SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
Quarter 1- Module 5:

POWERS OF THE MIND

What This Module is About
This module is about power of your mind. Mind power is one of the strongest and most useful
powers you possess.

This power, together with your imagination, can create success or failure, happiness or
unhappiness, opportunities or obstacles. This depends on your mindset.

Your thoughts are the main ingredient of this power, and when you add to them focus and
emotions, thoughts become powerful and can affect your reality. The thoughts that pass
through your mind are responsible for almost everything that happens in your life.

This module guides you on how to improve brain functions for personal development by
understanding the different parts of the brain, its processes and functions.

What I need to know

After going through this module, you are expected to:

1. Discuss that understanding the different parts of the brain, processes and functions
may help in improving thoughts, behavior and feelings. EsPPD11/12PM-Ig-6.1
2. explore ways on how to improve brain functions for personal development
EsPPD11/12PM-Ig-h-6.2
3. develop a personal plan to enhance brain functions EsP-PD11/12PM-Ih-6.3

1
The human brain is one of the most complex systems on earth. Every component of the
brain must work together in order to keep its body functioning. The brain and the spinal cord
make up the central nervous system, which alongside the peripheral nervous system is
responsible for regulating all bodily functions. The brain is split up into three major layers:
the hindbrain, the midbrain, and the forebrain. Hindbrain

The hindbrain is the well-protected central core of the brain. It includes the cerebellum,
reticular formation, and brain stem, which are responsible for some of the most basic
autonomic functions of life, such as breathing and movement. The brain stem contains the
pons and medulla oblongata. Evolutionarily speaking, the hindbrain contains the oldest parts
of the brain, which all vertebrates possess, though they may look different from species to
species.

Midbrain

The midbrain makes up part of the brain stem. It is located between the hindbrain and
forebrain. All sensory and motor information that travels between the forebrain and the spinal
cord passes through the midbrain, making it a relay station for the central nervous system.

Forebrain

The forebrain is the most anterior division of the developing vertebrate brain, containing the
most complex networks in the central nervous system. The forebrain has two major
divisions: the diencephalon and the telencephalon. The diencephalon is lower, containing
the thalamus and hypothalamus (which together form the limbic system); the telencephalon
is on top of the diencephalon and contains the cerebrum, the home of the highest-level
cognitive processing in the brain. It is the large and complicated forebrain that distinguishes
the human brain from other vertebrate brains.

2
 OUR BRAIN CONTROLS OUR
What is It
THOUGHTS, FEELINGS AND BEHAVIOR

Structures and function of the “old brain” and its influence on behavior

The brain stem is the oldest and innermost region of the brain. It’s designed to control the
most basic functions of life, including breathing, attention, and motor responses

The brain stem begins where the spinal cord enters the skull and forms the medulla, the
area of the brain stem that controls heart rate and breathing.

The spherical shape above the medulla is the pons, a structure in the brain stem that helps
control the movements of the body, playing a particularly important role in balance and
walking.

Running through the medulla and the pons is a long, narrow network of neurons known as
the reticular formation. The job of the reticular formation is to filter out some of the stimuli
that are coming into the brain from the spinal cord and to relay the remainder of the signals
to other areas of the brain. The reticular formation also plays important roles in walking,
eating, sexual activity, and sleeping.

Figure 1. The Brain

Stem and the Thalamus

Above the brain stem are other parts of the old brain that also are involved in the processing
of behavior and emotions (The Limbic System).

The thalamus is the egg-shaped structure above the brain stem that applies still more
filtering to the sensory information that is coming up from the spinal cord and through the
reticular formation, and it relays some of these remaining signals to the higher brain levels
(Guillery & Sherman, 2002). The thalamus also receives some of the higher brain’s replies,
forwarding them to the medulla and the cerebellum. The thalamus is also important in sleep
because it shuts off incoming signals from the senses, allowing us to rest.

