"When your brain does yoga, that's neuroplasticity in action!"
Neuroplasticity: The Power of Brain Transformation
Neuroplasticity is the process by which neurons are created, reorganized, and improve the efficiency of their communications. This extraordinary phenomenon occurs every time we engage in new learning, whether it is academic, creative, or motor.
What is Neural Plasticity?
Neural plasticity, or neuroplasticity, is the brain's ability to restructure and regenerate itself. This adaptive capability allows the brain to recover from trauma, disorders, or injuries while reducing the impact of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, dyslexia, ADHD, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis.
The Myth of Neuronal Decline
It was long believed that, from adulthood onwards, we lost neurons every day and that our "neuron stock" only diminished over time. However, thanks to research advances, we now know that new neurons can be produced throughout life (neurogenesis), and more importantly, that the brain can reorganize itself at any age. The brain is plastic and continuously adapts. Therefore, it is essential to take care of it!
Tips to Stimulate Neuroplasticity and Memory
1. **Maintain an Active Social Life**: Social interactions help keep you alert and stimulated. Group activities provide opportunities to learn, observe, and discuss, which nourishes brain plasticity.
2. **Control Your Emotions**: Stress, fear, and anxiety can alter neuronal activity and brain plasticity. Learning to manage your emotions is crucial to protecting your brain.
3. **Exercise Your Brain**: Take every opportunity to work on your memory or acquire new skills. Numerous programs are available online, in libraries, or through board games and consoles.
4. **Sleep Well**: Sleep is directly linked to the consolidation of learning. During sleep, new neuronal connections are strengthened, thereby promoting brain plasticity.
5. **Move Regularly**: Physical activity has a positive impact not only on the body but also on the brain. It promotes oxygen supply to neurons, stimulating the renewal of brain connections, particularly in the hippocampus, an area essential for memory.
6. **Eat Well**: A balanced diet can improve cognitive abilities and protect the brain. Follow specific diets, like Dr. Bredesen's program, to maximize the brain's recovery capabilities.
7. **Enjoy Yourself**: Every new learning creates a new circuit in the brain. Apply Hebb's theory, which suggests that repeating a behavior at a specific time each day strengthens the associated neuronal connections. Associate new habits with enjoyable activities to maximize your motivation.
Adopt New Habits with Hebb's Theory
To integrate new habits, associate them with already established actions. For example:
**Drink More Water**: Have a glass of water before each meal or after using the restroom.
**Engage in Physical Activities**: Combine walking with breathing techniques, or do some stretching before getting out of bed.
**Read and Relax**: Opt for reading accompanied by a smoothie or herbal tea instead of coffee.
Repetition is the key to success, so don't hesitate to set reminders for your new habits.
Who is Donald Hebb?
Donald Hebb, a Canadian scientist born in Chester, Nova Scotia, made significant contributions to physiological studies in psychology by developing the theory of cognitive processing, which explains associative learning through repetition.
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