Neuroplasticity is a fascinating topic, learning about this concept has been a milestone in my educational journey that really sparked my curiosity and eagerness to learn more about the hidden secrets of the brain. The brain is the only organ in the body that can regenerate cells. It is still constantly changing and creating new synaptic connections based on experiences and thoughts. It is dependent on the information exposed to the five senses that are processed in the cortices and shape the brain.
Neuroplasticity is the brain's ability to alter synaptic connections in response to learning something new or going through new experiences. In simpler terms, this process allows the brain to learn new skills, form new connections, and reorganise itself in response to different stimuli and environments. Neurons that fire together wire together - pathways in the brain are formed and reinforced through repetition by strengthening the neural networks. The more they are repeated, whether consciously or unconsciously, the more engraved it is in your subconscious and becomes who you are unconsciously. A simple example, the more you practise maths, the better you get at it because you are using certain areas of the brain to problem solve on a consistent basis. Your subconscious is responsible for 95% of decision making, consider it your autopilot, your way of reacting to things or handling situations without thinking about it. Your subconscious is a part of the mind that is not fully aware, but actively influences actions and feelings, it responds based on emotion and hormones. Every thought you have triggers certain emotions, mastering your thoughts is the key to neuroplasticity, your thoughts are like a giant web, connecting one idea to another, which in biological terms is considered a neural network - a group of neural connections.
I consider neuroplasticity to be a life cheat code. If we could all understand why we have certain behaviours from a biological basis, it opens up a new plane for consciousness and self-reflection, creating space for growth. When one is self-aware they are able to take advantage of the brain’s ability to change and adapt.
Another simplified example of neuroplasticity: Imagine that your brain is like a big, empty house. When you are born, the house is pretty empty, and there aren't very many rooms or furniture. But as you grow and learn new things, your brain starts to add more rooms and furniture to the house. These rooms and furniture represent new knowledge and skills that you have learned. For example, when you learn how to read, your brain adds a special room just for reading. When you learn how to play a musical instrument, your brain adds a music room. And when you learn how to ride a bike, your brain adds a bike room
So, neuroplasticity is like a builder that helps your brain create space for new things you learn and experience. It's a very important process that helps your brain grow and change depending on the information, experiences and environment you are exposed to.
However, neuroplasticity isn't just important for learning new things. It can also help you change your life in other ways. For example, if you have a problem that makes it hard for you to move your arm or leg, you can use neuroplasticity to help your brain learn how to move that limb again, this is used in physical therapy after an injury. By consciously repeating movements until it becomes an engraved automatic behaviour (neurons that fire together, wire together, conscious repeated action strengthen neural connections responsible for specific actions, in this case, movement). The more you use the part of your brain responsible for that movement, the easier it will get overtime to complete that movement.
Another example, if you want to be more outgoing and confident, you can use neuroplasticity to help you develop those skills. By practising and repeating actions that are associated with confidence and outgoingness, you can help your brain create new connections that support those behaviours. In other words “fake it till you become it” even if it feels unnatural at first, overtime your body will start behaving that way automatically because of that initial framework you set for yourself and practised. By learning about neuroplasticity, you can learn to use it to your advantage to achieve your goals.
How can YOU take action to apply neuroplasticity in your everyday life?
You are able to harness the power of neuroplasticity through mindfulness and meditation, which have been shown to have positive effects on brain structure and function. Research has shown that these practices can increase the density of grey matter in certain brain regions, as well as improve attention and emotional regulation, keeping you focused. By practising being still, you start to become aware of your thoughts and limiting beliefs that are deeply rooted in your subconscious. Being able to identify these limiting beliefs and replace them with positive beliefs via conscious repetition (saying them out loud or writing them down are great examples of setting clear intentions and rewriting your thoughts) will help strengthen the neural connections and set a framework that aligns with what you want to achieve.
Through practice and repetition, engaging in activities that challenge the brain outside of your comfort zone, whether that be practising movement to move again or practising being more confident in social settings will lead you to positive neuroplastic changes.
What you choose to consume into your five senses - such as music, movies, and the way you behave all have a direct impact on your reality. By consciously choosing what you expose yourself to and consume, like listening to podcasts that uplift you, movies that motivate you, you will begin to positively rewire your brain based on that information and in support of your goals.
It is important to note that neuroplastic changes do not occur overnight, and it takes time and consistent effort to see the benefits. However, by incorporating neuroplasticity-enhancing activities into your daily routine, meditation, repetitive action and choosing what you consume will align you with your goals and improve your overall quality of life.