How Social Dynamics Engage Your Brain

If you have a learning disability like ADHD, Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, or Dyscalculia, you’ve probably spent a lot of time working on academic improvement - but did you know that social relationships and cognition are related as well?

Although some people enjoy more social interaction than others, humans in general are hyper-social creatures who require interpersonal interaction. Isolation tends to cause loneliness and isolation (especially in older people), while research suggests that older people with large social networks maintain more cognitive function than others. Proper socialization helps people know that they are valued, which builds confidence and reduces anxiety.

But social dynamics also challenge certain cognitive abilities. If you have a learning disability, for example, you may have sometimes struggled to maintain focus during conversations, follow complex social or political narratives, or quickly comprehend social nuances. Performing cognitive exercises such as those offered at Eaton Arrowsmith School can strengthen your ability to understand symbol relations and, thus, make social issues easier to understand.

Learning disabilities can sometimes make you shy or too embarrassed to seek social interaction, but socialization is actually critical to maintaining brain health. Try joining non-academic social activities to boost your confidence, improve your mood, and reduce anxiety - doing these things alongside cognitive exercises will ultimately make changing your brain an easier and happier experience.