Trust Your Intuition Day

Have you ever had a stomachache? How about a hunch? Do you know someone who thinks they might have a sixth sense? Believe it or not, these are all different ways of describing the same thing. It is a phenomenon that most people call intuition.

What is intuition? Psychology means the ability to make decisions without depending on analytical reasoning. You may have heard it called "women's intuition" or "maternal intuition". But rest assured, intuition is not limited to any gender or parental status.

Instead, experts believe that intuition is based on science. If you have been with us for a while, you may have read about the science behind fear. If so, you already know about the hippocampus — part of your brain. This area makes many decisions without your knowledge. It does so based on information you have learned from past experiences.

Intuition works in a similar way. In fact, scientists think the hippocampus also plays a role in building your intuition. Your brain is very good at recognizing patterns and learning from experience. When it has useful information, it will make sure you know about it.

The premonitions seemed like they appeared out of nowhere. However, no one is aware of everything that their brain does. The unconscious mind creates small choices continuously based on instinct. Have you ever seemed to "just know" something? If so, you are likely sensing something your brain already knows based on past experience.

Think of an example. Have you ever had the feeling that someone was not being completely honest with you? Unfortunately, most people have. Imagine you later find out that you were right. This can make your initial judgment seem like telepathy.

However, you don't mind reading. Instead, you're using intuition. Your unconscious mind may have picked up on many telltale signs of dishonesty. For example, maybe your brain notices that the other person isn't making eye contact. Based on previous experience, it warned you intuitively that something was wrong.

If all of this happens in your brain, then why is intuition sometimes called “gut feeling”? The brain and the gut are indeed closely related. Nerve cells, the cells responsible for brain activity, are also present in the abdominal organs. These cells allow the brain and intestines to communicate. That's why, when your brain wants to warn you about something, you can get a stomach ache.

Are you intuitive? Good news: Everyone does! And the more life experience you have, the stronger your intuition will become. But you may UNDERSTAND. . . Can intuition be trusted?

Usually, the answer is yes. Many experts say that following intuition can help people make the right decisions. However, it is important to take into account evidence when available. If your intuition goes against certain facts, it's best to think again.

The human brain is capable of creating amazing things. Can you remember a recent time that your intuition was right? What can help your brain come to the right conclusions?

How to celebrate Trust Your Intuition Day

• Have you ever had a "painful feeling" about something that happened to you? Have you ever heard about a “sixth sense”? Write a narrative about what happened. Is your intuition correct? Does it get you out of a problem? What happened to make you get the feeling? Share your story with friends or family members.
• The brain is a very complex and interesting organ! We have described the hippocampus in this Wonder, but there are many other parts of the brain. Check out this KidsHealth article about your brain and nervous system. Make a list of your three most enjoyable parts and share them with friends or family members.
• Invite a friend or family member and watch some of these Brain Games videos at National Geographic Kids. Do you see the same illusions? Do you fall for tricks? Discuss your experience with a friend or family member.