We’ve all heard it before: “I’m a left-brained person, I think logically” or “She’s right-brained, that’s why she’s so creative”. And this is one of ideas that went far beyond psychology textbooks into everyday conversations. But here is the problem: it is more myth than fact.
Yes, the brain has two hemispheres, and yes, they are associated with slightly different functions. But the truth is that they almost never work in isolation. Instead, they act like two teammates constantly passing information back and forth. The concept of the left and right brain sounds neat, but in practice, both hemispheres cooperate to handle almost everything we do.
Take memory as an example. When you try to recall a face or a place, your brain doesn’t just rely on one hemisphere but combines image processing, logical association, and even emotional tagging across both sides. So, this raises a question: if our brain is connected to collaborate, can we actually train it to work even better? The answer, as modern research suggests, is a clear yes.
Busting the Left vs. Right Brain Myth
The story of the “two types of people” started in the 1960s, when split-brain studies showed that certain functions could be localized in different hemispheres. Over time, this got simplified into a catchy narrative:
- Left brain = logic, language, numbers
- Right brain = creativity, art, emotions
It’s a neat framework, but real neuroscience is far more complex. While some regions do specialize — for instance, many language functions lean left, and spatial processing often leans right — most real-world tasks demand input from both hemispheres.
Here are a few surprising facts:
- Speech requires coordination between both sides, especially for rhythm, tone, and meaning.
- Music might light up the right hemisphere for melody, but timing and structure involve the left.
- Even solving a math problem can activate visual and spatial regions, not just logical centers.
Takeaway: Don’t label yourself as “a logic person” or “a creative person.” That mindset can limit your growth. Your brain is built to adapt, and nurturing both sides is the smartest way forward.
How the Brain Really Processes Information
So how does it actually work? Think of your brain as a highly connected network, where different regions light up depending on the challenge. Rather than one hemisphere taking over, most tasks resemble a relay race where information passes through multiple specialized areas.
Here’s a quick snapshot of how some functions are distributed:
| Brain Function | Main Regions Involved | Why It’s Not One-Sided |
| Language and Speech | Left temporal and frontal lobes, but also right hemisphere for tone | Meaning + melody both matter |
| Visual memory | Occipital lobe + hippocampus + frontal areas | Images need storage + organization |
| Problem-solving | Frontal lobes, parietal areas | Logic + spatial awareness combine |
| Music processing | Right hemisphere for melody, left for rhythm and structure | Both halves required |
The key is integration. For example, when you draw, your brain doesn’t just “switch to the right”. You are using visual processing to see shapes, motor planning to move your hand, and even logical sequencing to decide which stroke comes first.
Brain hack: Look for activities that force you to combine skills, like playing chess (logic + pattern recognition), learning a new dance (memory + motor skills), or sketching maps from memory (spatial + planning). These “multi-skill” challenges are the brain’s version of a full-body workout.
Training Your Memory and Attention: Practical Tips
Now that we’ve cleared up the myths, let’s move into the fun part — what you can actually do to sharpen your mind. Memory and attention are two skills that most of us wish were stronger, and the good news is they’re highly trainable. You don’t need a laboratory or a complicated system to get started.
How to Remember What You See
Have you ever walked into a room and instantly forgotten why you came there? Or met someone new, only to lose their name seconds later? Don’t worry — you’re not alone. The trick is learning how to capture information so your brain knows it’s worth keeping.
Here are three powerful methods:
- Turn words into images. Our brains are wired to remember pictures more easily than text. If you need to remember the name “Rose,” imagine an actual rose blooming in your hand. The sillier or more vivid the image, the better it sticks.
- Use the “memory palace.” Also called the method of loci, this ancient technique turns places you know into storage systems. Imagine walking through your home and “placing” items you want to remember in each room. Later, just take the same walk in your mind and retrieve them.
- Chunk and visualize. Long strings of numbers or facts are overwhelming. Break them into smaller blocks and connect them with a mental picture. For example, remembering 14921776 as “1492 (Columbus) + 1776 (Independence)” is much easier than one endless string.
Research shows that visual memory improves dramatically with consistent practice. The more often you try these techniques, the more automatic they become.
Exercises for Both Sides of the Brain
If the left and right hemispheres are teammates, then training both is like coaching them to play in sync. The idea is to challenge your brain in ways that activate different skill sets.
- For the left hemisphere: try crosswords, Sudoku, or logic puzzles that require structured problem-solving.
- For the right hemisphere: sketch, doodle, or learn a few chords on a guitar — creative activities give your imaginative side a boost.
- For both together: learning songs in a new language is a perfect workout, because it blends memory, rhythm, logic, and creativity in one engaging activity.
Pro tip: Flip your routine. Brush your teeth with your non-dominant hand, take a new route to work, or even try eating with chopsticks if you normally don’t. These “reverse habits” force your brain out of autopilot and spark new neural connections.
Tools That Make Training Easier
Of course, the hardest part of brain training is sticking with it. That is where modern tools come in handy. Apps and games can turn practice into play, which makes it far more likely that you’ll keep going.
One example is Mind Elevate — a reliable and advanced brain training app, offering more than 35 + games across different spheres, e.g., memory, logic, attention, music, and math. So, just install the app and start with a short test to identify your strengths and weaknesses, then the app offers you daily challenges to help you grow. Think of it as a personal trainer for your brain, available right in your pocket.
The best way to use tools like this? Build them into your routine, just like brushing your teeth or morning exercise. Even ten minutes a day is enough to keep your brain active, sharp, and ready for anything.
Daily Habits for a Balanced Brain
Training your brain isn’t just about solving puzzles or memorizing lists. The real magic happens when healthy habits support that mental workout. Think of it as cross-training: your left and right brain perform better when your lifestyle gives them the right fuel, rest, and rhythm.
- Sleep: During deep sleep, your brain processes and locks in memories. Skimping on rest doesn’t just leave you tired — it disrupts focus, learning, and even creativity. A consistent sleep schedule is like a nightly tune-up for your mind.
- Physical activity: Exercise isn’t only for the body. Movement improves blood circulation, delivering oxygen and nutrients that sharpen cognitive function. A brisk walk, a short workout, or even stretching breaks can give your brain an instant energy boost.
- Mindfulness: Stress is the enemy of clear thinking. Practices like meditation or mindful breathing calm the nervous system, improve concentration, and help both hemispheres of the brain stay in sync. Just a few minutes a day can make a difference.
- Nutrition: What you eat directly affects how you think and feel. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids (like salmon or walnuts) and antioxidants (like berries or dark leafy greens) support brain cells and protect against decline. Hydration matters too — your brain is about 75% water.
Pro tip: Pair mental exercises with these habits. Solving a logic puzzle after a good night’s sleep or brainstorming ideas after a walk will feel easier and more effective.
Two Halves, One Whole
Here is the bottom line: your left and right brain aren’t rivals — they’re teammates. One thrives on logic and structure, the other sparks creativity and imagination, but neither can shine alone. With consistent training and balanced daily habits, anyone can nurture both sides. So treat your brain like a muscle: give it challenges, rest, variety, and care, and you’ll discover just how powerful and flexible it can be.