Brain musings 2: State Machines

Building on the previous post. I wanted to explore the theme of homeostasis within my own behaviour. Homeostasis means that a system strives for balance by regulating itself. It maintains this by constantly adjusting parameters affecting the final state. Similar to a thermostat regulating the temperature of a room.

Applying this to me creates a system where my current mental and physical "state" is determined by the effect of my own desires/thoughts. This creates a constant loop of cause and effect that keeps me alive and happy. The problem arises whenever my target state changes into something unrealistic or unreachable. This causes changes my own state to change but never reach the specified target. Leading to stress and anxiety.

For me the most interesting part is the connection between the inputs and the specific state change. Why do I feel a specific way at a certain moment? And what inputs changed resulting in that state?

Going back to the sense of progress. If I take the sense/urge for progress and plug that as an input. I can work out that if this urge gets too large or unrealistic. I end up feeling anxious.

So the most important part for maintaining my own happiness is keeping this sense of progress realistic. Of course there are numerous other senses that play a part in determining my mental state. But for now this is one of the main senses I've identified.