Русский
What is neuroplasticity?
Neuroplasticity, i.e. neuron plasticity is the ability of brain neurons to change their connections in response to new information, new experience. Let’s take a closer look at this.
Our brain consists of about 1 billion neurons. A neuron is a brain cell that creates and transmits information to another neuron using electrical and chemical signals. Popular saying “fire together, wire together” is exactly about this process. Thus, thanks to new information, new experience, part of the neurons get connected forming the neural network. If this experience is repeated, the connection between these neurons is strengthened in this network. This way, all our habits are formed.
Scientists have proven that these networks can be changed by using new neurons. New information and new experience with repetition creates new neural networks. For example, a person wants to replace the old habit of watching TV in the evening with a new one – reading books. A neural network formed due to the TV experience that repeats itself every evening, transmits signals along the network, as a result of which a person, without much thought, “on autopilot”, sits in front of the TV and switches it on. This habit may be so strong, that he may not even realize how he ended up on the couch. If he seeks to replace this habit with a new one, he will need some attention and effort, since autopilot mode will be periodically turned on. After some time, subject to the repetition of the new habit – reading, a person will form a new neural network, which will become stronger with each repetition. Thus, scientists have come to the conclusion that our brain is plastic, and it is in our power to create a new habit or change the old by repeating the new experience. This is how we learn everything, from brushing our teeth in the morning to climbing, learning foreign languages and the new habit of reacting to the mother-in-law.
What can we get from this? The most important thing is that happiness in our hands. Or rather, our reaction to what is happening around us. After all, it is no secret that a more stable feeling of satisfaction or dissatisfaction with one’s life is formed from individual reactions to situations in our life. By choosing how to respond to certain events in our life and actively participating in the formation of our life experience, we thereby create a general background of well-being. So happiness is not given. It’s our choice. Or many choices every day. How mindful are you when making them?
