Notice and Name It: The Brain Science of Putting Feelings Into Words

Have you ever eaten a bag of chips or a bowl of ice cream even though you want to lose some weight and you weren't physically hungry? Or skipped the walk you planned to take? Or stayed up late scrolling on your phone even though you promised yourself you would go to bed earlier that night?So why did you give in to the urge and what can you do about it?In Part 1 of the three-part Name It to Navigate It series, Amy introduces affect labeling—the skill and practice of putting feelings into words. Research suggests that when you name your emotions, activity in the amygdala (your brain’s alarm system) may decrease while your prefrontal cortex and specifically areas involved in language and self-control become more active.That shift can create something incredibly valuable: a pause between what you feel and what you do next.Why Naming Emotions Supports Better Health HabitsYou may already know that sleep, movement, nutrition, hydration, social connection, and stress management support long-term brain health.But knowing what to do is not the same as consistently doing it.An unnamed emotion can drive late-night eating, doomscrolling, sleep procrastination, skipped workouts, social withdrawal, or anxious symptom-checking. In this episode, you’ll discover:00:00 — Why you reach for food, skip movement, or scroll late at night01:15 — The gap between knowing and doing03:00 — The unnamed emotions behind common unwanted behaviors05:10 — Why “What’s wrong with me?” is the wrong question06:00 — What affect labeling actually means08:20 — The brain science behind naming emotions10:30 — How two words can create a pause before action13:20 — What to do when a memory lapse triggers Alzheimer’s fear16:00 — Why family history and genetics are not the whole story18:10 — How emotional awareness connects to healthy habits21:00 — Your next step and what’s coming in Part 2Listen now and learn how to stop reacting, start responding, and make your brain-health habits more intentional.Resources MentionedDownload the Practice TLC worksheet:https://moxie-club.com/tlcLearn more about Amy and download brain-health resources:https://amylangcoaching.comOrder Thoughts Are Habits Too and read a free preview:https://thoughtsarehabitstoo.comSubscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@happyandhealthywithamyFollow Amy on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/amylangcoachingFollow Amy on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/amylangcoachingRESOURCES:Download the FREE Excerpt of Thoughts Are Habits TooPurchase Thoughts Are Habits TooBook a FREE Discovery Call with AmyDownload After Mom’s Alzheimer’s Diagnosis: The First 8 Things to Know and learn how to support her with more calm, clarity, and confidence.Download the RESTORED Protocol: Eight Essential Protective Factors to Build an Alzheimer's-Resistant BrainSchedule your Breakthrough Roadmap session with AmyFollow Amy on Instagram @amylangcoaching  and on Facebook @amylangcoachingSubscribe to Amy's YouTube channel @happyandhealthywithamy