hungry brain

The brain is beautifully adaptive – give it new experiences and it will grow. Novelty stimulates brain changes and new growth via the process of neuroplasticity. Neuroplasticity refers to micro and macro changes in the brain in response to new learning / mental stimulation and can include making new connections between brain cells, through to stimulating the development and survival of new neurons, and improving brain metabolism. Simply put, new learning is brain ‘food’ for growth. As we get older we often specialise or become ‘experts’ in our fields. Whilst this may be a good thing and can beget wisdom, it can have a negative consequences in that the brain is under challenged, -starved if you will of mentally stimulating experiences. Remain curious and pursue new learning.

image michigantoday.umich.edu