Real talk

Real talk, science has always been incredibly fascinating, but to be honest sometimes way over our heads. Extensive theories, complex vocabulary and frightening mathematical formulas made it easy to brush off and dismiss. Even though there was a gripping curiosity to dive deeper. There’s a specific area of science that has been discussed more and more in recent years that we haven’t been able to ignore. And that is the science of our mind and the study of the brain!

If science was a subject that always seemed to go over your head don’t worry! Let me introduce you to a word and concept we can all get excited about- neuroplasticity. What is this fancy word you may ask?

Neuroplasticity is the capacity of brain cells to change in response to intrinsic and extrinsic factors, can have negative or positive influence at any age across the entire lifespan¹.

Practicing daily gratitude

The fascinating studies of neuroplasticity suggest that there are concrete ways that we can partner with our bodies and environment to optimize our brain and overall health. Commonly recognized, yet very important ways are through diet, physical exercise, reduced stress. However, there are other elements that we can work to cultivate in renewing our mind- gratitude and perspective. 

Psychologist Dr. Rick Hanson explains of the power of gratitude; that cultivating a lifestyle of thankfulness and recognizing the good of our immediate surroundings and observations actually produces positive physical reactions in our bodies (neural substrates) ².

You may be asking how to practically start and create a routine of thankfulness? Start with something simple, like starting a gratitude journal, or setting an alarm on our phones throughout the day and list 3 things you are thankful for in the moment. These steps can be a great way to practice getting our mind in a positive flow. In addition, they help to focus our attention away from the negative and embrace the beautiful gifts around you!

Working towards a healthy perspective

Flipping our perspectives in less-than-ideal circumstances can position our minds to react in a manner more beneficial to our overall well-being. When anxiety and panic try to make their unwelcome appearance into our present situations, it is helpful to speak over-arching truths to ourselves such as, “I am here for a reason”, “I am strong”, “I am capable”.  

It takes work to undo our misguided perspectives toward life sometimes. The best news is that we don’t have to hang onto them anymore. If our perspective is breeding negativity, then chances are there is a better way to be thinking about our situations!

The best is yet to come

Beginning the journey of learning something new can seem like we’re approaching a daunting mountain that looks impossible to climb. Let’s liken this to starting a new physical activity. When we start from ground zero we have to work to build the muscles and stamina to make them strong over time.

We can take this same concept in exercising our brain to take full advantage of changing the way that we think and improving our overall wellness. We can view the study of neuroplasticity as a catalyst of hope to changing mindsets and habits that we finally realize are not serving us and our loved ones well.

Through re-framing perspectives in our minds from past and current circumstances we can position ourselves to become more excited, optimistic, motivated towards the gifts we have now. And to remember that the best is yet to come.

1. Shaffer, J. (2016). Neuroplasticity and Clinical Practice: Building Brain Power for Health. Frontiers in Psychology, 7, 1118. http://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2016.01118
2. Hanson, Rick. “How to Trick Your Brain for Happiness.” Greater Good, Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley, 2011, greatergood.berkeley.edu
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