Neuroplasticity

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th of December,: 2023

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And unlock the secrets to changing your life from the inside out. Our brain is complex (remember, it has about as many neurons as stars in half a galaxy), and we are only beginning to understand how it operates. Most of our knowledge was developed in the 20th and 21st centuries, and most of that came from the past few decades, so still much a work in progress. And still, there is a lot we now know and understand. We know that our brains work through complex networks and connections, and that all the information inside our heads is organized through association. One of the most amazing discoveries we have made about the brain is understanding its neuroplasticity. For a long time, it was believed that the brain was shaped in a particular way and developed only until adolescence.

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this was proven wrong (Kwik,: 2020

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ed to memory (Maguire et al.,: 2000

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and streets (Maguire et al.,: 2000

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erotonin (Fuchs & Flugge,: 2014

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Something as simple as learning a new bit of information can mean a new connection between two neurons not connected before while repeating that bit of information means making that connection sturdier. Our brain can amaze things thanks to neuroplasticity. Your abilities and skills are not set in stone, nor is your neurobiology. Understanding the brain So, your brain is amazing and capable of achieving plenty of fascinating tasks. After seeing them once, people can memorize hundreds of numbers without being blessed with a prodigious memory. We can learn any skill if we decide to do it. Our limits are often self-imposed and not objective.

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At the same time, there are better and more effective ways to learn and boost our brains. What holds us back is our belief that we can’t do something and a lack of knowledge that makes us pick ineffective strategies. We need to consider how our brain works. For example, if we learn a new language by memorizing separate words, we might learn a few phrases, but we will not master this new skill. Trying to memorize a language by remembering separate words means we do not understand how our brains work and how language settles into our neural networks. Each cognitive process we have, such as learning, memory, habit formation, emotional regulation, and self-control, among many others, are tied to how our brain functions. Once we understand this, we can choose better strategies to change any habit and any aspect of our life causing us trouble.

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d well to them (Biwer et al.,: 2020

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ace older ones (Jenks et al.,: 2021

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d memorize (Mandolesi et al.,: 2017

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e next day (Mandolesi et al.,: 2017

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(Murphy, Dias, & Thuret,: 2014

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onses and behaviors (Malvaez,: 2020

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ng, Dispa, & Bleyenheuft,: 2016

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each specific goals (Malvaez,: 2020

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srupted (Singh & Karkare,: 2017

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It has real limitations. By acknowledging this, we can reach better results. The next chapter will consider patterns of functioning that the brain shows and how this can be applied to specific techniques for achieving beneficial goals. What’s the point? Cool, so we know now a little more about our brains. But what’s the point of that? First, this section helps us lay the groundwork for the techniques we will be discussing later on.

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It introduced the most important concepts and the basic principles under which the brain works. We will clarify how each technique connects to your brain’s functioning in these sections, but the goal is also to understand why each technique works and evaluate its effects on the brain. Knowing this can help these strategies feel more grounded. The second goal of this brief introduction is to provide more information about how your brain operates. We all have brains, but we often remain woefully misinformed about how they function. This can empower us to make better choices when we can consider our control center with its limitations and preferences. We don’t get to change everything about our brain and must take it into account.

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The third reason is to help you reconsider some of your limiting beliefs. We often feel we have reached our limits or that some skills are beyond us. We might believe that it is too late to do new things or acquire new habits. But once you consider the neuroscience behind it all, it becomes evident that you can. Our brains, by their design, can inspire things and hold within them a huge potential. So, let’s look at the more practical side of things. Now that we know the basic elements of how our brain operates, let’s examine evidence-based techniques based on neuroscience for better results in learning, changing your habits, reaching your full potential, and more.

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Takeaways •Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to change and adapt to reflect demands from the environment. This means that neural connections can be “rewired,” and the brain can evolve, adapt, and change, not just in childhood but throughout life. •Many things affect neuroplasticity, such as stress, physical activity, sleep, illness, diet and other lifestyle factors. If we understand how to work with our brain’s innate capacity to change itself, we can use specially designed techniques to maximize on our potential. Remember, if you are enjoying this episode, please leave a review and subscribe to the show. For more science-backed insights into self-improvement, and don't forget to check out Peter Hollins' website, Bidley slash Peter Hollins, for more resources on optimizing your mind and your life. Until next time, stay curious and keep exploring the science of self.