Are you aware of your brain’s hidden super power? Do you know how adaptive your neural system is? What if I told you that your thoughts and experiences could physically alter the structure of your brain? It means that the way you think and what you go through in life can actually change the physical connections and pathways in your brain and that the brain is not a fixed organ; instead, it can adapt and reorganize itself based on what you learn, how you feel, and the experiences you have.
Sounds interesting, right?
That’s the world of neuroplasticity, where the mind’s ability to adapt and change is not just a theory but a reality. We are always told that we cannot change the way how the elders or the old people think or act because their thoughts and behaviors have now become so rigid over time, but now science has discovered that,
‘The neurons in our brains have the ability to change existing habits or behaviors and adapt new ones at any age.’
Plasticity, in general, refers to the ability of an object or material to change shape or form in response to external forces or conditions.
This process called ‘Neuroplasticity’ is the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life. This means that the brain can adapt to new experiences, learn new information, and recover from injuries.
When we say that this thing or that habit is now something like ‘engraved on stone’ and it cannot be changed, its obsolete and makes no sense. Even the people who have undergone some severe trauma or are in PTSD stage, where we just leave them on their own and think that they will just have to live with this trauma, it is not right. They can be healed, mental health just like the physical health, needs proper attention in order to get back to the normal condition and our brain and neural system gives full support in this regard.
HOW IT EVOLVED OVER TIME
In the past, many scientists believed that the brain was a fixed structure that could not change after a certain age. They thought that once we reached adulthood, the brain’s connections were set, and any damage or loss of function was permanent. This idea was based on early research that focused on the brain’s anatomy and structure.
However, as research progressed, beginning from Italian anatomist Michele Vicenzo Malacarne who conducted an experiment that provided early evidence of neuroplasticity and then Polish neuroscientist Jerzy Konorski in 1948 observed changes in neural structure and so on, scientists began to discover that the brain is much more adaptable than previously thought.
This shift in understanding led to the recognition of neuroplasticity as a fundamental property of the brain. Today, we know that neuroplasticity allows for the brain to form new connections, strengthen existing ones, and even compensate for lost functions. This historical evolution shows the the brain’s remarkable ability to adapt and change throughout a person’s life, not just in childhood but also in adulthood and old age.
Let’s see some more interesting facts about the MAGIC OF NEUROPLASTICITY.
NEUROPLASTICITY OCCURS THROUGHOUT THE LIFE!
So now if you’re told to compromise with the way some people behave or act just because that’s how they are, or it’s in their nature or that they’re too old or that we can’t change them, and you might have to risk your mental health by compromising with such people, PLEASE DON’T DO THAT!!
Because now you know IF PEOPLE WANT, THEY CAN CHANGE THE WAY THEY ARE!
Also, engaging in activities that challenge the brain, such as learning new skills or languages, can promote neuroplasticity at any age. That’s its said, LEARNING KNOWS NO AGE BARRIER, anyone at any age can learn anything!
IF ONE PART OF BRAIN IS DAMAGED, OTHER PARTS CAN HELP IT FUNCTION!
We have seen people undergoing severe accidents and getting brain injuries which are thought to be deadly but neuroplasticity also plays a crucial role in recovery from such brain injuries. Studies have indicated that when one part of the brain is damaged, other areas can adapt and take over the functions of the injured region, helping the person to return back to normal life.
MIRACULOUS, right?
A HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT IS ESSENTIAL FOR GROWTH!
When we say COMFORT ZONE IS YOUR WORST ENEMY, it definitely is!!
The environment where you live in has a significant impact on neuroplasticity. Being in enriched environments, which offer various stimuli and opportunities for learning, where you are surrounded by optimistic and motivated people, can enhance brain plasticity, helping you to learn new things faster with no negative force holding you back. While being stuck in you comfort zone where there is no opportunity or motivation to work will shape your brain in a way to think that you just can’t do it.
MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES ARE A REAL THING!
Since brain structures can change with varying situations, Chronic stress has a negative impact on neuroplasticity. It can lead to the shrinking of certain brain regions, such as the hippocampus, which is involved in memory and emotional regulation. This can increase the risk of mental health issues like depression and anxiety.
Whereas, Positive emotional experiences and mental well-being can lead to positive changes, for example, engaging in activities that increase happiness, such as socializing, exercising, or practicing gratitude, can enhance the growth of new neurons and strengthen neural connections in areas associated with mood regulation.
“Your Brain Knows More Than You Think: The New Frontiers of Neuroplasticity”
A book by Niels Birbaumer which explores the concept of neuroplasticity.
Birbaumer discusses how our thoughts, emotions, and experiences can physically change the structure and function of our brains. He emphasizes that by understanding this process, we can use the power of neuroplasticity to improve mental health, enhance cognitive abilities, and recover from injuries or trauma.
The book also talks about various techniques and practices, such as mindfulness and cognitive training, that can help individuals tap into their brain’s potential and promote healing. Overall, it provides insights into how we can take an active role in shaping our mental and emotional well-being through the understanding of our brain’s capabilities.
Some Interesting Facts from The Book:
- Subconscious Processing: The book discusses how much of our cognitive processing happens below the level of conscious awareness. This means that our brains are constantly working on problems and making decisions without us being fully aware of it.
- Intuition: Niels emphasizes the power of intuition, suggesting that gut feelings often root from the accumulated knowledge and experiences of us, even if we can’t understand why we feel in a certain way. Like sometimes, we just “know” something without being able to explain why.
- Neuroscience Insights: The book is all about neuroscience, explaining how different parts of the brain contribute to decision-making and problem-solving. For example, the prefrontal cortex of our brain is involved in complex thinking, while the limbic system plays a role in emotional responses.
- Cognitive Dissonance: Niels, in this book, talks about the concept of cognitive dissonance, which occurs when our beliefs are contradicted by our actions. When what we believe doesn’t match what we do, it can make us feel uncomfortable. To fix that feeling, we might change our beliefs or attitudes to restore balance.
- Learning and Memory: The book discusses how our brains are trained for learning and memory, emphasizing that repetition and engagement can significantly enhance our ability to retain. Basically, when we repeat something or really get involved with it, our brains are better at keeping that information.
For example, if you study for a test by going over the material multiple times or by doing activities related to it, you’re more likely to remember it later. So, the more you practice or engage with something, the stronger your memory of it becomes. It’s like training a muscle; the more you use it, the stronger it gets.
Conclusion:
Neuroplasticity is like a superpower our brains have, allowing to make changes and grow throughout our lives. It shows us that we’re not stuck with the way we think or learn; instead, we can adapt, improve, and even heal from challenges.
Whether it’s learning a new skill, overcoming a failure, or simply opening our minds to new ideas, neuroplasticity reminds us that our potential is limitless.
Now its your turn to use this super power of your brain and do what you always thought was impossible because IT MIGHT BE DIFFICULT BUT NOT IMPOSSIBLE!
