The Heart, Mind, and Gut: Which Should You Listen To?
You’ve likely heard phrases like “go with your gut” and “think with your heart.” While these may seem like simple expressions, there’s actually some truth to them. Neuroscience now shows us that we have three “brains” - the mind, heart, and gut. To put it simply, each of these areas has neurotransmitters, sensory neurons, motor neurons, and ganglia. They absorb, process, store, and access information - just like a brain.
So, when you feel pulled in multiple directions by each of these areas, it’s for good reason. Here’s what the heart, mind, and gut can tell you, as well as which you should listen to.
What Does the Heart Tell You?
We often talk about listening to our hearts when it comes to our feelings - and for good reason! The heart does much of the emotional processing. It takes in information about what events are going on in your life and feels the emotions that those events bring up. The heart can also take the lead in setting your values since these are often linked to emotion.
One of the best ways we connect with other people is through shared experiences and shared emotions, which is why the heart is also often responsible for our connection to other people. The heart drives our sense of empathy, understanding, and passion. The heart also tends to be a source of creativity and spontaneity.
What Does the Mind Tell You?
Our mind (or head, or brain) is what provides us with logic. It’s responsible for thinking and cognitive perception. It tells us what’s happening in a matter-of-fact way. The mind is rational, using logic to assess situations, consider strengths and weaknesses, and compare pros and cons. It measures risks, organizes data, and facilitates decision-making.
The brain can also be a source of creativity. While the heart leads our artistic pursuits with emotion, the brain tells us what works and what doesn’t. It also drives us to take action and make choices, which can fuel creative pursuits.
What Does the Gut Tell You?
Your gut is also known as your intuitive brain. It often sends unclear messages, like giving you a sense that something is right or wrong. Some people prefer to ignore the gut because these messages have no reasoning behind them - the gut can’t tell us why something is good or bad. For others, the gut (or intuition) is a guiding light, and there’s no need to know the reasoning to accept the message.
The gut’s messages are generally based on your past experiences. It’s there to help prevent danger by reminding you of previous incidents. It’s where our sense of self-preservation comes from. When you’re truly tuned in, the gut can provide you with courage and mobilize you to take action.
Which Should You Listen To?
Each element - the heart, mind, and gut - serves a specific purpose. It’s important to listen to all three. However, each area also has blindspots, so it’s important to balance the information you accept from each.
The heart tells you how we feel, which is important to consider. However, it lacks rationale, especially in the area of romantic relationships. The heart may lead you into romantic relationships that feel good but are ultimately unrealistic. In this case, you also need to listen to the brain to understand whether the relationship will logically work.
On the other hand, if you listen only to your mind, you may struggle to connect with others on a deeper level. People who primarily think with their heads can get stuck in analysis paralysis, gathering information rather than taking action. Without the assistance of the gut, you may struggle to mobilize. Listening to your mind alone may also make you controlling of others as you try to guide people to do things the “right” way. Without the emotional guidance of the heart, you’ll struggle to understand others and interact with them appropriately.
The gut can also mislead you because its primary sources of information are traumatic experiences. While the knowledge of these events can protect you, it can also create anxiety and irrational thoughts when used in the wrong context. In order to understand whether the gut is right, you must also use the logic of the mind and the emotional guidance of the heart.
It’s generally best to use a combination of all three elements to guide your decision-making, though some situations may call for the use of one above others. Knowing how to balance all three is easier said than done. For example, it can be easy to get wrapped up in a gut feeling as you make a choice in a moment of urgency. It’s important to connect with yourself, analyze what you’re hearing from each source, and check for blindspots.
Therapy is a great way to check in with yourself and analyze what’s informing your decisions. A licensed professional can help guide you through the process and provide tools for moving forward in a way that helps you create the life you desire. Ready to get started? Read more about our services here.
Dr. Zairys Feliz, Ph.D., LCSW is a clinical psychotherapist. Zairys provides individual, couples and sex therapy using evidence-based approaches. She specializes in treating individuals and couples who have relationship or sexual concerns. Read full bio