Do You Know Your Right Brain from Your Left?

The human brain is divided into two sides, or hemispheres, called the right brain and the left brain. The two hemispheres work together, but each one specializes in certain ways of thinking. Each side has its own way of using information to help us think, understand, and process information.

The left side of the brain controls language. It is more verbal and logical. It names things and puts them into groups. It uses rules and likes ideas to be clear, logical, and orderly. It is best at speech, reading, writing, and math. You use this side of the brain when you memorize spelling and grammar rules or when you do a math problem.

The right side of the brain is more visual and creative. It specialized in using information it receives from senses of sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste. This side of the brain likes to dream and experiment. It controls your appreciation of music, color, and art. You use this side when you draw a picture or listen to music.
Although we all use both sides of our brains, one side is usually stronger dominant. Some people are more "left-brained," and others are more "right-dominant." Our dominant side influences the kinds of jobs and hobbies we have. Politicians, artists, architects, and musicians depend on their right brains. Accountants, engineers, doctors, and lawyers usually rely on their left brains.