We’ve all heard of women’s intuition. It’s an age-old phenomenon, but in recent years science has proven its validity.
Did you know that women make better spies, according to the CIA?
Okay, ladies, now let’s get in formation.
According to the British Journal of Psychology, Intuition is what happens when the brain draws on past experiences and external cues to make a decision—but it happens so fast that the reaction is at an unconscious level.
Intuition is our brain’s ability to draw on internal and external cues while making rapid, in-the-moment decisions. Often occurring subconsciously, intuition relies on our brain’s ability to instantaneously evaluate the situation and make a decision based on gut-instincts.
Judith Orloff, MD, is the assistant clinical professor of psychiatry at UCLA and the author of Guide to Intuitive Healing: Five Steps to Physical, Emotional, and Sexual Wellness. She said the following:
Just like the brain, there are neurotransmitters in the gut that can respond to environmental stimuli and emotions in the now—it’s not just about past experiences. When those neurotransmitters fire, you may feel the sensation of butterflies or uneasiness in your stomach. Researchers theorize that gut-instinct plays a large role in intuition by sending signals to your brain. I teach my patients to always listen to their gut—that sixth sense that’s telling you something might not be right—particularly if you’re sensing danger. If you listen to it and you’re wrong, you’ve lost nothing. Perhaps you took a longer route home or you ducked into a store until the feeling passed. If you don’t listen to it and you’re right, things could turn out very badly. More often than not, your gut is right, so listen up! It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Science suggests women’s intuition is a product of evolution. Females with a strong ability to understand and predict the needs of their children and mates thrive over females with inferior senses.
Previous generations were often expected to be seen but not heard. Because of this, they developed a deep sense of observation by becoming hyper-sensitive to the feelings and nonverbal cues of others.
Women may exhibit more empathy, intuition, collaboration, self-control, and appropriate concern because of increased blood flow in the brain. Or as Dr. Daniel Amen, Founder of the Amen Clinics, put it:
“The female brain is wired for leadership.”
Perhaps they should have been listening to us all along.
We are also better at showing our emotions through facial expressions, tone of voice, and body language. Whereas, men are better at hiding their emotions and maintaining a poker face. But often, we’re still able to decode your tells.
Research on nonverbal communication skills shows women are better at reading facial expressions and emotions. As a result, we are more likely to pick up on the subconscious cues of others.
The University of Cambridge conducted an experiment where they showed 90,000 people photographs of only people’s eyes. They were then asked to conclude the person’s mood based on the appearance of the eyes in the photo.
Unsurprisingly, the ladies dominated. #GirlPower
When comparing MRI scans of brain activity, the female brain reveals an increased number of neural connections, making it more efficient. This helps with interpreting one’s social surroundings.
The male brain, on the other hand, is neurologically wired to be more logical, making it more effective at linking perception with action. This helps men be more intuitive. You guys also have better spatial intelligence, so stop making us navigate!
History and science both agree women’s intuition is more than just a myth. Listen to that little voice in your head; trust your gut.