How much are you hearing about creating new neural pathways?

[Rain]

I started reading yet another book today that has talked about creating new neural pathways.  Lately, it seems, everywhere and unrelated neural pathways are being talked about. I have a list of books I started more than a decade ago and probably 80% of them talk about it. I might have seen one at the store, or heard about one in a talk, or had a friend reccomend them. I hear about it in a podcast.  I started a new art class it talks about it. Topics of art, religion, breathing, refugees, exercise and so on. 

So is this just a thing now? Do you come across it a lot? Is talk about neural pathways everywhere or am I just in the right place at the right time to hear about it a lot?

[manol]

9 hours ago, Rain said:

I started reading yet another book today that has talked about creating new neural pathways.  Lately, it seems, everywhere and unrelated neural pathways are being talked about. I have a list of books I started more than a decade ago and probably 80% of them talk about it. I might have seen one at the store, or heard about one in a talk, or had a friend reccomend them. I hear about it in a podcast.  I started a new art class it talks about it. Topics of art, religion, breathing, refugees, exercise and so on. 

So is this just a thing now? Do you come across it a lot? Is talk about neural pathways everywhere or am I just in the right place at the right time to hear about it a lot?

Just my opinion:

If something keeps showing up for you again, and again, and again, and again, and again... imo that's very likely YOUR TRAIN stopping at YOUR STATION.  Hop on, see where it takes you!  And if you find that it's not your train after all, hop off at the next stop.  (Well since it's not really a train, you can hop off at any time.) 

 

Edited March 11, 2024 by manol

[Rain]

8 hours ago, manol said:

Just my opinion:

If something keeps showing up for you again, and again, and again, and again, and again... imo that's very likely YOUR TRAIN stopping at YOUR STATION.  Hop on, see where it takes you!  And if you find that it's not your train after all, hop off at the next stop.  (Well since it's not really a train, you can hop off at any time.) 

 

That's been my feeling.  I've just never come across a train with so many cars before. This is a seriously long train.  So while I plan on riding it, I got curious how prevalent it actually is.

[Pyreaux]

No, but I have not been reading materials where it would have a chance to appear. We're either dealing with a synchronicity (meaningful coincidence) or a global consciousness; whether it's just you or you feel it's a mass of other people who have it on their minds too?

Or is it every subject about learning or training may at some point broach the subject of creating new neural pathways in the context that it makes all learned skills easier to do. You practice hard, you sleep, and now you are better at it because you've downloaded information from short term memory to long term and you formed new neural pathways in your sleep.

Edited March 11, 2024 by Pyreaux

[Tacenda]

I haven't heard or read about it, maybe similar ideas. Sounds like it's right up my alley and I should try new ways, to exercise my brain, or add to it. Since I read that the brain can change no matter how old you are. 

https://www.atlassian.com/blog/productivity/neuroplasticity-train-your-brain I've always wanted to learn to play chess!

1. Feed your brain

Your brain makes up only a tiny proportion of your total body weight, but it uses up a quarter of everything you eat. If you want enhanced neural pathways, you’ll need an enhanced diet. According to Ramsden, that means grabbing snacks like walnuts, blueberries, and avocado during the day. Vitamin D and magnesium are top priorities if you want to promote neuroplasticity. 

2. Take naps

Obviously a good night’s sleep of between seven and nine hours will always set you up for a better brain day. But a short afternoon nap of around 20 minutes will elevate your neuroplasticity potential even further. A short nap encourages the growth of dendritic spines, which act as crucial connectors between the neurons in your brain. 

3. Don’t let the work day linger

Like muscle-building, neuroplasticity needs downtime in order to do its work properly. According to Dr. Chinichian, managers should embed and enforce a “close the day” ritual that prioritizes reflection and gratitude for small wins. An end-of-day Slack message saying “Thanks for the great ideas in the brainstorming session today, everyone. See you tomorrow,” can help the team feel valued. Putting a hard stop to the stresses of the day in a way that also boosts endorphins creates perfect conditions for neuroplasticity.  Bonus: it also sends the signal that it’s OK to “leave” work and unplug for the evening.

4. Expand your vocabulary

Try to learn one new word every day. According to experts, this simple act will spark a multitude of new neural pathways, both visual and auditory. (Give it a few months and it’ll make you unstoppable at Scrabble too). 

5. Use the “wrong” hand

Non-dominant hand exercises are excellent for forming new neural pathways, as well as strengthening the connectivity between existing neurons. For instance, if you’re right-handed, try brushing your teeth with your left hand – and then try it while balancing on one leg for a double neuroplasticity bonus. 

6. Learn to juggle

Juggling is frequently cited as an excellent means for improving neuroplasticity. Keep a small set of balls in your work drawer for a brain boost whenever you have a few spare seconds between tasks. The better you get, the bigger the benefits. 

7. Play chess

Indulge your inner Beth Harmon by embracing chess – a game that has endless potential for neuroplasticity. Chess players have significantly more grey matter in their anterior cingulate cortex than those unfamiliar with en passant and castling. And you don’t even need another player or a board in order to reap the mental benefits. Simply log onto chess.com for a quick blast whenever you have a few minutes. (You don’t need to finish a game to get the neurological boost.)    

8. Do mnemonic drills

Teaching yourself mnemonic devices, like formulas or rhymes, can enhance connectivity in your prefrontal parietal network, paving the way to new, positive pathways in your brain. Get started here.   

9. Be mindful, as a team

Chinichian says that one of the best things you can do to promote neuroplasticity in a work force is to incorporate regular group meditation. There are multiple online options available to get you started, like this and this. Not only does it help with the positive brain rewiring process (while expanding several useful parts of the brain), it also results in team members reacting to problems with an increased sense of calm, passion, and awareness. Neuroplasticity at its finest.     

Edited March 11, 2024 by Tacenda

[Calm]

1 hour ago, Tacenda said:

5. Use the “wrong” hand

Non-dominant hand exercises are excellent for forming new neural pathways, as well as strengthening the connectivity between existing neurons. For instance, if you’re right-handed, try brushing your teeth with your left hand – and then try it while balancing on one leg for a double neuroplasticity bonus. 

This drives me insane, lol

[MustardSeed]

15 hours ago, Rain said:

I started reading yet another book today that has talked about creating new neural pathways.  Lately, it seems, everywhere and unrelated neural pathways are being talked about. I have a list of books I started more than a decade ago and probably 80% of them talk about it. I might have seen one at the store, or heard about one in a talk, or had a friend reccomend them. I hear about it in a podcast.  I started a new art class it talks about it. Topics of art, religion, breathing, refugees, exercise and so on. 

So is this just a thing now? Do you come across it a lot? Is talk about neural pathways everywhere or am I just in the right place at the right time to hear about it a lot?

I have seen an increase of these discussions, yes