001 - The Teenage Brain

The conversation in this episode covers how a teen brain and an adult brain differ and what the pros and cons are of each way of thinking. The three talking points include:  The main differences between teen and adult brains.  Teens use their amygdala and adults use their prefrontal cortex (emotional vs. rational) The brain doesn’t fully develop until the mid-20s Teens are more prone to risk taking (Look for a reward of trying something dangerous without the ability to register risks) A teenage brain is primed to learn. Their brain is capable of adaptation and learning - it acts like a sponge.  Addiction risks are strong because the brain soaks it up Because teens feel things more deeply, they are more vulnerable to stress. Understanding why they are feeling stress so deeply can help ease the worry Tool #1: Mindfulness Tool #2: Sleep     RESOURCES: The Teen Brain: 7 Things to Know https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/the-teen-brain-7-things-to-know/index.shtml Teenage Brain Development https://raisingchildren.net.au/pre-teens/development/understanding-your-pre-teen/brain-development-teens Health Effects of Teen Substance Abuse https://www.addictioncenter.com/teenage-drug-abuse/health-effects-teen-substance-abuse/