The adages “Practice makes perfect,” “fake it till you make it,” and “use it or lose it” are all reflective of the principle of neuroplasticity. Formerly, it was believed that by adulthood, neural pathways – along with associated behaviours, emotions, personalities, and abilities – were largely immutable. However, research into the brain’s capacity to reconfigure itself over the course of our lives has provided ample food for thought.
It is now widely recognised that individuals not only have the potential for change throughout their lifetimes but also possess the capacity to exert control over this process. This phenomenon is evident across various psychotherapeutic approaches and methodologies, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, and Positive Psychology, among others.
Consider, for instance, the frequently employed technique of maintaining a daily gratitude list or journal. Studies have demonstrated that the expression or acknowledgment of gratitude not only correlates with self-reported mental well-being, happiness, and enhanced interpersonal relationships but also yields tangible physiological benefits, such as reduced cortisol levels, strengthened immunity, improved sleep quality, and a diminished risk of heart failure (Barnes, 2021; Chowdhury, 2021; Brown & Wong, 2017).
While one might perceive this practice as overly simplistic or facile, the question arises: How can the act of focusing on gratitude contribute to overall well-being and health? The concept of repetition and neuroplasticity elucidates this inquiry. Through regular practice, individuals can train their brains to recognise and appreciate the positive aspects of their lives, shifting focus away from the negative.
Analogously, consider an overgrown field traversed by a well-trodden path. To forge a new path, one must create and carve it out, which may be difficult and time consuming to begin with. Yet, with consistent use, the path gradually becomes more defined and easier to navigate. This analogy underscores the notion of neuroplasticity and its implications for everyday life.
I recall a poignant remark made during a collegiate discussion: Rather than striving exclusively for happiness, we should strive for resilience. It would be almost impossible to live a life of absolute happiness, as life is inherently characterised by fluctuations. If we are able to manage these changes and develop cognitive flexibility, we can build resilience, and it is with this resilience that comes happiness. It is the brain’s remarkable capacity to adapt and evolve in response to experiences that enables individuals to rebound from setbacks and adversity – to be able to bend without breaking.
Barnes, K. (2021). The neuroscience of gratitude. Byrdie
Chowdhury, M. R. (2021). The neuroscience of gratitude and how it affects anxiety and grief. PositivePsychology.
Wong, J., & Brown, J. (2017). How gratitude changes you and your brain. Greater Good Magazine.
Voss, P., Thomas, M. E., Cisneros-Franco, J. M., & de Villers-Sidani, É. (2017). Dynamic brains and the changing rules of neuroplasticity: implications for learning and recovery. Frontiers in psychology, 8, 1657.
Author Unknown. (n.d). Neuroplasticity. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/neuroplasticity