3
The cerebellum (literally, “little brain”) consists of two wrinkled ovals behind the brain
stem. It functions to coordinate voluntary movement. People who have damage to the
cerebellum have difficulty walking, keeping their balance, and holding their hands steady.
Consuming alcohol influences the cerebellum, which is why people who are drunk have more
difficulty walking in a straight line. Also, the cerebellum contributes to emotional responses,
helps us discriminate between different sounds and textures, and is important in learning
(Bower & Parsons, 2003).

The amygdala consists of two “almond-shaped”

clusters (amygdala comes from the Latin word for
“almond”) and is primarily responsible for regulating our
perceptions of, and reactions to, aggression and
fear. The amygdala has connections to other bodily
systems related to fear, including the sympathetic
nervous system (which we will see later is important in
fear responses), facial responses (which perceive and
express emotions), the processing of smells, and the
release of neurotransmitters related to
stress and aggression
(Best, 2009)

Located just under the thalamus (hence its name) the hypothalamus is a brain structure that
contains a number of small areas that perform a variety of functions, including the important
role of linking the nervous system to the endocrine system via the pituitary gland. Through
its many interactions with other parts of the brain, the hypothalamus helps regulate body
temperature, hunger, thirst, and sex, and responds to the satisfaction of these needs by
creating feelings of pleasure

The hippocampus consists of two “horns” that curve back from the amygdala. The
hippocampus is important in storing information in long-term memory. If the hippocampus is
damaged, a person cannot build new memories, living instead in a strange world where
everything he or she experiences just fades away, even while older memories from the time
before the damage are untouched.

The key to the advanced intelligence of humans is not found in the size of our brains. What
sets humans apart from other animals is our larger cerebral cortex—the outer bark-like layer
of our brain that allows us to so successfully use language, acquire complex skills, create
tools, and live in social groups (Gibson, 2002). In humans, the cerebral cortex is wrinkled
and folded, rather than smooth as it is in most other animals. This creates a much greater
surface area and size, and allows increased capacities for learning, remembering, and
thinking. The folding of the cerebral cortex is referred to as corticalization.

Cerebral Cortex

The cerebral cortex is the outermost layered structure of the brain and controls higher brain
functions such as information processing.
4
The cerebral cortex, the largest part of the brain, is the ultimate control and
informationprocessing center in the brain.

The cerebral cortex, made up of billions

of neurons and glial cells, is divided into
the right and left hemispheres and into
four lobes.

If you would divide the brain right down the

center into two equal parts, we would
have a right and left hemisphere.
Although they are equal in size, they are
not the same and do not have the same
functions.

The left side of the brain controls the right side of the body. It also accomplishes tasks that
involve the academic and logical thinking like mathematics and science. However, the right
hemisphere coordinates the left side of the body and achieves tasks that involve creativity
and arts. The two sides of the brain communicate with one another through the corpus
callosum that connects them.

The left hemisphere controls the muscles on the right side of the body while the right
hemisphere controls those on the left. This is why the damage to the left of the brains, for
example, might have an effect on the right side of the body.

The Right Brain

Based on the left-brain right brain dominance theory, the right side of the brain is best at
expressive and creative tasks.

Recognizing faces Color Motions Images

Music Intuitions Reading emotions Creativity

Some of the abilities popularly associated with the right side of the brain include:

The Left Brain

The left-side of the brain is considered to be adept at tasks that involve logic, language, and
analytical thinking. The left-brain is described as being better at:

Language Logic Critical Thinking Numbers Reasoning

https://courses.lumenlearning.com/boundless-psychology/chapter/structure-and-function-of-the-brain/

5
Frontal Lobes
Located behind the forehead, frontal lobes are the largest lobes of the brain. They are
prone to injury because they sit just inside the front skull and near rough bony ridges.
These two lobes are involved in: Planning, Organizing, Problem Solving, Memory,
Impulse Control, Decision Making, Selective Attention, Controlling our behavior and
emotions. The left frontal lobe plays a large role in speech and language.

