Do you have the ability, the power, to use your mind to rewire your brain and increase your own happiness? Yes!
The science of neuroplasticity shows that our brains have the ability to form new connections and networks; they change through growth and reorganization. In fact, our experiences can continue to develop and change our brains throughout life.
Although there is still much to be learned, Dr. Albert (2019) believes that “by harnessing corrective neuroplasticity”, it may be possible to rewrite the negative thought patterns found to occur with depression disorder and improve a sufferer’s well-being.
Neuroscience gets pretty complicated, but the various ways you can begin to rewire your own brain are simple. Here are 4 ways you can do it yourself:
1. ART – when we create art, we see the world in new and unique ways. It allows us to express emotions, share personal experiences, and even communicate our human struggles. Schlegel, et. al., (2015) found that drawing and painting enhanced creativity and improved cognitive abilities.
2. MUSIC – just some of the benefits of music include improved mood, greater ability to learn and remember new information, and increased concentration and focus. Music therapy includes a range of activities from simply singing along to playing an instrument and research from 2015 and 2017 links it to the promotion of positive neuroplasticity.
3. EXERCISE – in addition to the many physical benefits of exercise, research also shows a relationship between cardio activity and long-term enhancement of cognitive performance and overall brain health (Lampit, et. al., 2014).
4. VIDEO GAMES – despite the controversy of benefits and risks associated with playing video games, research by Pallavicini, et. al., in 2018, suggests cognitive benefits such as motor coordination, visual recognition, spatial navigation, memory and reaction time, reasoning, decision making, problem-solving, resilience, cooperation, and team participation. Basically, playing video games can help us learn to recover from failure and successfully explore various solutions which enhance creative thinking.
There are other ways to boost gray matter and strengthen white matter which belies the former belief that our brains stopped developing at a certain point in life. According to Hanson (2011), “the key is a controlled use of attention”.
To learn more about how to go from just having a positive experience to promoting lasting well-being through “self-directed neuroplasticity”, be sure to read my post tomorrow.