Why are our brains hardwired to fear the unknown?
Why are our brains hardwired to fear the unknown?
There is a quote that states “The nervous system would choose a familiar hell over an unfamiliar heaven.”. At first glance, it might not seem intuitive, but there is profound logic behind it. Our brain is designed to keep us safe and ensure our survival. A big part of the way it achieves this is by storing information about our past experiences, identifying and avoiding threats, and seeking out patterns and predictability in our environment.
This is why we often prefer known, albeit negative, situations over unknown, potentially positive ones. The nervous system favors familiarity and predictability, as these provide a sense of safety, even at the cost of discomfort.
This tendency could explain why we stay in jobs we don’t like, remain in unhealthy relationships or perpetuate childhood patterns. Endless scrolling on social media is another great example of that. Our nervous systems perceive those familiar patterns and routines as predictable.
It’s also why pursuing our dreams and goals can feel so daunting and getting out of what has become our comfort zone and trying new things can be so challenging or scary.
Yet, the very things that kept us safe in the past may now be holding us back in the present.
To better understand this dynamic, there are a few key concepts we could explore: the amygdala, neuroplasticity, and cortisol addiction.
The Amygdala
The amygdala is a small but vital part of the brain that:
• Plays a key role in processing emotions, particularly those related to survival. Acting as the brain's alarm system, it detects potential threats and triggers the body’s 'fight, flight, or freeze' response.
• attaches emotional significance to memories, which helps us remember events that are critical for survival.
Neuroplasticity
Neuroplasticity refers to the brain's ability to:
• Rewire and reorganize neural connections and create new ones throughout life.
• Adapt to repeated actions, thoughts, and environmental stimuli. This explains how a toxic situation can become a part of our “comfort zone”. However, it also highlights the brain's capacity to heal, to learn new patterns, and to adopt healthier habits.
Cortisol Addiction
• Prolonged exposure to stress can lead to a dependency on stress hormones, partly due to the "reward" mechanisms associated with them. Over time, this wires the brain to crave stress-induced arousal.
By presenting these principles, I aim to support a deeper understanding and inspire a more empathetic and effective approach to personal growth. I believe that instead of criticizing ourselves for being "stuck” and fighting our nature, we can understand it and learn how to work with it.
Staying within our comfort zone can transform life into a series of predictable patterns, gradually eroding our passion and potential.
New unknown experiences can cause fear and anxiety, however, they can also force us to adapt, think creatively, and expand our boundaries. Psychologists refer to this concept as the “optimal anxiety zone.” While excessive stress is debilitating and harmful, a moderate level of discomfort pushes us toward self-improvement and resilience.
By reframing the unknown as an opportunity rather than a threat, we unlock the potential to live more fulfilling lives.
Nocena is designed as a tool, that can support your growth and ability to challenge yourself, while providing support through a community.
Transform the unfamiliar from a source of fear into a doorway to possibility.
In a future article, we’ll dive deeper into these principles, explore nervous system regulation and its impact on our lives and more of how Nocena can be your new adventure companion disguised as social media.