Injury to the frontal lobes may affect emotions, impulse control, language, memory,
social and sexual behavior

Parietal Lobes
Located behind the frontal lobes, the parietal lobes: Integrate sensory information
from various parts of the body and Contain the primary sensory cortex, which controls
sensation (touch, hot or cold, pain). Help to keep up from bumping into things when
we walk

Injury to the parietal lobe may affect: The ability to locate parts of the body.The ability
to recognize parts of your body.

Occipital Lobes
Located at the lower back of the head, the occipital lobes. It receives the process visual
information. Contain areas that help in receiving shapes and colors.

Injury to the occipital lobes may affect: Distortion of the visual field. Perception of size,
color, and shape

The temporal lobes

Temporal Lobes are located on the sides of the brain under the parietal lobes and
behind the frontal lobes at about the level of the ear. They are responsible for:
Recognizing and processing sound. Understanding and producing speech. Various
aspects of memory.

Injury to the temporal lobe may afffect: Hearing, Language, the ability to recognize a
familiar persons face and processing sensory information

6
 BRAIN STRUCTURES AND ITS
FUNCTIONS
What’s More

ACTIVITY 1: MY FUNCTION

For each statement, decide whether it

is a function of the:

A. Brain Stem B. Cerebellum C. Occipital Lobes D. Temporal Lobes E.

Parietal Lobes F. Frontal Lob

7
 1. Breathing ______________________
2. Vision ______________________
3. Judgment ______________________
4. Language ______________________
5. Balance ______________________
6. Attention ______________________
7. Goal Setting ______________________
8. Touch Perception ______________________
9. Coordination ______________________
10. Memory Acquisition ______________________
11. Sensory Integration ______________________
12. Time Perception ______________________
13. Swallowing ______________________
14. Recognition of Printed Words ______________________
15. Control of Emotional Response ______________________
16. Hearing Ability ______________________
17. Inhibition ______________________
18. Initiation ______________________
19. Startle Response ______________________
20. Color ______________________

What’s More

ACTIVITY 2: JOURNAL WRITING

1. Which brain hemisphere are you likely to be using when you search for a fork in the
silverware drawer? Which brain hemisphere are you most likely to be using when
you struggle to remember the name of an old friend?

2. Do you think that encouraging left-handed children to use their right hands is a good
idea? Why or why not?

8
3. Does understanding the different parts of the brain , processes and functions help in
improving thoughts, behavior and feelings?

REFLECTION

BRAIN PARTS

Additional Activities

ACTIVITY 3: NAME LABEL

Instruction:
The parts of the brain have been labeled. Your challenged is to write the correct name
for each part

9
10
Research has shown that there are many ways you can hone your mental sharpness
and help your brain stay healthy, no matter what age you are. Doing certain brain
exercises to help boost your memory, concentration, and focus can make daily tasks
quicker and easier to do, and keep your brain sharp as you get older.
Let’s take a deeper dive into 13 evidence-based exercises that offer the best
brainboosting benefits.

1. Have fun with a jigsaw puzzle

Whether you’re putting together a 1,000-piece image of
the Eiffel Tower or joining 100 pieces to make Mickey
Mouse, working on a jigsaw puzzle is an excellent way
to strengthen your brain.
ResearchTrusted Source has shown that doing jigsaw
puzzles recruits multiple cognitive abilities and is a
protective factor for visuospatial cognitive aging. In
other words, when putting together a jigsaw puzzle, you
have to look at different pieces and figure out where
they fit within the larger picture. This can be a great way
to challenge and exercise your brain.
https://bit.ly/2AUWBin

2. Try your hand at cards When’s the

last time you played a game of cards?
Researchers who conducted a study in
2015Trusted Source on mentally stimulating
activities for adults, say a quick card game can
lead to greater brain volume in several regions of
the brain. The same study also found that a game
of cards could improve memory and thinking
skills. Try learning one of these triedand-true card
games: solitaire, bridge, gin rummy, poker,
hearts, crazy eights
https://bit.ly/2NrOJrD

3. Build your vocabulary

A rich vocabulary has a way of making you sound smart. But did you know you can also
turn a quick vocab lesson into a stimulating brain game?
Research shows that many more regions of the brain are involved in vocabulary tasks,
particularly in areas that are important for visual and auditory processing. To test this
theory, try this cognitive-boosting activity:
• Keep a notebook with you when you read.
• Write down one unfamiliar word, then look up the definition. 
• Try to use that word five times the next day.

