Your Brain is Plastic!

Your brain is not a fixed, unchanging machine. It’s plastic! (No, it hasn’t had Botox…). It’s a flexible, ever-evolving universe of neurons. It constantly updates itself based on what you think, do, and experience! Whether you are learning the guitar at 40 years old or you’re learning a language at 2, your brain is more flexible than you think! This magical ability is called brain plasticity (neuroplasticity if you want to be really fancy), and it’s the reason we are able to learn, recover from injuries, and form new habits, even as adults! Let me break down what neuroplasticity really is!

1. What is Brain Plasticity?
   • There are two main types of Brain Plasticity:
2. When Does Brain Plasticity Happen?
3. Why is Brain Plasticity Important?
4. Can You Boost Your Brain’s Plasticity?

What is Brain Plasticity?

Brain plasticity refers to the brain’s ability to change and adapt throughout life. This includes forming new neural connections, strengthening existing ones, and sometimes even pruning away the ones you don’t use (does this synapse spark joy? No? Snip!)

There are two main types of Brain Plasticity:

• Structural: changes in the physical structure of the brain (like growing new synapses, aka brain gains). This type of plasticity is of is driven by learning and environmental enrichment
• Functional: changes in how existing neural pathways work (like rerouting a damaged area after a stroke). This allows the brain to compensate for injuries and changing demands.

When Does Brain Plasticity Happen?

Short answer: All the time

It’s more dramatic in early life (hello, sponge-like baby brains that can learn three languages and how to climb furniture in the same week), but it continues through adult life. In early childhood, your brain undergoes rapid development with neurons sprouting branches and forming synapses at a high rate. In adolescence, synapses that are not really used are pruned, refining the brain circuitry. This slows in adulthood, but every time you practice something, learn a new skill, or even rethink an old belief, you’re still changing the brain.

Want a more plastic brain? Get more sleep. Try something new. Move your body. And for the love of your neurons, take a break from doomscrolling!

Why is Brain Plasticity Important?

Because it means you’re never stuck! Not even if you feel like a fossil at 30! Struggling with math? Practicing actually changes the way your brain processes numbers. Want to learn an instrument at 40? Totally doable! Recovering from trauma? Therapy can help rewire your brain! Plasticity allows us to continuously learn new things!

It’s also the basis for rehabilitation after brain injuries and strokes! The brain is able to compensate for the damage by strengthening other areas to take over lost functions. Think of a GPS. If the ideal road ahead is blocked, it will reroute using a different road to get to the same destination.

Can You Boost Your Brain’s Plasticity?

Yes! And no, it doesn’t include any weird supplements from an Instagram ad.

Here’s how:

• Learn new things (and stick to it): Languages, instruments, even learning new TikTok dances
• Exercise: Regular exercise increases growth factors that support the growth and survival of neurons. The increased blood flow to the brain can also enhance plasticity (bonus: you get strong glutes!)
• Sleep: Deep sleep consolidates learning and strengthens neural connections. It’s basically your brain doing filing overnight!
• Challenge your brain: Break routines, engage in cognitive training activities like puzzles, brain training apps, etc.
• Manage stress: Chronic stress shrinks parts of the brain involved in memory and learning. Meditation, therapy, or yelling at a pillow will help (some more than others)
• Social interaction: Interacting with others and engaging in social activities can stimulate the brain and promote neuroplasticity

Final Thoughts

Brain plasticity is a superpower! It means change is always possible, not just in theory but biologically. Whether you’re recovering from a setback, learning how to code at 35, or simply trying to be the best version of yourself, your brain is equipped to help!

So next time someone says, “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks,” remind them a) you’re not a dog, and b) your human brain is highly adaptive and can rewire itself!

Does this excite you? Want to read more? Check out these books!