You can rewire your brain

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Neuroplasticity in 30 seconds

Neuroplasticity

What: Neuroplasticity. Otherwise known as the great hope for mankind. What it means, essentially, is that the brain stays ‘plastic’ — ie, changeable — into adulthood, whereas we used to believe that it fixed in childhood. The bottom line here is that change is possible. We can learn new habits and behaviours. This means probable better mental health, physical health and greater happiness.

Why: Because, although still controversial, this is potentially exciting. The sheer range of possibility is breathtaking. Neuroplasticity has given a huge boost to all of the branches of psychology and behavioural modification. After all, if there isn’t much hope of change, why would we bother trying?

Why Now: Whether the brain can change or not has been a topic of hot debate since the 1800s. Recently, brain imaging has improved to the point where we can now ‘see’ the changes taking place, which shows that the ‘plastics’ were right.

How: The good news is that it can be done, the bad news is that it isn’t easy. It takes hard work, determination and consistency of action. Doing, and doing again. The more motivated you are, the more neurochemicals the brain releases, and these are what facilitate change. But, watch out: it cuts both ways — we are susceptible to negative changes, too.

Who: Ruby Wax, who trained her brain to beat depression; author and alternative medicine advocate Deepak Chopra, who, of course, loves the limitless possibilities; psychaitrist Daniel J Siegel, author of the recent bestseller, Mind: A Journey To The Heart Of Being Human.