11
 4. Dance your heart out
The Centers for Disease Prevention
and ControlTrusted Source notes that learning
new dance moves can increase your brain’s
processing speed and memory. In other words, bust a
move on the dance floor and your brain will thank you.
Want to test it out? Give one of these dance activities
a try: Take a salsa, tap, hip-hop, or contemporary
dance
class. https://bit.ly/3dmxvpQ
• Try a Zumba or jazz exercise class.  Watch an online video with fun dance
moves you’ve always wanted to learn.  Grab a partner and learn to
ballroom dance.
• Gather your friends and go line dancing.

5. Use all your senses

A 2015 research report Trusted Source suggests that
using all your senses may help strengthen your
brain.To give your senses and your brain a workout, try
doing activities that simultaneously engage all five of
your senses. You could try baking a batch of cookies,
visiting a farmer’s market, or trying a new restaurant
while you focus on smelling, touching, tasting, seeing,
and hearing all at the same time.

https://bit.ly/2YgNYr
i
6. Learn a new skill
Learning a new skill is not only fun and interesting, but it may also help strengthen the
connections in your brain. Research from 2014Trusted Source also shows that
learning a new skill can help improve memory function in older adults. Is there
something you’ve always wanted to learn how to do? Perhaps you’d like to know how
to repair your car, use a particular software program, or ride a horse? You now have
one more good reason to learn that new skill.

7. Teach a new skill to someone else

One of the best ways to expand your learning is to teach a skill to another person.
After you learn a new skill, you need to practice it. Teaching it to someone else
requires you to explain the concept and correct any mistakes you make. For example,
learn to swing a golf club, then teach the steps to a friend.

8. Listen to or play music

Do you want an easy way to increase your creative brain power? The answer may lie
in turning on some music. According to a 2017 studyTrusted Source, listening to happy
tunes helps generate more innovative solutions compared to being in silence. Which
means, cranking up some feel-good music can help boost your creative thinking and
brain power. And if you want to learn how to play music, now is a great time to start
because your brain is capable of learning new skills at any point in your life. That’s
why you’re never too old to start playing an instrument like the piano, guitar, or even
the drums.

12
9. Take a new route
Don’t get stuck in a rut when it comes to your daily
tasks. Instead, be willing to try new ways to do the
same things. Choose a different route to get to work
each week or try a different mode of transport, like
biking or using public transport instead of driving.
Your brain can benefit from this simple change, and
you might be surprised by how easy it is to change
your thinking.
https://bit.ly/2YgjzcS

10. Meditate
Daily meditation can calm your body, slow your
breathing, and reduce stress and anxiety. But did you
know that it may also help fine-tune your memory and
increase your brain’s ability to process
informationTrusted Source? Find a quiet spot, close
your eyes, and spend five minutes meditating each
day.
shorturl.at/xUV34

11. Learn a new language

A 2012 review of researchTrusted Source has
overwhelmingly proven the many cognitive benefits
of being able to speak more than one language.
According to numerous studies, bilingualism can
contribute to better memory, improved visual-spatial
skills, and higher levels of creativity. Being fluent in
more than one language may also help you switch
more easily between different tasks, and delay the
onset of age-related mental decline. The good news
is that it’s never too late to reap the rewards of
learning a new language. According to researchers,
you can boost your memory and improve other
mental functions by becoming a student of a new
language at any time in your life. shorturl.at/jwyN2

13
12. Take up tai chi
It’s no secret that tai chi can benefit your health in
many ways, including your mental health. Plus, it can
also help center you when life seems out of balance.
Taking up a regular practice of tai chi can help
reduce stress, enhance sleep quality, and improve
memory. A 2013 studyTrusted Source found that
long-term tai chi practice could induce structural
changes in the brain, resulting in an increase in brain
volume. Beginners do best by taking a class to learn
the different movements. But once you know the
basics, you can practice tai chi anywhere, anytime.

