Do you want to improve your emotional baseline and/or your mental energy? Do you want to reverse your frequent negative thoughts or emotions? Do you want to learn new skills, habits, concepts, and languages faster? All these processes are controlled by the brain…
And the brain can change… because of a trait we call neuroplasticity.
“Neuroplasticity” is the mechanism by which your brain learns new things, changes habits and beliefs, and alters your baseline mood. Neuroplasticity involves growing new neurons and making or breaking connections between neurons in the brain. These processes are important because they fundamentally control your thinking, daily habits, and mood. Breaking down the word neuroplasticity into it’s parts, “neuro-” is for neurons (the individual brain cells that make up your brain) and “-plasticity” means changeability or adaptability.
Neuroplasticity is what allows you to learn an instrument, understand math concepts, and gain social skills. Neuroplasticity is closely associated with both intellectual and emotional intelligence because it affects one’s ability to learn quickly about virtually any topic, skill, or habit. If you have more neuroplasticity, you’re able to learn all types of information more quickly, and you’re also able to change your habitual thought patterns and even (and perhaps most excitingly) your baseline emotional state!
Examples of Neuroplasticity
Below are examples of how neuroplasticity benefits learning, depression, anxiety, and ADHD.
Learning
Betty is an 80-year old woman planning a trip to Italy. She wants to learn some Italian so she can converse with the locals in their language. She’s a bit worried about her age, but if she increases her neuroplasticity, she can learn at any age.
Mood
Jessica is a young student struggling with depression. She has low self-esteem and trouble focusing in school. She has a hard time changing her thought patterns about herself, even with psychotherapy and family support. With improved neuroplasticity, however, Jessica sees dramatic benefit from psychotherapy and she learns to change her view of herself much more quickly.
Focus
David is a young child in elementary school who has trouble listening and paying attention. His teachers complain that he is “hyper” and interrupts a lot. However, with increased neuroplasticity, David’s brain can develop new “neuronal pathways” that support focus, calm, and learning.
Fearfulness
Debbie experiences fears and anxiety in social situations. She can’t seem to improve very much even with therapy and self-help books. But, with improved neuroplasticity, she is able to learn to be calm and at ease.
Brain Injury
John was knocked unconscious for a few moments in a car accident and taken to the hospital. His doctors said he suffered a concussion. He recovered, but noticed for months thereafter that his brain and emotions still did not function like they did before the accident. He was experiencing mood problems, difficulty focusing, and trouble remembering. By supporting neuroplasticity, his brain can recover his mood, focus, and memory.
Neuroplasticity is extremely important. It is a key component of brain health and emotional wellness.
But how do we increase neuroplasticity?
Neuroplasticity can be increased dramatically with focused strategies.
Neuroplasticity is a very complex process. It involves thousands of different neurotransmitters, hormones, fatty acids, minerals, vitamins, enzymes, and small molecules in your brain. The good news is that your brain knows how to implement neuroplasticity; you just need to provide the right environment and tools your brain needs to implement it. It’s simple, really, but you just need some guidance in providing your brain with the tools it needs.
Neuroplasticity is increased primarily through:
- Improved neurotransmitter function (serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, etc.).
- Increased BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) levels in the brain.
- Improved mitochondrial function and energy production.
- Hormonal and other metabolic changes that alter the way neurons grow.
Neuroplasticity can be improved through targeted dietary, supplement, exercise, and other lifestyle factors. Talk with your functional health practitioner or read more here to learn ways to increase your neuroplasticity.