Rewiring Your Brain: The Psychology of Neuroplasticity

-Maanasa B V

Intern, Mind Splatters, Jan - April, 2024

What is neuroplasticity?

The human brain is capable of remarkable things, and one such ability is neuroplasticity. Plasticity refers to the brain’s malleability, that is, its ability to change. Neuroplasticity is also known as neural or brain plasticity. It refers to the brain’s ability to change, reorganise, and create new neural networks. Neuroplasticity encompasses structural and functional changes. It occurs due to learning, experience, memory formation, and brain damage. 

There are two main types of neuroplasticity:

Functional plasticity refers to the ability of the brain to move functions from a damaged area to undamaged ones.

Structural plasticity refers to the ability of the brain to alter its physical structure as a result of learning.

How does it work?

The human brain is made up of a vast network of neurons. During the first few years of our lives, the brain rapidly develops. When we use our neurons more frequently, they develop stronger connections, and those insufficiently used, die. Therefore, the brain develops new neural connections and eliminates weaker ones to adapt to changes. Neurogenesis is the process by which some cells in the brain grow and heal. This results in the creation of new neurons and new connections between existing neurons.

How do we benefit from neuroplasticity?

Neuroplasticity allows us to be adaptable to changes in our environment, new experiences, and physiological changes such as brain injuries. Some benefits of neuroplasticity include:

• It helps improve our ability to learn new skills and acquire knowledge.

• Research indicates a possible connection between a deficit of neuroplasticity and depression; therefore, enhancing our plasticity can help reduce depression.

• It helps with recovery from traumatic brain injuries and strokes. Unfortunately, it cannot help fix severe brain damage.

• It allows us to be more adaptable and flexible to environmental changes.

• It allows us to cope with stress and anxiety.

• Neuroplasticity can help enhance our cognitive abilities, such as memory.

Strategies that help us rewire our brains

Our brain forms new connections every time we try or learn something new. Some steps that can help you improve your brain plasticity include:

• Stimulating your brain: we can stimulate our brain by learning a new skill, or language, exploring different places, reading, etc. These activities help form new neural connections and strengthen existing ones.

• Consistent exercise: research shows that physical activity can help prevent the loss of neurons and help form new ones in some brain areas. 

• Practice mindfulness: meditation can prevent the decline of our cognitive abilities and enhance our attention.

• Getting enough rest: inadequate sleep can lead to a decline in our ability for neuroplasticity.

• Brain games such as chess, puzzles, and card games can help improve our neuroplasticity. 

Examples of neuroplasticity

Our brain’s neuroplasticity can be seen when we learn a new skill or language. Neuroplasticity is also seen when we lose a sense, like hearing, sight, or speech. For example, research shows that blind children show more neural connections and circuits than those without the disability. Our brain adapts to the inability to see by providing us with a greater ability to use the information received from our other senses.

While neuroplasticity has numerous benefits, it is crucial to remember that it makes us vulnerable to external influences that might have negative consequences. Neuroplasticity proves that our brain has a remarkable capacity for growth and change throughout time. It is a lifelong process that can be enhanced through our lifestyle and habits. It is never too late to start working on nurturing our brains. We cannot reach our full potential without challenging our brains. We must constantly grow and change.