Break a leg Quote by Amir Levine
““Studies have found that the same areas in the brain that light up in imaging scans when we break a leg are activated when we split up with our mate. As part of a reaction to a breakup, our brain experiences the departure of an attachment figure in a similar way to that in which it registers physical pain.””
About This Quote
Source Interview: The Science of Love and Loss, NPR, 2015
Physical pain and emotional heartbreak share neural pathways, so a breakup can feel as painful as a broken bone.
In simple terms: Heartbreak triggers brain pain circuits.
Key Takeaway
Recognize emotional pain as real physical response.
Themes
psychology
neuroscience
relationships
Mood
sad
reflective
Type
informative
scientific
When to use this quote
- relationship breakup
- grief counseling
- pain management
- self‑care routines
Key Concepts
attachment theory
neural overlap
emotional regulation
Questions to Reflect On
- How does recognizing this overlap change coping strategies?
- Can we train the brain to lessen heartbreak pain?
A Different Perspective
Physical pain may be more intense than emotional pain for some.
![“Whether plain or gorgeous, we've learned to appreciate [secure-type people] for what they really are -- the "supermates" of evolution -- and we hope that you will too.” quote by Amir Levine](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/106/amir-levine-19091_biology_whether-plain-or-gorgeous-we-ve-learned_760581.jpg)
![“our culture encourages you [with an anxious attachment style] to believe that many of your needs are illegitimate. But whether they are legitimate or not for someone else is beside the point. They are essential for your happiness, and that is what's important.” quote by Amir Levine](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/789/amir-levine-19091_happiness_our-culture-encourages-you-with-an-anxio_796547.jpg)
![“Oxytocin, a hormone and neuropeptide ... plays a major role in attachment processes and serves several purposes: It causes women to go into labor, strengthens attachment, and ... [increases] trust and cooperation. We get a boost of oxytocin in our brain during orgasm and even when we cuddle…” quote by Amir Levine](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/676/amir-levine-19091_quality-time_oxytocin-a-hormone-and-neuropeptide-play_849739.jpg)
