Neuroplasticity and Growth Mindset

Neuroplasticity

How does understanding of neuroplasticity benefit people? Previously it was thought that once you are out of childhood your brain is done changing and growing, but we have learnt that actually throughout life your brain can change and grow, sometimes is very impressive ways.

Learning this has been of benefit to those with brain injuries, depression and many other conditions or experiences because we no longer thought that any brain conditions were set and so rehab was more likely to be attempted and supported. When we understand it we are more likely to do the things to support or learning and growth for ourselves but also for others.

How might we use neuroplasticity to benefit ourselves? By being aware both that we can change dysfunctional thought patterns, and also ways to support our own neuroplasticity to increase learning, memory and growth we can create benefits for ourself.

How do we increase our neuroplasticity? One of the best ways is physical activity as it helps stimulate the release of brain-derived neurotropic factor(BDNF) which aides in the growth of new synaptic connections and strengthens signals from neuron to neuron, which promotes mental and behavioural flexibility.

Other way to improve neuroplasticity include:

  • Practice practice practice! both in your head and in real life!
  • Do things in novel ways, ie different from your normal way
  • Be playful!
  • Keep trying new things and engaging in stimulating activities
  • Engaging in mindfullness activities

Want to know more: This is a helpful article by Psychology Today on Neuroplasticity

Growth Mindset

What is Growth Mindset? Growth mindset is a way of viewing our skills, talents and capabilities as able to be improved rather than set in stone. It is a way of viewing challenges and setbacks, we can either see that with work we can overcome them, or we can think that our skills are set and so we can't.

Why is it relevant? Having a growth mindset can change how we approach challenges and help us stay motivated in our work.

How to cultivate a growth mindset:

  • Be aware of language you are using, avoid fixed statements, and use things like 'not yet'
  • Find the positives
  • Embrace setbacks
  • Ask for help when need it
  • Embrace the process

Want to know more: This is a helpful article about Growth Mindsets

Applying it to myself

Neuroplasticity One interesting takeaway for me from reading about neuroplasticity is that physically activity is important for brain health, I knew that getting out and active can be really helpful of mental health, but having it more clearly in a brain health article has reminded me that while doing this study I need to remember to take time to be active for not only my body and mental health, but also to support myself being as able to learn as possible.

I tend to be a person who practices things in my head so it is cool to know that this is helpful and something to continue doing as I learn more and come across challenges.

Growth Mindset

The most interesting thing I learnt and also the thing that I think will make the most difference if I can implement it in my learning strategies is self-advocacy. I knew that seeking support was a skill I needed to develop in this, but seeing it as part of growth mindset has reminded me of its importance.