Science says you can teach an old dog new tricks - here's how

Neuroplasticity occurs throughout our lifetime but the rules change a bit in terms of how to rewire your brain across different life stages. After the age of 25 we are coming out of the 'Second Window' and the brain is not constantly changing as it is up to that point. We absolutely still have the ability to rewire our brain at any age and create new neural pathways. However, we must create the right environment for that to occur. Keep reading to learn how.

Have you ever been to a Tony Robbins event? I highly recommend it. Attendees jump around and the music is pumping. I'll admit I wasn't fully converted until 2 years ago. I used to call this 'Ra Ra' and quietly throw some shade. I never had anyone explain to me the purpose of it. Once I understood the science and how I can use this to my advantage, I was all in.

From 0 - 25 years old our brain is shaped through passive experiences. For better or worse, we learn patterns of behaviour by mimicking those around us at home, in daycare, in schools, on tv, in the books we read, the music we listen to, the friends we surround ourselves with. When we enter our teenage years at about 12-14yo, hormones start to 'rage' and there is so much brain development and neurotransmitters circulating it is very easy for us to develop patterns and store memories. This is known as the 'Second Window' of development. It is recognised by UNICEF as a key transitional period in a child's life which lays the foundation to healthy adulthood, when emotionally supported by healthy adults.

After the age of 25 we can change our brain but a marked shift is necessary in our neurochemical environment. KEY 1: We need a release of neuromodulators. We need epinephrine, adrenaline and other chemicals to cause a state shift in our body and brain. We don't need this impact up to the age of 25 as it is already occurring. As mentioned before, during puberty our brain chemistry is shifting markedly, and we are particularly learning patterns of relating.

The nervous system recognises these state shifts as something unusual and as a consequence in the subsequent days, given enough rest through sleep, there is a rewiring of the connections so that the brain can prepare for that encounter should it happen again. KEY 2: given enough rest through sleep.

As adults we can not learn passively. We must create the right environment for change. What is the right environment and how do we create it? With some 'Ra Ra' and by focusing on the principles of the 7 Pillars To Wellness: Nutrition, Movement, Sleep, Optimising the Stress Response, Light Therapy, Mindset, Spirituality.

The reason students were dropping out like flies during my first year of Nutrition & Dietetics was chemistry, my favorite subject. I studied chemistry in years 7 and 8 in Croatia. I repeated the material when I returned to Australia in years 11 and 12. Then again during university. Repetition is the mother of mastery.

All we are is atoms and empty space, vibrating at our chosen frequency. The body's metabolism is just a lot of chemical reactions that convert food atoms (protein, fats, carbohydrates) into energy and create byproducts. This makes so much sense to me, and I must remind myself not everyone is taught this. I put myself in an environment where it is normal to know this. Do you know what your nervous system is made up of?

Axons - The axonal membrane is a phospholipid bilayer that has proteins embedded inside it. A phospholipid is a type of fat with two fatty acid tails attached to a glycerol molecule, which is attached to a phosphate group.

Dendrites - Contain numerous ribosomes, smooth endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus and cytoskeletal structures, which show that there is a high degree of protein synthesising activity in the dendrites during signal transmission.

Endoneurium - Within a nerve, each axon is surrounded by a layer of connective tissue called the endoneurium, consisting of a glycocalyx and a collagen mesh. The glycocalyx is a negatively charged sugar-protein barrier.

What am I getting at with this? Well, NuFit Wellness has 3 Core Beliefs:

Nurturing growth mindsets and supporting neuroplasticity begins with Nutrition, the first pillar to wellness.

Everyone has the ability to improve on their health status using lifestyle as medicine, committing to continuous improvement of the 7 pillars to wellness.

All health begins in the gut, with what you choose to feed your gut microbiome as this is where a lot of those chemical reactions occur and disperse throughout the body

Learn how to rewire your brain and achieve your healthiest, most confident and courageous self to reach your full potential in health, business and relationships. Sign up to the NuFit Wellness E-newsletter here, follow Kathy O on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn. This is where you will find out about the events being held in person and online designed to see you thrive.

Others have done it, why not you?

Tag & Share with your friends who would love it too! Sign up for my Free NuFit Wellness Newsletter and be the first to know it all. Attend my Wellness Workshops. Kathy O - Health & Wellness Strategist: Supporting people achieve optimal health, wealth and relationships with lifestyle principles through awareness, breath and choice. Embodiment Coach: Alignment is the method. Embodiment is the achievement. Authenticity is a byproduct. Be unstoppable. Be authentically you.

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KEYWORDS: Neuroplasticity, environment, neurotransmitters, dopamine, epinephrine, hormones, second window, development, personal development, self development, self-development, personal-development, learning, growth, mindset, learner, events, neurons, nerves, rewire, neural pathway.