SHARES
When your brain gets injured or damaged by diseases, neuroplasticity allows you to recover. Also known as brain plasticity, our cerebral matter reorganizes its neural networks and the way it functions to adapt to the condition one is, at the moment, in. Three decades of research indicates that the brain is not only capable of growth and adaptation but is also able to repair and rewire itself.
In all its wondrous complexity, it is a lifetime process of “reorganizing itself by forming new neural pathways”.
With a lifetime ahead, here are a couple of ways to put your best brain forward.
1.SLEEP
To quote Reschtshaffen, “if sleep does not serve an absolutely vital function, then it is the biggest mistake the evolutionary process ever made.” The National Sleep Foundation recommends around 7-9 hours of sleep per day in adults of 26-64 years old.
- LEARN, LEARN, LEARN
Neural pathways form as a result of learning new things and consistently practicing them strengthens the formed neural pathway. Hence, whether it’s learning a new language, new musical instrument or even painting you’re improving your brain’s plasticity.
- STAYING MOTIVATED
I suppose nothing is truly worth doing if you don’t actually enjoy doing it. Dr Micheal Merzenich, author of Soft-Soft-Wired: How the New Science of Brain Plasticity Can Change Your Life says that neural change will be more significant if you’re motivated and alert.
Ultimately, find a strong purpose in what you do and do what you love.
- RELAX
Stress seems to be the root of all evil and in this case, it diminishes brain plasticity.
If you can’t reduce the amount of stress that is present in your life, you can change the way you respond to it. Not only is meditation an excellent de-stressor, but it also promotes neuroplasticity!
- READ A NOVEL
Also, another way to combat stress, researchers at Emory University found that reading fiction creates heightened connectivity in the brain.
You can reshape your life by reshaping your brain regardless of age or gender.
It’s never too late. Anything is possible.
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by Yashwini Ravindranath
Born & raised in Malaysia, Yashwini earned her M.D. studying in Moscow's Russian National Research Medical University. With an affiliation towards research, all things coffee and the startup ecosystem, she now contributes articles to GetDocSays View all articles by Yashwini Ravindranath.
