Did you know that our brains are actually capable of changing structure, and can be molded into a system that works to benefit us the most? For the longest time, scientists believed that the brain was a fixed structure from when we were born, however, modern research has proved that our brains are constantly changing and adapting as we grow and enter adulthood.
According to the Stanford PD Community Blog, one post titled, “The Power of NeuroplasticityL When We Train Our Brain, We Can Change Our Brain” stated research on February 11 2026 done by Jenny Yopp. Yopp showed through her research that after consistent challenging cognitive task exercises, people with Parkinson’s disease built new neurons that strengthened systems, and improved both motor and non motor symptoms. This is groundbreaking, we are in control of how our brains can change!
The Stanford blog explains neuroplasticity well through this metaphor, “when you walk through a forest taking the same path every day, that path becomes more defined and easier to follow. Similarly, when you repeat certain thoughts or behaviors, you create well-worn pathways in your brain.” One important thing to note is that having self efficacy is essential to successfully using neuroplasticity to our advantage. The more willing we are to make changes and be flexible, the more willing our brain is to do the same.
The more we practice neuroplastic change, the stronger, and more connected our brains become. And the stronger and more connected our brains become, the more alert, energised, and happier we are each day. So how do we start with neuroplastic change? An article titled, “Neuroplasticity: How to Use Your Brain’s Malleability to Improve Your Well Being” states that there are 5 components to fostering neuroplastic change: challenge and novelty, intention, specific attention, repetition and intensity, and finally, time. Some activities we can try to cultivate this change are things like learning a new language, or visiting a new place.
This can be so widely applicable in everyone’s lives. Whenever I am feeling dejected, or I’m procrastinating my homework, or I’m feeling unmotivated, remembering that my brain is in control and that I can rewire my brain to build habits around these tendencies motivate me to get up, and do something that can foster neuroplasticity.
So, next time you find yourself in a bad situation, think about the malleability of your brain, and how you can practice neuroplasticity, to create a stronger, more connected brain that you feel in control of!
