Decode Your Brain: A Neuroscientific Model for Well-Being and Personal Transformation

Abstract

Neuroscience is the scientific study of the brain and, more specifically, the nervous system. Although attempts to understand its functioning date back centuries, it is in more recent times that this discipline has made significant advances, especially thanks to discoveries such as Santiago Ramón y Cajal’s neuron theory, which revolutionized our understanding of the nervous system. Beyond these discoveries that help us comprehend behavior and various bodily functions linked to the nervous system, there is an emerging field proposing important premises about how we might guide our brain to experience states of well-being by understanding its neurobiological mechanisms. This approach considers practices that Positive Psychology has been supporting for over forty years, such as building healthy relationships, experiencing positive emotions, and practicing mindfulness, among others. It is clear that many people aspire to achieve well-being; however, this goal requires consistent and daily effort that goes beyond mere desire, involving the development of habits that make it possible. The purpose of this work is to present a theoretical model that identifies the key elements for forming habits oriented toward well-being. It is grounded in a theoretical review of various authors who have contributed to the field of neuroscience for well-being.