Rewiring Your Brain: 3 Techniques for Lasting Change
Written on
Chapter 1: Understanding Neuroplasticity
Are you struggling to break a habit? Finding it hard to remember important information? Feeling anxious? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then the following information may be beneficial.
Photo by Jesse Martini on Unsplash
In this article, we will explore three methods to rewire your brain without resorting to surgery, medication, or advanced technology. But first, let’s take a closer look at how our brains function.
What’s Happening in Your Brain?
Many daily actions, such as walking, driving, and speaking, seem automatic. When my father suffered a stroke and lost these abilities, I gained a profound appreciation for the strength and vulnerability of the human brain. During his rehabilitation, I bombarded the medical team with questions to understand brain functions and their impact on our physical capabilities.
To regain his speech, my father underwent targeted therapy. In one particular session, I witnessed a fascinating aspect of brain function. The therapist would name an object, and my father had to respond with its color. If the therapist said "grass," he would reply "green," or "banana" for "yellow."
Initially, I found this method puzzling and somewhat frustrating, asking the therapist why they were treating my father like a child. The therapist calmly introduced me to the concept of "neuroplasticity."
Neuroplasticity, as I learned, is the brain's ability to heal itself by reconstructing damaged neural pathways. This process creates new connections that transmit signals essential for associating objects with their corresponding colors, like linking an apple to the color red or green.
Photo by David Matos on Unsplash
Through further research, I uncovered two key insights: First, each neural pathway corresponds to specific actions and behaviors. Second, there are effective techniques to strengthen existing pathways or forge new ones (medicinenet.com). In essence, neuroplasticity allows for "brain surgery" without physical intervention.
Section 1.1: The Power of Repetition
One of the most effective ways to rewire your brain is through repetition. When a thought or action is repeated, the brain begins to establish the necessary neural connections. This synchronization between the mind and body makes it easier to perform desired actions or movements. Eventually, these actions become automated and require little conscious effort.
Gettyimages.com
This phenomenon is often referred to as muscle memory. Take, for example, NBA star Stephen Curry, who makes shooting three-pointers appear effortless. Remarkably, he has even made shots with his eyes closed on occasion.
The secret? Repetition! Curry practices around 2,000 shots weekly and adds 100 more before each game. Each practice session reinforces the neural connections between his brain and the muscles responsible for shooting, refining the accuracy of his shots (washingtonpost.com).
Photo by Solstice Hannan on Unsplash
Section 1.2: Sensory-Association Techniques
Another method for reprogramming the brain is what I like to call Sensory-Association. This approach utilizes the association cortex, the part of the brain responsible for processing sensory information and linking it to specific functions.
This cortex helps regulate our conscious awareness of our environment and our physical presence within it. It also plays a crucial role in processing auditory and visual signals (Arslan, 2016).
To illustrate, consider someone feeling down or stressed. The Sensory-Association technique can help rewire neural pathways toward more positive thoughts and emotions. Here’s how it works:
First, recall a joyous memory. Focus on it until you can vividly visualize that moment. Allow yourself to relive the experience, recalling the sounds, sights, and even distinct scents associated with it.
As positive feelings arise, create a trigger to evoke this happiness. This could be a subtle gesture like pulling on your earlobe, clicking a pen, or snapping your fingers—anything that captures your mind's attention.
For instance, while vividly imagining that happy moment, scratch the inner surface of your thumb with your index finger. Though it may sound trivial, you've now established a neural connection associating that gesture with the positive feelings from your memory.
For optimal results, practice this technique consistently over two weeks.
Photo by Donald Giannatti on Unsplash
Caution: Engaging with complex mental functions requires care, so please refer to the additional resources provided below. To maximize results, dedicate a specific time and space each day to practice this method. You can also incorporate other sensory triggers such as sounds, images, or phrases.
Chapter 2: Exploring Synesthesia
During my research on brain functions, I discovered the fascinating phenomenon known as Synesthesia. This occurs when the brain forms unusual associations between different senses (plosone.org). For example, some individuals may not only perceive the color green visually but also "hear" it.
I’ve had a personal experience with this; the number '5' is connected with the color red in my mind. Whenever I see or think about the number, red immediately comes to mind, and vice versa.
Photo by Mitchel Lensink on Unsplash
Upon further exploration, I realized that this connection likely stems from a memorable experience from my fifth birthday when I received a bright red bicycle. This emotional event may have created a lasting neural association between the number five and the color red.
Is this a glitch in the brain? Interestingly, Synesthesia is not classified as a disorder; rather, it is thought that individuals with this wiring may possess better memory and enhanced brain activity. Research suggests that those who experience Synesthesia have more neural connections between their brain and senses (plosone.org).
While Synesthesia can occur spontaneously, you can also cultivate similar mental associations. Challenging your mind to make new connections can enhance brain function, strengthen cognitive abilities, and potentially help prevent cognitive decline in later years.
Let’s Try It! To create an association between love and the scent of lemon, begin by writing down the word "love" and drawing a line to "lemon." Next, find a strong lemon fragrance and inhale it while closing your eyes, allowing thoughts of love to fill your mind.
Finally, read your love-lemon association aloud each morning and night. Consistent reinforcement will help establish this connection, and after a couple of weeks, you may notice that the scent of lemon triggers thoughts of love.
Photo by Andrew George on Unsplash
The human quest to uncover the mysteries of the brain continues. As research advances, we are uncovering more about the incredible capabilities of our minds, yet much remains to be discovered.
References
- Arslan, O. E. (2016). Artificial Neural Network for Drug Design, Delivery and Disposition.
- Medical Definition of Neuroplasticity. MedicineNet.
- Vanderah, T. W. (2021). Nolte's The Human Brain.
- Washington Post. "The hidden price Steph Curry pays for making the impossible seem effortless."
- Oprah.com. "Neuroplasticity is Mind Boggling Science."
- WebMD. "What Is a Neurologist?"
This first video illustrates how neuroplasticity can help you take control of your mind, enhancing mental resilience and adaptability.
The second video provides seven actionable strategies to boost neuroplasticity, offering practical ways to rewire your brain for better cognitive functioning.