Ever been called more "left-brained" or "right-brained"? Maybe someone labelled you as logical, or said you have that creative spark. Sounds neat, right? But is there actually any science behind it—or is it just another myth wrapped in pop psychology?
In this article, we’ll break down what brain lateralisation really is, how each side of the brain functions, and why tapping into both sides could be the real key to boosting your thinking, creativity and daily life.
Understanding the two brain hemispheres
Let’s start with the basics. The brain is split down the middle into two hemispheres—the left and the right. These aren’t just two random halves. Each one handles different types of thinking and behaviour, but they don’t work alone.
The connector: corpus callosum
Right between the two sides is a bundle of nerves called the corpus callosum. Think of it as a super-fast bridge that lets the two halves chat and coordinate. It’s also the reason your right hand is controlled by your left brain—and vice versa. Same goes for your eyes, legs, and even how you perceive space.
So while we do have two sides with specialities, they’re very much a tag team.
The left brain: your logical organiser
When you’re doing tasks like solving a puzzle, reading a manual or calculating your budget, chances are your left hemisphere is working overtime. It’s known for being:
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Detail-oriented
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Great with numbers
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Strong with language
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Linear in thinking
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Focused on facts and logic
It loves sequences, rules, and neat categories. Left-brained people often thrive in careers like law, engineering, accounting or science.
But here’s where things get interesting—this logical side doesn’t work in isolation.
The right brain: your creative sidekick
Now let’s look at the right hemisphere—often called the dreamer, the artist, or the empath.
This side shines in areas involving:
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Visual processing
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Imagination and intuition
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Pattern recognition
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Emotional expression
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Art, music, and movement
It’s all about the big picture. Instead of following steps, it dives into ideas holistically. People who are said to be more "right-brained" often enjoy storytelling, painting, music, design—or even just daydreaming.
But again, don’t be too quick to split things cleanly.
So, is brain dominance a real thing?
You’ve probably heard people say they’re more right- or left-brained like it’s a personality type. But the science tells a different story.
A 2013 study published in PLOS One looked at over 1,000 brain scans. The result? People don’t actually use one side of their brain more than the other. We use both, constantly—just in different ways depending on the task at hand.
The old idea of dominance came from research in the 1960s by Nobel Prize-winner Roger W. Sperry. His split-brain studies did find that different functions were localised to each hemisphere—but those results were specific to people with a severed corpus callosum due to epilepsy.
Later studies revealed that in healthy brains, both sides are always active and communicating. So rather than “you’re either left-brained or right-brained,” a better way to look at it is: how integrated are your brain’s functions?
How both sides process information differently
Here’s where things get fun. Even if both hemispheres are active, they each have their own processing style.
Left hemisphere processing
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Step-by-step: Thinks in logical sequences
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Symbolic: Loves language, letters and numbers
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Structured: Likes order, patterns, and rules
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Verbal: Easily expresses thoughts in words
Right hemisphere processing
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Big-picture: Looks at the whole before breaking it down
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Concrete: Wants to see, touch or visualise
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Emotional: Reads faces and feels energy
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Intuitive: Often knows the answer but can’t explain how
The takeaway? The left side says “Tell me the facts.” The right side says “I feel like there’s something more to this.” And when they work together—you get insight and understanding.
Children, creativity and the education system
You might be surprised to learn that children are naturally more right-brained—more curious, imaginative and open to possibilities. But that tends to fade.
Studies have found that around 90% of children are rated as highly creative before school starts. By the age of 7, only 10% still rank that way. By adulthood? Just 2%.
Why? Because most education systems lean heavily on left-brain skills—math, language, structured testing. Creative play, intuition and exploration often get sidelined. It’s no wonder most adults feel disconnected from their creative side.
Real-world applications of lateralisation in Australia
Australia’s research community has delved into the intricacies of brain lateralisation. Here are some notable findings:
1. University of Melbourne – Language and lateralisation
An fMRI study examined language lateralisation in 170 healthy right-handed children and adults aged 5–67. The research found that language lateralisation to the dominant hemisphere increases between ages 5 and 20, plateaus between 20 and 25, and slowly decreases between 25 and 70. This indicates that while the left hemisphere is typically dominant for language, both hemispheres are involved in communication, especially as individuals age.PubMed
2. Queensland University of Technology (QUT) – Creativity and the right hemisphere
A study funded by the National Science Foundation explored the neural basis of creativity in jazz musicians. Findings revealed that creativity is primarily driven by the right hemisphere in musicians who are less experienced at improvisation, while highly experienced improvisers rely more on their left hemisphere. This suggests that the right hemisphere plays a significant role in creative processes, especially during the early stages of skill acquisition.NSF - National Science Foundation
3. Monash University – Brain integration and problem-solving
A collective review paper from Monash University summarised findings on the effects of callosotomy (surgical severing of the corpus callosum) on brain function. The research indicated that while callosotomy leads to a breakdown in functional integration across various cognitive domains, some processes, such as action control, remain unified. This underscores the importance of the corpus callosum in facilitating interhemispheric communication and cognitive flexibility.Monash University+1PubMed+1
4. University of Sydney – Brain training and neuroplasticity
Researchers at the University of Sydney's Brain and Mind Centre conducted a trial demonstrating that physical and cognitive exercises can lead to different kinds of cognitive benefits in older adults. The study showed that resistance and cognitive training could target distinct brain mechanisms, promoting neuroplasticity and potentially combating the effects of aging and Alzheimer's disease.
How to activate both sides: A whole-brain approach
Okay, now that we know both sides are important, what can you do to stimulate and balance your brain?
Here are some ideas:
Cross-disciplinary learning
Don’t stick to one thing. Learn coding and painting. Write poetry and study history. Switching it up challenges your brain in new ways.
Mindfulness and meditation
Meditation improves focus and helps both hemispheres sync up. Even 10 minutes a day can create noticeable shifts over time.
Get creative (and messy)
Doodle. Journal. Build something with your hands. Let go of perfection and allow your brain to wander a bit.
Move your body
Physical activity—especially ones like dancing, martial arts or yoga—activates both sides of the brain through coordination, rhythm and memory.
Solve puzzles and play games
Crosswords, logic puzzles, memory games and chess stretch your left brain. Creativity games and improvisation stretch your right.
Engage in expressive arts therapy
Practices like art therapy or brain gym aren’t just fun—they activate neuroplasticity and help you learn better, process emotions and build resilience.
If you’re looking for a professional to guide you, check out qualified art therapists and mind-body practitioners near you.
In short: Use your whole brain
The left brain vs right brain debate is fascinating, but it’s not about choosing a side. You’re not boxed into being “logical” or “creative.” You’re both—and the real magic happens when both sides are working together.
So whether you’re crunching numbers, painting a canvas, or daydreaming about your next big idea, just remember—your brain is more powerful when it’s in balance.
Keep learning, stay curious, and give both sides a good workout. Your brain will thank you for it.
Ready to boost your brain health naturally? Explore therapies like educational kinesiology, mindfulness, and creative movement with a qualified practitioner on Natural Therapy Pages. Because when it comes to your wellbeing—every side of you matters.
