When your brain is presented with a new challenge that it has never encountered before, it can reorganize and restructure to respond to that situation. The more the brain is exposed to that new challenge, the more it reorganizes and makes that particular path more established. Similar to playing a new game, or a musical instrument. Your brain has the ability to constantly adapt to new people, places and circumstances.
The more you are able to successfully emotionally regulate, the more your brain will learn to navigate difficult emotional challenges. Plasticity of the brain is present throughout life, not just during the early, developmental years. We can intentionally train our brains to improve wellbeing. There are many centers that have been conducting extensive research in this particular area of study.
Functional Neuroplasticity:
The brain, through synaptic plasticity, is flexible enough to change and adjust the functionality of neurons when necessary. Neurons are a vital part of the nervous system. The adjustments related to functional plasticity prove the brain’s ability to alter brain functions that arose from harm, failure, damage, or negativity to undamaged or better brain sections.
Structural Neuroplasticity:
Did you know that an average adult brain has the ability to alter its whole physical brain structure and outlook after learning new skills? This process is referred to as structural plasticity, which involves reshaping neurons or neural pathways, growth of new neurons (neurogenesis), and nerve cells to better serve all areas of the brain that are constantly in use. Structural brain plasticity is the brain function that allows brain changes, brain development, and reorganization.
Neuroplasticity also seems to have promise as a driver of potential treatment for certain mental health conditions. The negative thought patterns that occur with depression, for example, could result from interrupted or impaired neuroplasticity processes. Exercises that promote positive neuroplasticity, then, may help “rewrite” these patterns to improve well-being.
5 Ways To Increase Neuroplasticity:
1- Learn a new language
2- Travel (even just exploring locally)
3- Make art and be creative
4- Exercise or go for a hike
5- Read books + articles
We are changing every single day, and every single moment of each day, whether we are aware of it or not. However, once we become mindfully aware of it, we can direct our knowledge, wisdom, experiences, and ultimately our lives with intention.