Live your best Life Using Neuroplasticity

 

Remember when you believed in Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, and the tooth fairy?  It was exciting times.  At some  point in your life you stopped believing.  Our belief system creates our worldview. Our beliefs create a bias in how we see the world. More often than not we're not aware of this bias. 

Neuroplasticity is  the  brain's ability to form and reorganize synaptic function based on learning or experience.  Adopting an action or  behavior   can change how our brain works. This is how we train after injury through repetition,  There is a science behind Neuroplasticity.   Repetition  will rewire our brain.  And that is a good thing!  It means we have agency  over our life. We can change,  improve and refine motor skills.    it is not limited to physical function it also works on behavioral modification. 

The science of Neuroplasticity  has changed over the years.  Indeed  there was a time that scientists believed that  our brain  could not be changed. They no longer hold that belief. 

  

I am going to give you simple ways to change your limiting beliefs.   A limiting belief is a construct we create using language that stops us from growing and becoming the best version of ourselves.   Simple thoughts like, I am not good enough, I am not smart enough, I can't do this, etc.  And it can be changed.

Sometimes our beliefs help us and give us joy, like believing in Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny.  It evokes joy.  

And sometimes  our beliefs can limit our  joy and prevent us from living our best life.    This is called a limiting belief.  

It is habitual. A habit is a response to an reward situation. It is triggered by something either external or internal.  It is an automatic response  and it requires no energy to implement or to act upon. Kind of like being in autopilot.    In other words it is  our beliefs that drive our actions,  or inaction.  

 You can change your habits and your limiting beliefs in just 100 days.  But you can't change something you are not aware of.  

The first thing you need to do is to be aware of how you respond to things.  Recognize your limiting beliefs as they occur,  notice when you don't want to do something. or how you respond in a situation.   Ask yourself why?   Are you scared? Is fear one of your limiting beliefs?  You don't want to be vulnerable? Or perhaps you are adverse to risk taking.   It is a human tendency to not like change.  Change is unpredictable. We  prefer to stay in our comfort zone where  it is predictable and safe. It is what gives us comfort.  Alas it  can also stop our personal growth.    

Furthermore, It is also a human tendency to want  immediacy, taking the easy route.   However, to build and maintain a new habit  takes practice and  a commitment to want to change.   Change will not occur overnight.  you can even notice the change you're making.  Ask yourself, why do I do this, what am I afraid of?   being honest with your reply.   

 That said,  the new habit you build will override your habitual actions.     Doing something every day with commitment  defines you.  Being committed to your goal means that nothing will stop you from completing your goal.  No matter what you're going to  get it done.  That his commitment.  

Start small.  it is important to not make it difficult  for yourself.  remember at the beginning there will be resistance. Do something that is easy and practice that.   For example if you want to build a better physique start with five minutes of exercise daily, and slowly build up.  Build your habit first, it is more important than intensity and complexity.   Consistency is key  to making  change.  Repetition will rewire your neuropathways. 

What I hope you take away from this is that you always have a choice.  That is empowering, right?  

Falling In Love with My Brain

My go to morning beverage matcha tea and green smoothie <3 nbsp="" td="">

This morning I got on my exercise bike at 5:30 AM. While I was doing my exercise, I realized that for 2 1/2 years I have had the same morning routine, and gave myself a virtual pat on the back. I know that it is a good habit to master.


I Wake up at 5:30. I do 30 minutes on the bike, 30 minutes meditation, and 20 minutes breathing exercise. Then 30 minutes journaling. I started doing this after I read a book called 5 AM Club after suffering a stroke, a serious health crisis that resulted in certain limitations. This inspired me to work on my brain health, and I consequently decided to devote time, first to learn about the functioning of the brain, secondly to focus on adopting habits to enhance my brain’s performance, primarily by eating healthy whole foods, drinking lots of water, and incorporating a routine exercise program to get oxygen flowing in my blood. Adopting a wellness program for complete and deep sleep nightly. And, regular meditation.


I recognise that change is not easy. Our brain does not like change. It likes to keep doing what it always has done. I knew for it to work I had to adopt a new perspective. I was more determined to get my brain right. It was my overriding determination that helped me stay focused, that coupled with a naturally curious mind. The impact of a stroke on my brain fascinated me. I was intrigued. It made learning about the brain more stimulating. As I studied neurology, it became clearer that specific actions or environmental contaminants can negatively affect the brain. I accepted that I had no control over what had happened to cause the stroke in the first instance. I was healthy, except for the growth in my heart that had to be removed stat!


However, as I studied further, I began to fall in love with my brain. It really is a magnificent and a complex and powerful organ, which I actually have control over. I wanted to protect it and help it to reach its highest potential. With this thinking as the foundation to anchor my resolve to get healthier made getting up at 5 AM all the easier. The goal for me was to be able to mitigate the deficits that had been caused by the stroke. I believe I have made a pretty remarkable recovery. Although I still have some residual processing issues and the blindness in my right eye, unfortunately, is permanent. But by and large every day I'm getting to feel more like myself. My next checkup is in June. My next field (eye) exam is in April. I hope both doctors will confirm what I ready know, and I will be driving again.


At this time, my major concern is my weight. I have been monitoring my thyroid for the last 6 months. It is 2.09 which is close to stable, but not balanced enough. I am told it is difficult to lose weight if your thyroid is not balanced. In 6 to 8 weeks I will be tested again.


The progress to get healthy, especially your brain, takes dedication, commitment, and concerted effort. I have no problem doing the hard work. My weight on the other hand is problematic and not wholly within my control until my thyroid is in balance. That is my next health objective.

The lessons I have learned in 2 ½ years is that it is important to have people around you that are supportive and understand what you are going through. Thankfully, my husband and my son have been very helpful.

It is just as important to have a positive mindset. Be patient with yourself and others. Because I live in a different Province from most of my family, and I don't have close family to lean on for support. And being that I live in the country, it would have been absolutely fantastic if I had a family member come to help, but I understand that was impossible.


Fortunately, I am the type of person who has a positive mindset, and anyway, I am not one to ask for help.


 I am resilient and capable. However, I am aware not everyone will understand fully what I am experiencing because unless you have undergone a similar experience it will be difficult to comprehend some of the challenges I have faced.


That  said, outwardly I show up as confident and independent much the way I was before this all happened. I do not rely on anybody. I like knowing that I am capable, at the same time, I will graciously accept the tenderness of others’ assistance.