Neuroplasticity: How to rewire your brain

 

You can’t teach an old dog new tricks!

Or, so they say.

You may be surprised to learn that old saying actually has no truth to it. Rather, it’s hard to teach an old dog new tricks. 

 

There’s a reason why, and this reason helps us to completely restructure how we view ourselves and our capabilities.

 

Do you:

• Feel stuck in the same cycles?
• Have a bad habit you can’t seem to kick?
• Have dreams or goals that feel unreachable?
• Feel disappointed in yourself?
• Feel frustrated or even bored with life?

 

The amazing news is, there’s a solution to these exhausting issues– and it lies in neuroplasticity.

 

But first, let’s talk more about what neuroplasticity is and how it helps to rewire your brain.

 

What is neuroplasticity?

 

There are a lot of psychological terms out there that are complicated to both read and understand. Brain functions in general are complicated, but neuroplasticity can be easily broken down in tangible ways.

 

Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to change and adapt.^1,2,3 Your brain has plasticity, meaning it’s malleable – it can easily adapt to different situations or new information1 

 

Neuro refers to neurons. Neurons are your brain’s nerve cells. Because your neurons can change, adapt, and rebuild, you can learn new things.^1,2,3

 

In order for your neurons to move, they create neural pathways.¹ You use your neural pathways when you think, feel, or do anything.

 

Neural pathways are pathways created in your brain that are used for your basic and complex functions.¹ They get stronger over time, and, consequently, harder to change. That doesn’t mean it’s impossible, though! 

It’s actually much easier than you think, especially non-linear neurofeedback to help.

 

Let’s talk about neuroplasticity in a more easily digestible way.

 

Your brain’s pathway

 

Neuroplasticity means that you can change your neural pathways. You can picture your neural pathways like a physical path to understand them better.

 

Picture a deer path in the woods. A deer path that has been used for years is going to be clear and familiar to the deer. It’s so clear and familiar that the deer use it without a second thought. It’s a daily routine for the deer to use this path because it leads them to food.

 

You can view their food as a reward– the deer look forward to taking this path every day so they can eat.⁴

 

However, deer sometimes have to change their paths if their food source changes. This means they have to create a new path. 

 

Think about how scary this can be for the deer. Going through unclear territory means there’s brush, weeds, and tree limbs in the way. This means potential risks such as hidden predators. Yet, the more they take this uncomfortable path, the clearer it becomes. The stronger it becomes.

 

Your habits, or neural pathways, work the same way.4 If habits or ways of thinking have been done for years (like the deer path), it becomes a very familiar and strong habit (or path).

Especially when the path leads to something that makes you feel good, your brain wants to keep taking it.

 

Neural pathways can become so strong that your brain subconsciously uses them. This is what makes it hard to initiate change. Once things become second nature, it’s harder for you to be aware that it’s happening until after the fact. 

 

Neuroplasticity is what allows you to change these pathways. Curbing bad habits, changing negative thoughts, and gaining confidence are all products of utilizing your brain’s neuroplasticity.

 

Why is neuroplasticity important?

 

It’s important to note that neuroplasticity is also how you learn undesirable or negative habits in the first place. 

 

This is because neuroplasticity is influenced by internal and external stimuli. Actually, neuroplasticity is the brain’s response to internal and external stimuli.3,4 It’s the brain’s way of adapting to its experiences to cope and survive.¹
Sometimes, you learn poor responses. That’s okay. Neuroplasticity means you can learn good responses, too.

 

Leaning into your new understanding of neuroplasticity helps you to look forward toward growth.

It means that you can create the life you want.

 

Neuroplasticity is extremely important. It helps you to:

• Learn new things
• Sharpen your attention and focus
• Increase your mental capacity
• Recover from physical and mental trauma^3,5
• Be resilient
• Keep your brain fit

 

It can sound intimidating, though, especially if you’ve been trying to make positive changes. You may be exhausted or even feel like giving up.

We’re here to help. We have an easy solution to help you train your brain and use your brain’s neuroplasticity to your advantage.

 

How you can increase neuroplasticity 

 

There’s many ways to increase your neuroplasticity, let’s talk about a few.

 

Recreational activities such as athletics, creating art, or reading a book, are wonderful stimulating ways to accomplish this. Stimulation is what allows for new connections between your nerve cells.^1,2,3
Getting adequate sleep helps your brain to adapt and grow, too. Research shows that good sleep promotes the brain’s dendritic growth, which is what your neurons use to transmit information to each other.^1,3
Mindfulness is also a very beneficial tool. When you’re in the present moment, you give your brain its best opportunity to engage in neuroplasticity. You’re most aware of your surroundings to appropriately respond when you’re in a mindful state.¹

You’ve been told all these things before. You’ve tried to initiate change but you haven’t seen the change you need.

 

NeurOptimal® Neurofeedback is a comprehensive tool that helps you gain the energy, capacity, and confidence to practice all of these methods and more.

 

Neurofeedback stimulates your brain’s neuroplasticity to achieve a better, healthier, and happier life.

 

When you brain train with your non-invasive, easy-to-use neurofeedback device, you and your brain become more resilient and adaptive.

 

For just 33.5 minutes a session, you get to listen to music while the device monitors your brain patterns, only pausing the music when it detects turbulence– bringing you back to the present. 

 

Your brain learns to self-correct when you’re present and aware. 

 

This latest advancement in mental wellness allows you to do this at home. Sessions don’t require a medical diagnosis. This is super helpful if you have little ones or a tight schedule!

Neurofeedback allows your neuroplasticity to do its thing– in the most beneficial ways.

No matter what life throws at you, you want to be able to adapt and thrive in your life.

 

Here at Whole Family Neurofeedback, we support you.

Are you ready to optimize your brain’s neuroplasticity? Fill out our contact form today.

 

References

1. What Is Neuroplasticity?
2. Epigenetic signature in neural plasticity
3. Neuroplasticity
4. The importance of volitional behavior in neuroplasticity
5. Neuroplasticity: How I Survived Psychosis and Jail