Neuroplasticity is like a seasoned lover.
Sent to subscribers on May 28, 2024. Reproduced here as it was written.
Neuroplasticity knows all your moves. It's familiar with your routines, those neural pathways you tread day in and day out. But don't be fooled. It craves novelty. It thrives on exploring.
Neuroplasticity ignites during intense focus, but happens during deep sleep.
With every intense focus session, new pathways are forged and deepened. Adapting to your unique preferences. The secret to lasting passion: never stop growing. Exploring. Trying new positions.
Building a thriving relationship with your brain's neuroplasticity is no one-night stand. It takes time. Effort. A willingness to be vulnerable. But the payoff? The more you try, the more flexible you become.
What is Neuroplasticity?
"Any person could, if they were so inclined, be the sculptor of his own brain."
Neuroplasticity is the way we continue to shape our understanding of the world. It helps us respond in an adaptive way. Updates our map. Do something enough times, and your responses will eventually change.
Imagine your brain as a city. Neuroplasticity is the city's ability to build new roads, tear down old ones, and create shortcuts, all to make you more efficient and adaptable.
Neuroplasticity is promoted through pushing your comfort zone - juggling, patting your head and rubbing your tummy, using your non-dominant hand (writing, brushing teeth), eating blindfolded, roleplay.
Before the age of 25, your brain is basically a yoga instructor - flexible af. But don't worry, just because you've hit a quarter-life crisis (I did so I started this newsletter) doesn't mean you're stuck with yourself.
If you want to learn, you have to be focused. So, when are you most focused during the day? Don't give that time to something that isn't worth it.
How to increase neuroplasticity
Brain Foreplay: Before learning, take 25-30 deep breaths (inhale through nose, exhale through mouth). Then exhale and hold your breath with lungs empty for 15-60 seconds. Then inhale once and hold your breath for 10 seconds.
Staring Contest With a Wall: Find a spot and focus your gaze for about 1 minute. Honestly, for some reason it's harder than it sounds.
Let Him Cook: Whatever you're trying to learn, do it as many times as you can. Think of each rep as a bicep curl for your brain.
Embrace the Oops: When your brain takes a wrong turn, it fires up attention to get you ready for the next try. Embrace the detour and explore the new neural pathways it might uncover.
Pause: Every couple of minutes, pause for 10 seconds. Seriously, do nothing. These gap-effects are similar to what happens in deep sleep, consolidating everything you've learned at 10x speed.
Treat Yo'self (Sometimes): Celebrate your wins, but not every time. Predictable rewards lose their motivational impact quickly. Keep your brain on its toes.
You Can't Last Longer Than 90 Minutes: Stick to learning sessions of 90 minutes or less. Then rest. Most people can't do more than 270 minutes of intense learning bouts per day.
Don't Forget to Save the Game: Sleep is like hitting the save button on your game. Neuroplasticity happens when you are in deep sleep.
You don't have to do all of these every learning session (although the breathing, focus, and sleep ones are non-negotiable).
Neuroplasticity is different from brain wrinkles. Neuroplasticity is the brain's ability to change at the cellular level, while brain wrinkles are a result of physical growth as it folds in on itself to fit within the limited space of the skull.
"You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation." – Plato.
— The Renewal