Neuroplasticity refers to the brain’s ability to adapt and learn in response to life experiences. It can allow you to gain new skills and recover from injury and trauma.

Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to reorganize and change how it processes information and creates new neural networks. This can help you adapt better to change and learn new information. It is sometimes casually referred to as “rewiring.”

Research has shown that the brain can adjust to new life experiences and help you recover following an injury, disease, or trauma.

You can increase neuroplasticity by managing stress or depression, getting enough rest, and increasing exposure to new experiences. This can make it easier to learn new information and skills.

For years, it was assumed that the human brain couldn’t create new cells or form new neural pathways once you reached adulthood. This also led many to believe that brain injuries and trauma would result in lifelong complications.

However, research has since proven that this isn’t true. In fact, we now know that the brain can heal by growing new nervous tissue and forming new neural connections, also known as neuroplasticity.

As your brain can improve its function through new experiences, you have unlimited opportunities to grow and develop new skills.

It also means that your brain has the capacity to change negative thought patterns, behaviors, and habits, allowing you to manage life stressors better.

Neuroplasticity can be broken down into two main categories:

  • Structural neuroplasticity: This involves changes to the structure of the brain following the development of new neural pathways. It can help you to pick up new skills, such as learning a new language or how to play a musical instrument.
  • Functional neuroplasticity: This refers to the brain’s ability to reorganize and move functions to other brain areas following an injury or trauma. If an area of the brain gets damaged, another undamaged area can sometimes work as a substitute and take over its functions. Functional neuroplasticity can encourage rewiring of the brain, which is key when healing from conditions like stroke.

Neuroplasticity has many benefits. It can help us to recover and heal from injuries and trauma, while also allowing us to change negative behaviors and grow as individuals.

It is also an integral part of our development and regular learning. In fact, it is why kids learn to walk, speak, and pick up social cues.

A 2023 review found that neuroplasticity also plays a role in:

  • enhancing brain function
  • learning new information
  • improving and sustaining memory
  • recovering from brain injury or disease
  • adapting to environmental changes

You can improve or change your brain function by engaging in new experiences and habits, and learning new skills.

Techniques you can use to increase your neuroplasticity include:

  • developing a healthy morning and evening routine
  • taking a new route to work or school
  • learning a new skill, such as a new language or sport
  • moving your body every day
  • practicing mindfulness regularly
  • getting enough rest
  • managing stress
  • pursuing creative hobbies

While neuroplasticity has many benefits, it can also have several downsides.

When recovering from an injury or disease, our nervous system can form new neural connections in relation to symptoms we have experienced, such as pain and organ dysfunction. This can lead to the development of worsening symptoms or negative habits.

An older 2014 study found that if you experience chronic pain, neuroplasticity may cause your immune system to become overly sensitive, leading to increased pain.

This also means that if someone has experienced trauma and developed symptoms such as anxiety and depression, their brain may adapt to hold onto these symptoms, making it harder to recover.

Here are some frequently asked questions about neuroplasticity.

In simple terms, neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to form new neural pathways and adapt in response to life experiences. It can help you manage change and learn new information.

There are several ways you can increase neuroplasticity, such as:

  • developing a healthy morning routine
  • taking a new route to work or school
  • learning a new language or musical instrument
  • moving your body every day
  • practicing mindfulness regularly

A good example of using neuroplasticity is learning a new skill, such as learning a sport or a musical instrument. This can help the brain form new neural pathways, encouraging personal growth and improving brain functio

Neuroplasticity refers to the brain’s ability to form new neural pathways and adapt itself to change.

Research has shown that the brain can adjust to new life experiences and help you heal following an injury, disease, or trauma. It also means that your brain has the capacity to change negative thought patterns, behaviors, and habits, allowing you to manage stressors and anxiety better.

There are several ways you can increase neuroplasticity, such as learning new skills and developing healthy habits, like regularly moving your body and practicing gratitude.