How to improve brain efficiency? Psychologist named the principles of neuroplasticity

psychologist, TV presenter, motivational speaker, expert in entrepreneurship

Do people change? Many will confidently answer “No!” But if we analyze ourselves, we can confidently say that we have changed a lot in the last three to five years.

In these changes we are helped by a marvelous property – neuroplasticity. In simple words, it is explained as the brain’s ability to change in response to new experiences. This is how we acquire skills, learn languages and even regain motor activity after injuries.

To describe this process in plain language, we can imagine how more than 100 billion neurons in our brains “communicate” and build connections with each other on a daily basis, similar to the way we communicate with people. The more communication between them, the tighter the connection and the faster the brain’s response.

Similar to communication, when you and your loved ones understand each other without words and finish each other’s phrases, neurons respond to these signals very quickly. And so we are already automatizing movements, abilities to solve certain tasks and even the perception of situations.

How is this going to change my life?

All of our actions are determined by our thinking. And any result we get – be it financial or success with the opposite sex – is also nothing but the result of the brain.

Our beliefs and attitudes towards life are also the result of neural connections. And neuroplasticity gives us the ability to change our attitudes about anything, just like learning a new skill.

We just need to set the direction in which we want to change and reinforce that desire with new experiences. If we repeat the desired reaction and behavior day in and day out, sooner or later a strong neural connection will be created that will become the brain’s natural response to what is happening. And with it will come new results.

The process can be helped by “forgetting” the old. Just as the language is forgotten, in which we do not speak for a long time, unwanted manifestations in thoughts and behavior also go into oblivion. It is important to simply not repeat them, replacing them with those thoughts and behaviors that one wants to realize on a regular basis.

Is neuroplasticity related to age?

Children are the fastest to build new neural connections. That’s why it’s easier for them to learn new things and adapt to different conditions. Moreover, physical activity and healthy sleep without long thoughts at night about pressing problems also contribute to neuroplasticity.

Not for nothing they say that a small child absorbs like a sponge – the neurons of the brain of a two-year-old baby have almost twice as many connections than in the brain of average adults. As we age, building new connections slows down, but we have the power to stimulate neuroplasticity throughout life.

How to develop neuroplasticity?

Organize a healthy sleep routine

Things will never get done, and believe me, the phrase “morning is wiser” has entered our culture for a reason. At night, the brain processes the information it receives and strengthens neural connections based on the day’s experience. The better the sleep, the faster the adaptation to the new.

Get creative

Almost any form of creativity, especially when you’re creating something new, will be a great boost to neuroplasticity. Hum non-existent tunes, write poetry, dance, draw – all of these activities help improve cognitive function and create new neural connections.

Read

It’s best to keep both fiction and popular science books in your library. A short story or article engages the imagination and expands vocabulary. New images and thoughts have a direct impact on improving synaptogenesis.

Travel

Around the world, across the country, and just around town. Including a trip to a neighborhood you haven’t been to yet activates the brain and enhances adaptability.

Move more

Children give a head start to adults also due to constant activity. Even light physical activity affects breathing, oxygenation and coordination. As a consequence, many body systems are activated, which is also good for neuroplasticity.

With neuroplasticity, you can change a lot of things in your life: develop new skills, learn at any age and change your beliefs. All of these changes are actually happening every moment.

The good news is that we can choose which way to change. All that’s left is to choose: what neural connections do you want to make today?