By : Vidhan Sudharshan, XA
www.daylifenews.in
Have you ever thought that you would never become angry, and just burst out of rage the next moment? Or have you ever made a decision with your mind and felt that your heart regretted your decision? Well…this happens with everyone. It’s a battle that constantly happens inside us —mind vs emotion. But who is actually in control?
Our mind is the intellectual part of our body. It’s the one that handles all the complex math problems that your teacher bombards you with. It helps you think, feel, perceive, imagine, and remember. When your mind is in control, you think more rationally. For example, you would choose to practice for an upcoming football tournament rather than playing video games. Your mind helps you control impulses, set goals, and focus on long-term outcomes.
Emotions, on the other hand, are quick, intensive reactions. They are powerful and often uncontrollable. Emotions occur from the limbic system (a group of structures in our brain that regulate our emotions, behaviour, motivation, and memory) of our brain. When emotions are in control, you tend to override logic. For example, when you are angry, you yell at someone. Afterward, you think, did they deserve that treatment? Emotions can be overstimulating and impulsive. But, emotions are also what make your life colourful. They make you happy, excited, and help you enjoy life.
So, who’s actually in control — your mind or your emotions? The truth is, it’s a balance. Both your emotions and mind equally control you. Think of it as two different parts of you — one that wants to think wisely and make decisions, and the other that wants to just live in the moment.
The problem arises when one side takes over too much. If your emotions are in control, you just act without thinking. If your mind takes control, then you just miss out on the most fun-filled moments of your life.
But both of these cannot be ignored. They both are crucial for building your personality. The mind makes you rational. It aids with thinking wisely and calmly. It helps you in situations that require a lot of thought. For instance, you are making an important decision about whether or not you should go on a 1-week trip with your friends, just before your exams. Your emotions might be screaming, “Just go, you will have a lot of fun”. But, your mind steps in and tells, “Wait, this isn’t wise. Think about the long-term consequences.”
Your emotions, in turn, add colour to your life. Sometimes your gut feelings are all you need to make a decision. Have you ever had a strong feeling within you, and went with it even though it didn’t seem logical at the time? That’s your emotional side telling you, that what you’re doing is right, even though your mind doesn’t approve it. Emotions help you build connections and form bonds, things that the mind alone can’t always measure.
For example, when someone is sad or in pain, your emotions might tell you to go and comfort them, even though you don’t know what to say. This emotional response creates empathy and connection, something a purely rational mind might miss.
So, how do we balance both? It starts with awareness. Recognizing when your emotions are taking over you, might help you stop and ask yourself, “Am I reacting too quickly?” Likewise, if your mind is controlling everything, you might want to check it with your emotions, “Do I actually like the decision I just made?”
A good way to balance both, is through self-reflection. Take a step back when you’re making a big decision, allow both your logical and emotional side to weigh it out. Let your mind provide the strategy and your emotions to boost your passion. Together, they can provide a choice that is both rational and fulfilling.
In the end, neither the mind nor your emotions should stand alone to rule. Both are crucial for fulfilling life. The mind helps you think critically, while your emotions help to connect, feel, and experience the joys of life. The trick is not allowing one to control, but finding a balance between the two. So next time you face a decision, pause, reflect, and listen to both the logic of your mind and the feelings in your heart. You just might find the perfect answer.