won