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Brain Changing Information

By May 10, 2017April 26th, 2019Physiotherapy

For centuries scientists believed that the brain was hardwired. They believed the brain developed during a critical period during childhood and then remains relatively unchanged for the rest of our lives. However, research has proven that the brain has the ability to change and adapt according to your experiences.

Leading author, researcher and psychiatrist Dr. Norman Doidge put it like this “It’s more like a plant than machine”. Meaning, the brain is both adaptable and malleable. Neuroplasticity is an umbrella term used to derive this quality of the brain.

By nurturing one’s neuroplasticity you improve your ability to learn new skills and respond to certain challenges such as a job promotion or how to put your Ikea furniture together when you’ve lost the allen key!

7 things you should know about your brain’s Neuroplasticity

  1. Genetics

Our genetic makeup does not determine the fate of our brains. Lifestyle factors are just as important to our brain development.

  1. Age is no excuse

People of any age can learn and develop new skills.

  1. Stress less

Chronic stress can reduce and even inhibit brain development. Memory and mental agility can be weakened by chronic stress.

  1. Let’s get physical

By engaging in exercise, you promote brain development through a variety of mechanisms such as increased blood supple to the brain and increased growth hormone levels. Some studies suggest that regular exercise may be a key factor in reducing the risk of dementia by 60%.

  1. Change things up

Routine activities do not challenge the brain. Try something different like learn a new dance, language or instrument. By challenging the brain to learn new skills you are engaging a part of the brain called the nucleus basalis, which is responsible for helping us to pay attention and consolidate new connections in the brain when we learn.

  1. Don’t get square eyes

A phase my grandfather used to use when we were watching TV. Some studies have suggested that watching TV is the only leisure activity to be associated with reduced cognitive function/activity.

  1. Sleep

While we are sleeping, our brain is processing new skills and memories, which are critical processes for improving brain function. We should be aiming for 7-9 hours of sleep a night.

If you want to know more about the brain and its ability to change check out some of the links below!

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24607830

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15919546

http://painhealth.csse.uwa.edu.au:8080/neuroplasticity.html

http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/allinthemind/neuroplasticity-and-how-the-brain-can-heal-itself/6406736

http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/news/view/33746-healthy-habits-reduce-dementia-risk

Bend + Mend

Bend + Mend has been providing Sydney’s CBD with Physiotherapy and Pilates services since 2003. We have 4 great locations in Martin Place, Barangaroo, Darling Park and Circular Quay, all with private rooms and specialised one-on-one care. We also have Sydney CBD’s best-loved Physios who have helped over 10,000 people recover from pain and injury.

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