Neuroplasticity Training

Possible Benefits

• Enhances brain development and cognitive abilities positively/negatively [2].
• Helps you recover from stroke and other brain trauma [3].
• Makes learning more effective [4].
• Improves your memory [4].
• Enables your brain to rewire functions. E.g., if an area of the brain responsible for a particular sense gets damaged, other parts can pick the task and enable the function [3].
• Enhances roles in areas that have lost their functions.  E.g., your hearing sense may be heightened if you lose your sight [4].
• Can help treat some mental conditions like depression and anxiety [5].
• Assists in treating mental disorders like autism.

How to Do It

When you learn something new, your brain creates new connections between neurons. This helps it to adapt to new situations. You can stimulate/encourage this process by engaging in various activities like:

Physical exercises. Improves memory, delays cognitive decline (age-related), boosts mood and decreases neural vulnerability [6].

Eating an anti-inflammatory diet. Consuming required nutrients, fasting intermittently, restricting calories, and incorporating anti-inflammatory foods like turmeric (curcumin) [7].

Getting sufficient sleep. Long-term inadequate sleep decreases neuron production, neuroplasticity, and increases inflammation [7].

Playing mind games like sudoku/crosswords enhances cognitive functions [8].

Exercising mindfulness helps in rewiring the brain (positively), promoting neuroplasticity [9].

Using the wrong hand strengthens the connections between neurons and enhances new neural pathways formation [9].

Learning a new language also increases cognitive abilities [5].

Time Commitment

30 minutes

Time of Day

Anytime

Tips

• Neuroplasticity training should be continuous for sustained benefits.
• Do brain exercises consistently to see positive results.
• Meditating can bring neuroplasticity.
• Avoid stress to get the most from neuroplasticity.