Scientists have discovered new research about our brains and how they are physically shaped by our thoughts and emotions. This research shows how our mental habits can actually alter the physical structure of our brains.
When you feel happy, sad, or even stressed, your brain takes these signals and reacts to them. Just like an athlete trains their muscles to perform better, our brains also use their ‘workout’ to get stronger. This is known as neuroplasticity – a big word which simply means our brain’s ability to change and adapt.
How does the brain change exactly? Well, when we repeatedly perform a task or think a certain way, nerve cells in our brain, also known as neurons, ‘talk’ to each other across tiny gaps called synapses. When two neurons fire together, they form a connection. The more they fire together, the stronger that connection becomes. This is the brain’s way of learning. For instance, when you learn to ride a bike, your brain is forming new connections between the neurons responsible for balance, coordination, and bike riding skills.
The brain is not only shaped by good habits such as learning new skills or positive thinking, but also by bad habits and negative thoughts. For instance, if you always think negatively about yourself or have a lot of stress, the neurons that handle these thoughts will also get stronger, making you more likely to think negatively or stress out in the future. It’s like a snowball effect.
This is why it’s so important to be aware of our thoughts and emotions. Just like we need to eat healthy and exercise to keep our bodies fit, we also need to make sure we’re nourishing our brains with positive thoughts and emotions. This can have a profound impact on our mental health, as well as our overall happiness and well-being.
This doesn’t mean we should just ignore negative thoughts and feelings, because it’s perfectly normal to have those every now and then. The key is to not feed into them. This could be as simple as taking a few deep breaths when you feel stressed, or reminding yourself of the things you’re grateful for when you’re feeling down.
Our brains are incredibly adaptable and they do respond to change. It’s never too late to form new, healthy brain habits. Just remember that your thoughts have power, and what you think, you become.
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