Did you ever think that some traits are just not meant for you?
- For example reading a book, or learning a new Language..
- or I always thought i could never drive a Car - its not meant for me.
- I´m not that Intelligent, it runs in our Family.
- I can never manage Stress ever in my life, but I see people with much more Responsibilities handling things effortlessly.
- I´m like this from the time I was a Kid…
- It runs in my family - even my father is an angry person.
And the list goes on...
Lists also varies according to individual´s Situation, Age, Perceptions and many more factors too...
At the same time we achieve somethings which we never even dreamt of doing, like finally adapting to things which you couldn´t bear... or getting that driving licence.
How is it Possible? Can you change how your brain works?
Human Brain is the most complex organ ever known.
Just compare it with a Horse´s brain. As soon as it is born, it knows how to walk, what to eat and what not. Thats enough for its survival, even without its mother.
But Humans are completely different, we cannot survive without our parents. We have to be fed several times a day. Thats not enough, we have to learn how to sit, crawl, talk, walk and these days how to sleep or laugh too.
An average adult human have a certain traits, characters and Responses. Brain that she have is through what she had experienced over the years along with what she got as a gift from her Parents (through genes).
Her brain is influenced by what she sees and learns in her Family, School, Friends and Neighbourhood.
Thats how an Average Human brain is programmed, this determines her Worldview, how she responds to certain stuations.
Once the Brain reaches adult age - It starts to settle down. Then you will see people settling down with their Limits, Beliefs, Prejudices. They literally stop learning and accept what they are at that moment.
Thats the reason why Old people are more Rigid, and always complain about the newer ways of Life. They are wired like that!
Thats the reason a child can learn a language with perfect Pronounciation but we can never be that good if we learn a new language when we attain Adulthood.
But is there a way to change how your Brain works, is there another way than just accepting that we are done...
YES! It is possible to change how your brain works.
This process is known as Neuroplasticity. Neuroplasticity refers to the brain's ability to change and adapt in response to new experiences, learning, and other stimuli.
In a computer, when you do something which the computer doesnt know - it leads to an unforeseen error and the Computer just stops working!
Thanks to Human Brain - it never lets you down.
When you do something new... which was never done before... The brain fires up new Neurons and creates a new way to work things out.
(The next time you have a fight with your Partner, remember these line! )
Thats how you learn new things. As you practice, the brain fires these neurons regularly and - "the Neurons that fire together... wire together"- Donald Hebb
Infact these new neuronal pathways keep the Brain out of its monotonous routine and helps the Brain to be healthy and keeps it away from degenerative diseases like Dementia especially Alzheimers.
Forming this new neural pathways is the crux of doing something new with your Brain.
There are many ways to change the way your brain works. Some of them are
1. Learning new skills or knowledge: When you learn something new, your brain creates new neural pathways and strengthens existing ones, which can help improve cognitive function.
Its never too late - pick up that Guitar and learn it. Or learn that language which you are very fond of, or learn to file your taxes.
2. Social interaction: If you consider yourself an introvert this might fire up a lot of new Neurons, some very uncomfortable ones.
But still interacting with others and engaging in social activities is shown to promote neuroplasticity and improve cognitive function.
Have new friends, you can learn a lot from people. Things that you wont find in any books.
3. Prioritize sleep - Without adequate sleep, the brain and body experience increased inflammation and cannot function at their best. Get 8 to 10 hours of sleep daily. Go to bed at the same time every night. Keep your bedroom cool and dark.
If you must use screens before bed, use blue-blocker glasses. Keep your TV and home office outside your bedroom.
4. Train your Brain: Its time to flex your Brain muscle too. Engaging in brain training exercises, such as puzzles, games, and memory exercises, can help improve cognitive function and promote neuroplasticity.
Next time you see an adult playing Video games - notice his usage of cognitive abilities to control the Player inside. Ofcourse its dangerous, if its not under control. Thats where the Dopamine and Reward system kicks in. I will write about The Dopamine in a different Post.
5. Exercise: Regular exercise can increase blood flow to the brain and promote the growth of new neurons, which can improve cognitive function and reduce the risk of cognitive decline.
And mix it up a little, try dancing. And keep the Brain working.
6. Eat fats! - the good ones.
Our brains are composed largely of fats,and we need to eat plenty of healthy fats to support them. Focus on fats such as cold-water fish, olive oil, avocado oil, nuts, and coconut oil. Supplementing with omega 3 fatty acids is a great way to support brain health.
7. Meditation: This looks obvious, you can keep Meditation in any of those health tips column. But believe me, just sitting there idle, without any thoughts or distraction
s or your usual Dopamine load can make a huge difference.
Practicing meditation and mindfulness has been shown to improve brain function, increase number of Neurons, and reduce stress.
8. Know if you have hormonal imbalances : When hormones become imbalanced you lose neurotransmitter activity and brain function.
PMS, perimenopause, menopause, and low or high estrogen in women as well as low testosterone in men can compromise brain health and function.
Simple lab testing can help determine your next steps.
It's important to note that neuroplasticity varies from person to person, and some individuals may have more or less capacity for change depending on various factors such as age, genetics, and neurological conditions.
For example, person who has smoked for 20 years (toxins and low oxygen), never exercises (low oxygen), and eats sweets and fast food every day (blood sugar issues) is going to have a different potential for change than someone who has a healthy diet, exercises regularly, and avoids environmental toxins. Their levels of plasticity are very different.
However, with effort and persistence, it is possible to change how your brain works....