Motivation and the Brain

The brain plays a vital role in motivation.  The complexity of the brain and its many responsibilities make it a primary control center for proper development and functioning of all individuals.  Motivation is necessary in all aspects of life, whether it’s eating healthy, attempting to quit smoking or drinking, abstaining from drugs, or increasing physical activity.  The brain is one of the main driving forces behind the motivation that is required for these behaviors to take place.  When it comes to eating healthy it is often an internal struggle to maintain a high level of motivation to sustain a healthy diet.  The limbic system, namely the hypothalamus, within the brain has been closely linked to motivating such behaviors (Carlson, 2007, p.88).  There are also important neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, within the brain that can influence the behavior of eating healthy.  In addition to the influence of brain structures on motivation there are also extrinsic and intrinsic factors that can have an impact on one’s motivation to eat healthy.  The combination of extrinsic and intrinsic factors accompanied by various structures of the brain all work together to provide motivation for healthy eating.