SAGE (00:08)

Let's talk about your brain on hard conversations. One important area of the brain involved in difficult conversation is the amygdala, which is responsible for processing emotions and detecting threats. When we're in a conversation that feels difficult. The amygdala is likely to become activated, leading to a heightened sense of stress, anxiety or fear.

The prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for executive functions such as planning, reasoning and more creative work, is also involved in difficult conversations. However, when the amygdala becomes activated, it can interfere with the function of the prefrontal cortex, making it harder to think clearly and make rational decisions. So if you get a bit anxious about having hard conversations, know that you're not alone. This is neuro-biologically wired into us as humans.