Rewire your brain and protect your thinking by trying something brand new

By Amy Picton, Assistant Psychologist

What is Neuroplasticity?

We have an incredible ability to rewire our brains throughout life, this ability is called ‘Neuroplasticity’ The idea of rewiring our brains is hard to believe. Yet it works in a simple way, there are pathways in our brain for our thoughts, feelings and actions that become stronger the more we use them and weaker the less we use them. like a tree that has its branches cut back, only the strongest branches or pathways remain.

We can make new pathways because our brains are adaptable like plastic.[1]We have developed brand new pathways since infancy, allowing us to develop in to adults. We create new pathways every time we think about something from a different perspective, try something new, break a habit, or in extreme cases recover from brain injury.

One study showed London Taxi drivers have developed larger than average brain memory regions, because they need this to help them remember a mental map of the city[2].

How can we create new pathways?

Our brains enjoy learning new things, by focusing on something different we reinforce new pathways and new ways of thinking feeling or doing. The more we do it the more the brain will remember the new activity so we can self-improve and build resilience. Further lifestyle changes such as taking exercise, sleeping well, reducing smoking, drinking, and reducing caffeine intake can also hugely benefit your physical and mental health. Greater mental wellbeing can reduce risks of diseases like dementia[3]

We can become stuck using the same negative pathways, thoughts, feelings or behaviours. As a result, we don’t push ourselves to try to learn new skills or experiences. Trying new things and challenging negative thoughts and behaviours carves out brand new pathways, and gives our brains a work out session, which is crucial to protect our thinking and to keep our brains sharp.

Learn new skills with Psychology Wales

we offer a 12-week course called MoodMaster based on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) the course improves employee mental wellbeing by reviewing their week and challenging negative thinking patterns. This gives attendees tools to learn self-awareness.

Mindfulness and meditation can also provide us with a calmer more mindful state, and can change brain regions associated with awareness and stress[4]We also offer a six week Introduction to Mindfulness Course You can register your interest for any of our courses here

Take inspiration from one of these tips below to start rewiring your brain[5]

Create artwork- Can improve connectivity in the brain when resting [6]

Do some dancing-Can reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s [7]

Go travelling-Exposes us to different, new and exciting experiences [8]

Learn a new language- People who are bilingual have more plasticity in the brain [9]

Learning a new skill like music- Plasticity has been shown in musicians, and those that practiced the most had the largest changes. Learning new skills improves abilities and cognitive skills [10]