”The Echoes Of Serenity”

You might be wondering, “What does that have to do with STEM, Kiara?” Well, let’s start at the beginning.

What does serenity mean? According to Google, it is “the state of being calm, peaceful, and untroubled.” Sounds lovely, right? But still, no STEM connection?

Wrong. Because today we are going to explore the science behind serenity. In other words, how does our brain find peace?

Calm and peace are not just feelings. They are the result of how our brain and body work together.

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1. Hormones

This one is the most predictable answer out there. Anyone could guess it, yes, even commerce students. It is that basic. But which hormones? The feel-good ones, of course. These are serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin.

Dopamine might sound familiar from those motivational videos you have probably seen. Serotonin helps keep your mood balanced, and oxytocin is the warm fuzzy one that makes you feel connected to people.

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2. The Brain’s Calm Center

Since we are talking about the brain, there obviously has to be a part of it related to staying calm. This part is called the prefrontal cortex. Sounds complicated, I know, but it is simple once you break it down.

“Pre” means in front of, “Frontal” refers to the frontal lobe of the brain, and “Cortex” means the outer layer of the brain. Now, what does it actually do? It is responsible for thinking, decision-making, self-control, and regulating emotions. If you are feeling calm and rational, you owe your prefrontal cortex a thank-you.

This part is in charge when you are relaxed, but like many of us, the prefrontal cortex struggles when stress hits. That is when the amygdala steps in. The amygdala controls fear and panic, working like a fire alarm in your brain.

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Now you know what is responsible for that cozy calm you feel on rainy days, when there is a blanket over your legs and a mug of hot chocolate (or chai, no judgment). And yes, Mumbai heat, this is a jab at you.