Neuroplasticity

How understanding the principles of neuroplasticity benefits people

Understanding neuroplasticity opens the possibilities to reinvent yourself. To break away from the status quo or to overcome past traumatic events that evoke anxiety and stress or encourage avoidance behaviours that prevent us living life to the fullest.

We are all very familiar with the concept that medications and chemicals can change the way our brain works. This may be as simple as having a cup of coffee every morning to promote alertness and focus. By modifying our thought patterns we can also make permanent, significant changes to our brain structure and function. Without an ongoing reliance on medications or chemicals.

Understanding neuroplasticity encourages us to make positive changes to our life and keep at it when this is difficult. It is easier to maintain a growth mindset towards challenges when we have an expectation that we can change and learn new skills.

The more we engage and challenge our mind and body, the longer our brains function at a high level.

How the principles of neuroplasticity may benefit students

Students can use a working knowledge of neuroplasticity to their advantage by practicing, believing in their ability to improve and learn, and focusing on learning new things in context (e.g., find relevance to problem-solving in your own life).

When we learn, we form new pathways in the brain. Each new lesson has the potential to connect new neurons and change our brain’s default mode of operation.

In adult learners’ neuroplasticity can restore old, lost connections and functions that have not been used in some time, enhance memory, and enhance overall cognitive skills. With sustained effort and a healthy lifestyle, adults can promote positive change and growth in their brains.

How to increase your neuroplasticity

Cells that fire together, wire together.

Hebb's Axiom – first used in 1949 by Donald Hebb, a Canadian neuropsychologist known for his work in the field of associative learning.

Challenge and novelty: skills should be new to you and not too easy to learn. Novelty and challenge are essential components for cognitive change.
Intention: the skill you are practicing must have some meaning, relevance, or important to you. Changes from neuroplasticity are associated with the feeling of being rewarded while engaging in a new task.
Specific attention: the skills we practice tend to improve. Focusing on specific tasks and engaging in deliberate practice increases the likelihood of change.
Repetition and intensity: a single attempt is not enough, but neither is a prolonged session. Shorter sets of intense repetition are usually better at creating new connections.
Time: Be patient with yourself! Neuroplastic changes take time for structural and functional change to occur. This is where ensuring you get plenty of sleep, have a healthy diet, and exercise start to make positive contributions to your neuroplastic changes.

Growth mindset

What is it and why is it relevant?

The concepts of a growth mindset and neuroplasticity mirror each other. A growth mindset is a mindset that one’s innate skills, talents, and abilities can be developed and/or improved with determination. While neuroplasticity refers to the brain’s ability to adapt and develop beyond the usual developmental period of childhood.