Neural Pathways: How to rewire your brain
Did you know you could rewire your brain?
You can rewire your brain.
Did you know that our brains can change? Lately, I have been focusing on changing some of the patterns and behaviors in my life. It has been a long journey for me, starting when I decided to stop using drugs.
On this journey, I have learned a lot about how we as humans can change our behaviors. One of the most interesting things I have learned is that our brains will be lazy if we let them be.
When we create a habit or behavior, our brains create what is called a neural pathway. This pathway is connected by dendrites and passes information from neuron to neuron. The more a behavior is performed, the more dendrites are formed. I like to imagine these pathways as carved-out, clear hiking trails.
Our brain cells communicate with each other via a process called “neuronal firing.”
The more the brain cells communicate along this path, the stronger the connection becomes and the faster the information is transmitted. With enough repetition, behaviors can become automatic, like driving or riding a bike. These are complicated behaviors that have become simple because strong neural pathways have formed.
However, just because a pathway has been formed does not mean it cannot be changed. The more you participate in a new activity, the easier it will become as you create a new neural pathway. Think of the new neural pathway as another hiking trail, one that is perhaps a bit less traveled and covered by plants. But the more you use it, the clearer the path will become.
The important thing is repetition.
It is estimated to take 3-6 months for a new behavior to become a habit, so patience and persistence are key. To help form strong new neural pathways, we want to connect behavior to as many areas of the brain as possible. Visualization can be very powerful. Imagine what you look like, feel like, and what you would be doing after engaging in this new behavior.
So why does this all matter?
Because it shows that we have the power to change our lives if we want to. I used to think that the only way to have fun was to party; this is what I had taught myself. Now, after years of rewiring my brain, I realize there are many more pathways to having fun. While my brain still remembers those neural pathways, they are now the trails less traveled and instead, I find joy in my new habits like yoga, painting, and writing. This did not happen overnight; it took real work.
But if you want to change anything in your life or maybe you want to just pick up a new healthy habit, the good news is you can! Just start working on those new hiking trails.
Written by Christina rae