In this TEDx talk, Dr. Lara Boyd talks about new research and findings of brain development and functioning.
At the cutting edge of discoveries made, neuroplasticity is the most important one.
Dr. Boyd explains that our brains are constantly learning and developing. The belief that all brain development occurs during childhood is so untrue.
The most important discovery she talks about is that whenever we learn a new skill, our brain changes!
There is a remarkable amount of reorganization happening in an adult brain. All our behaviors change our brain. These changes are not limited by age and are taking place all the time.
These changes are possible due to neuroplasticity.
There are two types of changes that help the brain reorganize.
One is by changing the concentration of chemical signaling that helps in short-term learning.
The second way the brain can learn is by altering its structure.
The second change is more permanent and takes place slowly.
In the beginning, when you’re trying to learn a particular skill the changes that take place in the brain are the chemical signaling changes – short term.
When you keep practicing and repeating a particular skill or behavior over a period the brain makes physical changes (changes the connections between neurons) and effectively makes a long-term change.
A fantastic discovery and proof that with enough repetitions and practice we can change a behavior, learn a new skill or adapt to a new condition irrespective of our age.
Dr. Boyd also points out that the changes could be positive or negative. That is, if you repeat a negative behavior over and over, the negative behavior or habit can become a permanent change.
The research also shows that the increased difficulty or struggle during practice leads to more learning and a greater structural change within the brain.
There is no drug you can take to increase neuroplasticity.
To make a change you’ll have to practice, you’ll have to do the work, and the greater effort you make while practicing – the more effective and permanent change will take place in your brain.