The Reticular Activating System (RAS) is a powerful network of neurons located in the brainstem.
Often referred to as the brain’s ‘gatekeeper,’ the RAS plays a critical role in regulating wakefulness, attention, and focus.
By filtering the vast amount of information our senses receive, it allows only the most important data to reach our conscious mind.
Understanding how the RAS works can significantly impact your health and fitness journey, helping you achieve your goals more effectively.
What is the Reticular Activating System?
The RAS is a complex bundle of nerves at the brainstem that is responsible for filtering incoming information and prioritizing it.
This system decides what gets noticed and what gets ignored.
The RAS is involved in many functions, including regulating sleep-wake cycles, attention, and even motivation.
When the RAS is activated, it can help you focus on achieving your goals by making relevant information more noticeable.
How the RAS Impacts Health and Fitness
In the context of health and fitness, the RAS can be your greatest ally.
When you set clear, specific goals, your RAS starts to filter information that supports these goals.
For instance, if you are focused on improving your nutrition, you may find that you suddenly notice healthy food options more often.
Similarly, if you are aiming to increase your physical activity, your RAS may draw your attention to opportunities for exercise throughout your day.
RAS and Self-Fulfilling Prophecies
The RAS plays a critical role in self-fulfilling prophecies.
If you believe you are capable of achieving your fitness goals, your RAS will filter information that supports this belief, making success more likely.
Conversely, if you doubt your ability to succeed, your RAS may focus on obstacles and failures, reinforcing those negative outcomes.
By consciously training your RAS, you can shift your mindset and make positive self-fulfilling prophecies a reality.
Breaking Bad Habits and Overcoming Excuses
Breaking bad habits, such as skipping workouts or indulging in unhealthy foods, often requires reprogramming the RAS.
By setting clear intentions and visualizing your success, you can use the RAS to reinforce positive behaviours and reduce the power of excuses.
For example, if you frequently find yourself making excuses not to exercise – such as feeling too tired or too busy, reorienting your RAS to focus on the benefits of working out can help you overcome these mental blocks.
Using the RAS to Improve Your Health and Fitness
Here are some ways you can harness the power of the RAS to enhance your health and fitness journey:
1.Set Clear Goals: The more specific your goals, the better your RAS can filter information to support them. Whether it is losing weight, building muscle, or improving mental health, clarity is key.
2.Visualize Your Success: Visualization can activate the RAS by creating a mental image of your goals. This makes your brain more attuned to opportunities that can help you achieve them.
3.Affirmations: Positive affirmations can prime your RAS to focus on desired outcomes. Repeating affirmations daily can help keep your goals at the forefront of your mind.
4.Surround Yourself with Reminders: Place visual reminders of your goals in places you frequently see, such as your desk, fridge, or phone background. This constant exposure keeps your RAS engaged.
5.Stay Consistent: The more you reinforce your goals, the more your RAS will prioritize information related to them. Consistency helps in embedding these goals into your subconscious.
Conclusion
The Reticular Activating System is a remarkable part of the brain that, when properly engaged, can significantly enhance your health and fitness efforts.
By understanding and leveraging the RAS, you can train your brain to help you stay focused, motivated, and on track to achieving your goals.
Cameron Corish has been caring and achieving results for the local Wishart, Mansfield and Mt Gravatt community for over 10 years. Together with the Core Health Coaching Team, he takes a multi-disciplined and holistic approach to health and fitness addressing the physical, mental and emotional aspects of one’s health.
Ready to feel and look your best? Book a time for a FREE chat and see how we can make a difference in your life. Book here calendly.com/corehealthcoaching or email Cameron at cameron@corehealthcoaching.com.au
Research References
1.Moruzzi, G., & Magoun, H. W. (1949). Brain stem reticular formation and activation of the EEG. *Electroencephalography and Clinical Neurophysiology*, 1(4), 455-473.
2. Zeman, A. (2005). What in the world is consciousness? *Progress in Brain Research*, 150, 1-10.
3. Schiff, N. D., & Plum, F. (2000). The role of arousal and “gating” systems in the neurology of impaired consciousness. *Journal of Clinical Neurophysiology*, 17(5), 438-452.
