A splash of color (red) and brain activity

Exposure to the color red increases functional connectivity throughout the Default Mode Network (DMN). The DMN is a wide network of far-flung neuronal nodes in the neocortex, wired together by white matter (axonal) cables. The main nodes of the DMN are centered in the medial prefrontal cortex (a part of the brain that is involved with decision making and memory consolidation), the posterior cingulate cortex, the parietal lobes (part of the brain that integrates various types of sensory information) and the hippocampus (the part of the brain that forms memories).

The DMN is active in the background of your consciousness and is crucial for inner thoughts such as reminiscing and daydreaming. The DMN fires up the cortical areas associated with memory recall or mind-wandering. It becomes especially active when you think about others. When you plan for future events, the DMN constructs an image of the thing or event (a trip to the beach) and helps weigh the pros and cons of your intended course of action.

So if you’re searching for a ‘Eureka!’ moment, a burst of artistry or a breath of inspiration, you may need to get your DMN back on track. 

If you’d like to learn more about how colors affect your brain, please read… https://brain2mind.substack.com/p/a-hike-filled-with-color-and-sound