13. Focus on another person

shorturl.at/qwHJR
The next time you interact with someone, take note
of four things about them. Maybe you observe the color of their shirt or pants. Are they
wearing glasses? Do they have a hat on, and if so, what kind of hat? What color is their
hair? Once you decide on four things to remember, make a mental note, and come back
to it later in the day. Write down what you remember about those four details.

The bottom line

Focusing on your brain health is one of the best things you can do to improve your
concentration, focus, memory, and mental agility, no matter what age you are. By
incorporating brain exercises into your everyday life, you’ll get to challenge your mind,
sharpen your cognitive skills, and possibly learn something new and enriching along the
way, too.

ACTIVITY 4: COLLAGE IT UP!

Instruction:
1. In a short bondpaper, Make a collage of how you improve brain functions for your
personal development
2. Make a short description of your collage

14
 12 WAYS TO KEEP YOUR BRAIN YOUNG
What’s New

Every brain changes

with
age, and mental function changes
along with it. Mental decline is
common, and it's one of the most
feared consequences of aging. But
cognitive impairment is not inevitable.
Here are 12 ways you can help
maintain brain function.

1. Get mental stimulation

Through research with mice and humans, scientists have found that brainy activities
stimulate new connections between nerve cells and may even help the brain generate
new cells, developing neurological "plasticity" and building up a functional reserve that
provides a hedge against future cell loss. Any mentally stimulating activity should help
to build up your brain. Read, take courses, try "mental gymnastics," such as word
puzzles or math problems Experiment with things that require manual dexterity as well
as mental effort, such as drawing, painting, and other crafts.

2. Get physical exercise

Research shows that using your muscles also helps your mind. Animals who exercise
regularly increase the number of tiny blood vessels that bring oxygen-rich blood to the
region of the brain that is responsible for thought. Exercise also spurs the development
of new nerve cells and increases the connections between brain cells (synapses). This
results in brains that are more efficient, plastic, and adaptive, which translates into better
performance in aging animals. Exercise also lowers blood pressure, improves
cholesterol levels, helps blood sugar balance and reduces mental stress, all of which
can help your brain as well as your heart.

3. Improve your diet

Good nutrition can help your mind as well as your body. For example, people that eat
aMediterranean style diet that emphasizes fruits, vegetables, fish, nuts, unsaturated oils
(olive oil) and plant sources of proteins are less likely to develop cognitive impairment
and dementia.

4. Improve your blood pressure

High blood pressure in midlife increases the risk of cognitive decline in old age. Use
lifestyle modification to keep your pressure as low as possible. Stay lean, exercise
regularly, limit your alcohol to two drinks a day, reduce stress, and eat right.

5. Improve your blood sugar

Diabetes is an important risk factor for dementia. You can help prevent diabetes by
eating right, exercising regularly, and staying lean. But if your blood sugar stays high,
you'll need medication to achieve good control.
6. Improve your cholesterol
High levels of LDL ("bad") cholesterol are associated with an increased the risk of
dementia. Diet, exercise, weight control, and avoiding tobacco will go a long way toward
15
improving your cholesterol levels. But if you need more help, ask your doctor about
medication.

7. Consider low-dose aspirin

Some observational studies suggest that low-dose aspirin may reduce the risk of
dementia, especially vascular dementia. Ask your doctor if you are a candidate.

8. Avoid tobacco
Avoid tobacco in all its forms.

9. Don't abuse alcohol

Excessive drinking is a major risk factor for dementia. If you choose to drink, limit
yourself to two drinks a day.

10. Care for your emotions

People who are anxious, depressed, sleep-deprived, or exhausted tend to score poorly
on cognitive function tests. Poor scores don't necessarily predict an increased risk of
cognitive decline in old age, but good mental health and restful sleep are certainly
important goals.

11. Protect your head

Moderate to severe head injuries, even without diagnosed concussions, increase the
risk of cognitive impairment.

12. Build social networks

Strong social ties have been associated with a lower risk of dementia, as well as lower
blood pressure and longer life expectancy.

