Until recently we believed the brain is fixed by end of adolescence, but we now know the brain can grow and change through adulthood. It can form and reorganize connections. Neuroplasticity is defined as the brain’s ability to learn, rewire, change and restructure itself for optimal performance. We now understand that nerve cells can compensate and adapt to changes due to injury, disease and other stressors.
Recent studies shows that neuroplasticity is a promising for treatment of certain mental health conditions. Every time we process new information, neurons fire, new pathways form and the malleable brain alters shape and structure. Researches have shown that it’s possible to consciously direct neuroplasticity to optimize brain function.
Stimulating neuroplasticity reduces cognitive fatigue, decline, stress and helps with decision making, better accuracy and speed. “Think of it as going from a dirt road to a motorway” says Dr. Tara Swart (author of “The Source”)
Negative thought patterns that occur with depression can result from interrupted or impaired neuroplasticity processes. Exercises that promote neuroplasticity may help rewire the pattern for more positive thinking and living!
Your brain requires the energy from at least one quarter of all you eat in a day. Fuel your brain with a variety of brain foods everyday! Discover 11 Gut-Brain Superfoods!
A brief 10-15 min “cat nap” each afternoon is a powerful way to reset your brain. Just don’t oversleep as it can have the opposite result. A short meditation offers the healing effects as an hour of sleep!
Be sure to “unplug" and unwind at the end of your workday. Shifting your mind from “work time” to personal time is healthy for the mind, body and spirit!
Juggling, chess, puzzle making, board games, certain video games, word puzzles, new sports, music making, learning an instrument, and art are all fun ways to grow your brain! Play solo or with family and friends.
Eat, write or brush your teeth with the opposite hand… and then try it standing on one foot!
Grab a dictionary and learn (and use) a new word each day. Or download Duolingo and start learning a new language.
Experiencing new scenery and surroundings ignites inspiration and creativity. You don’t need to go far from home! Simply take a new route during you walk or your drive to work. Visit a new park, trail or part of town. When time allows, take a road trip or holiday.
When feeling negative emotions noticing a negative mindset, stop yourself and replace your thoughts with something positive, joyful, and meaningful. Disrupting these negative thought patterns repatterns the brain to “look at the bright side”.
Studies show that aerobic exercise improves cognitive abilities like learning and memory, improves motor coordination, increases blood flow to brain, reduces depression and anxiety and stimulates cell growth. A study by the University of Maryland showed that a 20-40 min brisk walk 3x week increased the size of the hippocampus and improved memory and mood of participants. All forms of exercise are effective for supporting both gut and brain health, particularly those you enjoy, so “do what you love”!
