Is your diagnosis really permanent?Neuroplasticity and how we are wired to adapt

For as long as humans have existed, we have been explorers. It began as more of a survival tactic with timely movements and migrations in search of a more appropriate home base.

But as we evolved so did our interests. There seems to be an irresistible attraction to new ideas, pathways in spirituality, philosophy, art and more recently AI.

Movement, change, and growth is basically part of human nature.

It is no surprise then that this characteristic is mirrored in the mechanics of an endlessly fascinating organ of ours…. The Brain.

OUR CHANGEABLE BRAINS

Have you ever tried to learn a new and challenging skill? Or a new language? Have you ever dropped yourself in a strange country with nothing but a backpack and your wits? Or let yourself paint without thinking while listening to some beautiful music?

Well, believe it or not, but all these activities encourage Neuroplasticity.

Our brains are made up of close to a 100 billion neurons with each one able to make hundreds of thousands of connections or ‘pathways’. These pathways begin to grow from the moment we are born and, provided we keep stimulating the brain, can continue to form even in old age.

This is why things like cross word puzzles and learning a new instrument have been proven to stall the onset of dementia and Alzheimer’s.

Neuroplasticity takes this concept a step further… very simply put, it is the ability of neural pathways in the brain to adapt and change through growth and reorganization.

This basically means that the brain can actually REWIRE ITSELF - leading to a change in the way the brain functioned previously.

Isn’t that amazing??

OLD & NEW PATHWAYS

Consider a baby born into a safe, nurturing environment, surrounded by encouraging carers and plenty of natural stimuli. This baby will most likely form ‘healthy’ pathways which build a good foundation for their future.

Equally, chronic stress can inhibit the formation of these pathways. Cortisol in small amounts is necessary for our survival but when we live in a state of constant stress it can cause a lot of harm. Imagine a baby born into a stressful environment and spending its formative years in this surrounding. What we know about neural pathways means that these babies may end up with fewer positive pathways and an increased chance of developing mental/emotional health problems further down the line.  

But just because someone may have had this negative experience growing up, all hope is not lost…. not by a long haul!

Similarly a diagnosis of ADHD, OCD or GAD is not the end of the game.

The Brain, like us, is wired to change and adapt.

All we need to do is to help it form new neural pathways to replace the old ‘faulty’ ones!

Here are some things you can try to practice forming new pathways

DO TRY THESE AT HOME!!

• Time in nature – this is the number one, free, instant thing we all can access. A walk in the rain or sunshine, a swim in the sea or lake, building forts, whittling wood or collecting pebbles that catch your eye.

  
  

• Exercise – aerobic or strength both have infinite benefits and promote emotional as well as physiological wellbeing which provides the right environment for our pathways to grow !

  
  

• Balancing – keep it playful and challenging. Learn to forgive and laugh it off when you lose your balance. Try a slack line or jump on a trim trail.

  
  

• Walking barefoot, especially outside– a grounding and much needed pastime

  
  

• Climbing – one of the things all children are naturally drawn to- so it’s  got to be good! Climbing utilises the creative parts of our brain by practicing co-ordination, strength and focus.

  
  

• Reading about something new or learning a new language.

  
  

• Extra bonus if you do the above in a group…inter connection will help those internal connections grow exponentially!

  
  

• Learning a new skill – it could be knitting, sailing, archery; anything that puts you out of your comfort zone.

  
  

• Painting, sculpting in a free and expressive way. Paint outside the lines!

  
  

• Music – listen to music or play an instrument.

  
  

• HOMEOPATHY! it works in line with our natural predisposition towards health, making it the perfect supportive modality in times of challenge and change. Your body knows what it needs to do to heal! The right remedies help keep you on that track.