Neuroplasticty – an overview
Neuroplasticity describes the process by which the brain adapts to new tasks or processes. The Brain may actually change as a result of this activity. Generally younger Brains are more receptive to such change, but older people who engage in higher intellectual activity also fare well.
The changing Brain
In one sense the brain is always changing as it adapts to the tasks that it is required to do
This is a process that you can encourage and manage
Changing the brain to a more flexible, adaptable state is useful both for the individual and the corporation
Caution is required because overwork is not something that the brain enjoys
Rest and relaxation are vital parts of any relearning process for the brain
Mind and Body
It is very useful to adopt a mind and body approach to this process
Think of the brain as a muscle, something that requires a good supply of nutrients blood and oxygen
A balanced diet is important
Physical activity helps both Brain functionality and its repair processes
Brain exercise
With the brain if you don’t use it you may lose it, if the brain does not get adequate stimulation then the thinking capacity will tend to diminish
It had long been thought that age alone was a the key factor in mental agility, but there are ways to counter and reverse this trend
There is definite value in the concept of lifelong learning, it will help adaptability and promote flexibility in all new situations
For example creative thinking and problem solving skills often enhanced by a flexible brain
On the other hand the brain the falls into a very channelled thinking pattern, will not be receptive to new ideas. The brain may resist change and tend to avoid situations that require more effort
With brain exercise it depends on what exactly you want to achieve. Rote-type training, simple repeat based will work quite well at remembering minor tasks. But brain flexibility requires an altogether different approach. In one sense the training activity should more closely reflect the activity you want the brain to do
Paradoxically the Brain can learn and remember poor habits just as easily as good ones. You really do have to be careful what you wish for
Brain exercise is a good idea providing it is linked to suitable rest
Brain overload
The creation of new pathways in the Brain is one of the most tiring activities you can undertake
The sensations of mental overwork are often confused with stress
Brain fatigue and cognitive overload can impair capability and lead to most unpleasant sensations
The modern passion for multitasking can misunderstand the strengths and weaknesses of the brain. An over busy short term memory will actually reduce the brains capacity to think
Rest Your Brain
The mindfulness type meditation breaks are very useful in allowing the brain to rest and reset itself
Sleep and proper relaxation are integral both to the learning and rendition process
Limitations of the short term memory
The short term memory is only a very small part of the human brain. In modern society it tends to get overworked.
For improved memory it’s a good idea to link the memory to broader structure in the mind
Retention of information works much better when the brain is rested and the short term memory is not over busy
Help your Brain by using a larger part of its storage capacity
Improved thinking capacity
The deep thought process requires a period of focus concentration and no interruption. For the higher level tasks it’s a good idea to plan your time and space accordingly
Improvements in these areas will take time. The basic management of the mind workload –then-rest is a discipline you could start today. The effects would be noticeable in just a week or so. The improvements to the flexibility and the adaptability of the mind may take a little longer
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