Your Brain on Joy

In this book by Dr. Henslin, the major areas of the brain are identified and their functions are simply elucidated. Each chapter is dedicated to a thorough review of a different section of the brain. He explains what that part of the brain does, and what can happen if it’s damaged or over-stimulated. He shares stories of people who have found relief from “hot” brain sections, and offers advice. He lists foods, vitamin supplements, aromatherapy options, movie recommendations, scripture, quotes/truths to recite, and mental exercises in each chapter. This a book I’ll keep on my shelf. Even if you’re not struggling with something, it’s a great resource. I learned, for example, that you should never yell at people with ADD. Their prefrontal cortexes are not working properly, and when you yell at them, their adrenalin levels shoot up. They can actually become addicted to the sensation, which explains why the people you know that you suspect are ADD seem like they’re always trying to irritate you … because they (probably subconsciously) are.