11 Best Foods to Boost Your Brain and

Memory
What’s More

Your brain is kind of a big deal.

As the control center of your body, it's in charge of keeping your heart beating and lungs
breathing and allowing you to move, feel and think.That's why it's a good idea to keep
your brain in peak working condition.The foods you eat play a role in keeping your brain
healthy and can improve specific mental tasks, such as memory and concentration.
.
1. Fatty Fish
When people talk about brain foods, fatty fish is often at the top of the list.
Fatty fish is a rich source of omega-3s, a major building block of the brain.
Omega-3s play a role in sharpening memory and improving mood, as well as
protecting your brain against decline.

16
2. Coffee

If coffee is the highlight of your morning, you'll be glad to hear that it's good for
you. Coffee can help boost alertness and mood. It may also offer some
protection against Alzheimer's, thanks to its caffeine and antioxidants

3. Blueberries

Blueberries provide numerous health benefits, including some that are

specifically for your brain. Blueberries are packed with antioxidants that may
delay brain aging and improve memory

4. Turmeric
Turmeric has generated a lot of buzz recently. Turmeric and its active compound
curcumin have strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, which help the
brain. In research, it has reduced symptoms of depression and Alzheimer's
disease.

5. Broccoli
Broccoli is packed with powerful plant compounds, including antioxidants.
Broccoli contains a number of compounds that have powerful antioxidant and
anti-inflammatory effects, including vitamin K.

6. Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds contain powerful antioxidants that protect the body and brain from
free radical damage. Pumpkin seeds are rich in many micronutrients that are
important for brain function, including copper, iron, magnesium and zinc.

7. Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate and cocoa powder are packed with a few brain-boosting
compounds, including flavonoids, caffeine and antioxidants. The flavonoids in
chocolate may help protect the brain. Studies have suggested that eating
chocolate could boost both memory and mood

8. Nuts
Research has shown that eating nuts can improve markers of heart health, and
having a healthy heart is linked to having a healthy brain. Nuts contain a host of
brain-boosting nutrients, including vitamin E, healthy fats and plant compounds.

9. Oranges
You can get all the vitamin C you need in a day by eating one medium. Oranges
and other foods that are high in vitamin C can help defend your brain against
damage from free radicals.

10. Eggs
Eggs are a good source of several nutrients tied to brain health, including vitamins
B6 and B12, folate and choline. Eggs are a rich source of several B vitamins and
choline, which are important for proper brain functioning and development, as
well as regulating mood.

17
 11. Green Tea
As is the case with coffee, the caffeine in green tea boosts brain function. Green
tea is an excellent beverage to support your brain. Its caffeine content boosts
alertness, while its antioxidants protect the brain and L-theanine helps you
relax.

PERSONAL PLAN
What I can Do

ACTIVITY 5: MY BLOG, MY SAY!

10 Ways to Improve Your Brain Health

There are lots of crazy claims out there about how to become more intelligent or train
your brain to be smarter or healthier—but what many people do not know is that many
of these have actually been properly scientifically investigated, and some fairly
persuasive evidence does exist for many of them.

In light of that, make a simple blog suggesting 10 ways to help you reach your full
intellectual potential and improve your brain health, with each of the ten
suggestions having at least somewhat respectable evidence in their favor. As you
work our way down to number one, consider techniques that are backed up with harder
evidence. Make it convincing. Posting your blog is optional.

10 Ways to Improve Your Brain Health

BY: TRISHA ISHA

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/iq-boot-camp/201407/10-ways-improve-your-brain-health

18
Answer the following questions?
1. What protects the brain?
2. What are the two hemispheres of the brain?
3. What connects the 2 hemispheres? What is it made of?
4. What are the 4 lobes of the brain?
5. What are the three evolutionary levels of the brain?
6. What are the functions of the occipital lobes?
7. What are the functions of the parietal lobes?
8. What are the functions of the temporal lobes?
9. What are the functions of the frontal lobes?
10. Summarize in a few words the basic function of each lobe.

-END-

19