Neuroplasticity Examples In Everyday Life

Have you ever felt trapped in a seemingly unchangeable state, battling chronic anxiety or grappling with a persistent illness? The weight of such challenges can be overwhelming, leaving us yearning for a glimmer of hope. But what if I told you that the power to change your brain and transform your health lies within yourself? Enter the extraordinary realm of neuroplasticity, a concept that unveils the remarkable ability of our brains to rewire, heal, and thrive.

In this article, we invite you to embark on an uplifting journey, exploring the awe-inspiring stories that exemplify neuroplasticity in our everyday life. But this isn’t just an exploration of possibilities – it’s a step to practical implementation. As you’ll learn in this article, there is a science-based neuroplasticity program that has demonstrated its transformative potential in helping individuals reclaim their health and reshape their minds.

As you read these examples of neuroplasticity in everyday life, we invite you to consider the boundless power that lies within your own brain. And with a program like re-origin, you can embark on a personalized journey of self-discovery, armed with the tools and knowledge to retrain your brain and unlock your full potential. Ready? Let’s dive in…

What is Neuroplasticity?

Neuroplasticity, also known as neural plasticity or brain plasticity, is the process by which neurons and brain neural networks adapt or change functionality, as a response, to stimuli through reorganization and growth. Neuroscientists have assured us countless times that the human brain can reorganize or rewire itself after going through certain experiences, learning processes, activities, behaviors, thoughts, pain, or even traumatic brain injuries.¹

What are the types of neuroplasticity?

The brain is capable of altering, adopting, or changing at functional and structural levels while responding to stimuli; hence, there are two types of brain plasticity: functional and structural neuroplasticity.

Functional neuroplasticity

Through synaptic plasticity, the brain is flexible enough to change and adjust the functionality of neurons, typically in response to learning, experience, or injury. For instance, if one area of the brain is damaged, another area might take over its functions, demonstrating the brain's capacity to reroute functions as needed.

Structural neuroplasticity

Did you know that a human brain can alter its physical structure and outlook after learning new skills? This process is referred to as structural plasticity, which involves reshaping neurons or neural pathways and the growth of new neurons (neurogenesis) to better serve all areas of the brain that are constantly in use. Structural brain plasticity is the brain function that allows brain changes, brain development, and reorganization.

Why is neuroplasticity important?

According to neuroscience, neuroplasticity is the foundation of essential experiences for human beings. All physical, mental, and emotional activities of human beings start and revolve around the brain, i.e., learning, memory, healing, lovemaking, physical activities, physical exercise, eating, working, etc. Neuroplasticity makes all of these significant processes possible.  

Neuroplasticity has also been used to design treatment plans for stroke patients, people with learning disabilities, older adults, and brain-damaged patients.² In addition, neuroplasticity plays an essential role in healing processes, so it is highly recommended that you seek help the right way and with an incredible community already participating. Let’s discuss the re-origin neuroplasticity training program and why you should consider enrolling.

What is re-origin?

re-origin is a science-based, self-directed neuroplasticity training program and supportive community designed to help people suffering from chronic conditions. Its goals are to educate and guide you through the concepts of neuroplasticity and how to retrain your brain to respond differently to adverse stimuli.

Components of the re-origin program

Understanding Neuroplasticity

‍The training program includes interactive modules, specially designed worksheets, and self-assessment quizzes where you’ll learn:

• How chronic conditions form 
• How to calm your racing mind and break anxiety loops
• How to be more resilient to stress
• How to transform your "threat response" to a "challenge response" so you can stay calm and relaxed under pressure

Connecting with a Community‍

You’ll join a curated, uplifting community with weekly group coaching calls, live Q&As, and online events.

Group Coaching‍

Momentum Group Coaching helps to inspire motivation & accountability through weekly sessions.

It is essential to understand the content in re-origin is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for a medical diagnosis, treatment, or advice. Your doctor should always be involved in the management of any health conditions. Before starting the re-origin program, consult your physician or healthcare provider to discuss a plan for your overall health.

What are some neuroplasticity examples in daily life?

It is essential to train your brain to do new things and repeat those processes to enhance your mental health or neuroplasticity powers, break old negative habits, and adopt new, better ones. Just like muscles, the brain also needs mental exercises to keep growing healthy and fit.

Learning a new language

Learning a new language is recommended for building new neural synapses and neural connections in your brain.³ Your native language will come naturally during childhood development, but learning new languages takes much effort and commitment. 

According to neuroscientists, the parts of the brain considered inferior awaken when you start learning new languages, enhancing their capabilities to undergo structural reorganization. The grey matter or gray matter in these regions of the brain also becomes denser, which is essential for the growth of new neural connections and the formation of neurons in your brain.

Navigating new roads and places around the city

Let’s explain this using the study done with bus and taxi drivers in London. On a typical day, bus drivers use the same routes they are familiar with, which is not the case with cab drivers. On the other hand, cab drivers face the challenge of driving new, unfamiliar routes depending on the ride requirements.

Neuroscientists observed their brains and found that cab drivers have a larger hippocampus than bus drivers. The hippocampus is the area of the brain in charge of mental mapping and spatial perception. Hence, cab drivers work hard navigating through the city, which makes their hippocampus very large. As a result, the larger hippocampus makes it easy for them to move around in the city no matter where the place is. Neuroplasticity explains the difference in the size of the hippocampus in individuals.

Learning new songs and practicing music     

According to several studies, musicians have proven to experience higher levels of neuroplasticity than non-musicians. Musicians tend to grow various regions of the brain, such as attention, concentration, inhibition, memory enhancement and retention, creativity, etc., as they advance.⁴

Musicians who play various musical instruments have solid and fast neuronal connections.   They have developed high levels of coordination with time, as those musical instruments require multiple brain areas to be coordinated to sound excellent and melodic. Therefore, learning new songs and practicing music can significantly help with neuroplasticity.

Physical activity and physical exercises 

Physical activities and exercises like aerobics, running, hiking, swimming, etc., have contributed significantly to neuroplasticity. These exercises influence someone's brain to improve its structure and slow age-related complications. Physical activities can promote hippocampal development², improve auditory memory, strengthen synaptic connections, increase IQ, increase supply, and promote other neuroplasticity functions, even as we age. 

Physical exercise has also been shown to increase chemicals that promote neuron survival and growth, such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). So, yes, exercise is good for the body and the brain as well. 

Intermittent fasting

When done correctly and practiced regularly, fasting can promote the brain's structural changes and enhance mental health.¹ Fasting empowers the brain to generate more energy for brain cell repair, neuron growth, and even auditory memory. 

Learn and use your non-dominant hand

Did you know that occasionally using your non-dominant hand can help strengthen your brain's synaptic connections? Yes, it does, and the dominant hand is connected to the opposite side of the brain.⁴ If you still need to start, please consider learning and try using your non-dominant hand to promote engagement in both sides of your brain.