Neuroplasticity: New Pathways
Neuroplasticity. What’s that?
You may hear the word neuroplasticity, and instantly think “that’s not important for me and my life.” But, wait! While neuroplasticity may seem fancy and irrelevant to your daily life, I think I can help explain otherwise. The definition of neuroplasticity is essentially our brain’s ability to form new connections and reorganize old ones, through learning and experience.
You know those moments you feel absolutely, utterly stuck? The times where a way forward seems like an impossibility and the patterns in your life have created an endless cycle of finding yourself in the same place - over and over again. You may feel like the “winter” of your life isn’t just a season, but all year-round.
I’ve been there. I imagine most of you have been in the same spot a time or two. So, where do we even begin to start?
Neuroplasticity Says Change is Possible
Maybe, before change can happen we need to believe and know that change is possible. That our brains have the power and capacity for change. That we are capable of establishing new habits and creating positive changes in our lives. By definition, neuroplasticity show us that not only is change possible it is inevitable.
Our environment and experiences determine how our brain shifts. There are three primary ways neuroplasticity occurs: chemically, structurally, and functionally. The understanding that our brain has the ability to adapt and improve, can empower us to adopt a growth mindset. A growth mindset versus a fixed mindset, gives our brains the opportunity to construct pathways that foster a more fulfilling life.
The Psychology of Neuroplasticity
The psychology of neuroplasticity shows us that through repeated and intentional learning experiences, we are able to establish new neural pathways in our brain. The neural pathways in our brain are formed through our thoughts, emotions, and actions. Every time we think, feel, or act - the associated pathways are strengthened. The more a pathway is used, the stronger it become; in turn, the less a pathway is used, the weaker it becomes.
For example, if I want to learn how to play an instrument, at the beginning of this learning process the neural connections will be new and fragile. As I continue learning, through time, energy, and repetition, this neural pathway will become more powerful and easier for my brain to travel. You can think of it as brain training!
So, what now?
Now we know that growth is always happening - but why do we still feel stuck or anxious, or depressed? Through our experiences, our brain may have learned to go into autopilot mode - landing in places that are causing more distress and decreasing our quality of life. Our lives are the outcome of where we focus our attention, so our brain may need a little help redirecting!
There are many activities that help encourage our brain’s natural state of neuroplasticity. Some of those activities are: body movement, creating art, learning a new language, getting enough sleep, meditation, making music, traveling and more! These activities challenge our brains to produce new connections and get rid of neural pathways that are no longer helpful.
Neurofeedback Training
While the above activities can help foster positive shifts in our brain, sometimes our brains need extra help to get out of the “stuckness”. Neurofeedback (aka biofeedback) Training is a process that helps identify brain patterns and fosters positive neural pathways. Pretty cool!
If you’re interested and want to know more, Neurofeedback Training may be an option for you! You can find more information here: https://www.lilydawson.com/contact
It’s your time. You can find a new path forward, through the neural pathways of your mind.