You may have heard that logical thinkers rely on the left hemisphere of the brain, while more intuitive and creative people depend on the right side.

But is that really how the human brain works?

The idea may sound simple, but it doesn’t tell the full story. Understanding how the brain functions can help you better support your cognitive function and overall health.

Is Left Brain vs. Right Brain Thinking Real?

The idea that people are either “left-brained” or “right-brained” is largely a brain myth.

While the brain does have two sides — the left and right hemispheres — research shows that most daily tasks require both sides working together.

Brain scans back this up. Studies using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and other imaging techniques show that, overall, people don’t rely on one side of the brain more than the other. Instead, these imaging methods show multiple brain regions are involved in everyday tasks.

In a widely cited 2013 study from the University of Utah, scientists reviewed the brain scans of more than 1,000 people. They found no evidence that people favor one side of the brain overall, which undercuts the idea of categorizing individuals as “right-brained” or “left-brained.”

Do Different Sides of the Brain Have Different Roles?

Even though the left vs. right brain idea doesn’t fully reflect how the brain works, certain brain functions are more closely linked to one side of the brain.

For example:

• The left hemisphere is often involved in language and aspects of speech, such as forming words and sentences.
• The right hemisphere plays a larger role in spatial thinking, such as judging where objects are around you and gauging distances.
• Each hemisphere mainly controls movement and feeling on the opposite side of the body. That’s why a stroke on the left side of the brain can cause weakness on the right side of the body, and vice versa.

But specialization doesn’t mean one side works alone. Different regions communicate constantly and work together.

How the Brain Coordinates These Roles

While different sides of the brain play certain roles, most everyday tasks — like driving, carrying on a conversation and making decisions — involve multiple regions of the brain at once.

• Language: For many people, key aspects of language rely more heavily on networks in the left hemisphere, while tone, context and emotion can also involve the right hemisphere.
• Creativity: Creative activities draw on both sides of the brain, including memory, decision-making and visual processing.
• Problem solving: Logical reasoning and pattern recognition work together across both sides.

Both sides of the brain are essential for everyday activities. Each contributes to different parts of thinking and behavior.

What Connects the Left and Right Sides of the Brain?

The two halves of the human brain are connected by the corpus callosum, a bundle of nerve fibers that lets them share information and coordinate tasks.

Whether you’re reading, speaking or problem solving, signals move back and forth across both hemispheres. This communication allows multiple brain functions to occur at the same time.

Activities That Support the Whole Brain

You may see left-brain or right-brain exercises online, but there isn’t a way to train only one side. Because the human brain functions as an interconnected system, most activities activate multiple regions at once.

Activities that challenge you to learn, think or create may help keep the brain active as you age, including:

• Learning a new skill or language
• Practicing mindfulness or meditation
• Engaging in creative hobbies like music and art
• Solving puzzles or playing strategy games

These activities may support cognitive health by keeping you mentally active and engaged.

“A resilient brain is built by continually learning, adapting, staying engaged and following a healthy lifestyle,” says Malik Nassan, MD, a behavioral neurologist at Northwestern Medicine.

Habits That Support Better Brain Health

Everyday habits play an important role in keeping your brain working well.

• Sleep: Getting enough quality sleep helps the brain restore, process information and maintain focus.
• Exercise: Physical activity promotes healthy blood flow to the brain, which delivers the oxygen and nutrients it needs to work well.
• Eat healthy: A balanced eating pattern that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains and other nutrient-rich foods can support overall health, including brain health.
• Social connection: Spending time with friends, family and community groups can help keep the mind engaged. Conversations, shared activities and meaningful relationships challenge different areas of the brain and support overall brain health.