Neuroplasticity: Your Brain's Hidden Superpower

I talk about the brain’s ability to change all the time. But I realized I haven’t written much about it in this space. So here we are - an entire blog post devoted to one of the most hopeful and empowering ideas in neuroscience: neuroplasticity.

So, what Is Neuroplasticity?

Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to change, reorganize, and rewire itself in response to experience. That means that our brains are not static. They can adapt, grow, and learn new patterns and, with time and intention, can unlearn old ones too.

In technical terms, neuroplasticity is “the ability of the nervous system to change its activity in response to intrinsic or extrinsic stimuli by reorganizing its structure, functions, or connections.” (Mateos-Aparicio & Rodríguez-Marino). In simpler terms? It’s how experience literally reshapes our brain including our thoughts, our feelings, and how we show up in the world.

This isn’t just a nice idea, it’s the foundation of healing and change.

A Brief History (and Why It Matters)

For a long time, the prevailing belief was that the brain was hardwired; that we were born with a set number of brain cells and that it was mostly downhill from there. But starting in the 1960s, scientists began to challenge that view. They discovered that the brain can actually create new neural connections throughout life. This discovery reshaped the way we think about recovery from things like strokes, concussions, PTSD, anxiety, and depression.

It also opened the door for more brain-based therapeutic interventions (like neurofeedback).

Two Types of Neuroplasticity

1. Functional Plasticity: This is the brain’s ability to move functions from one area to another. Think of someone recovering from a stroke. When one area of the brain is damaged, another part can often learn to take over the same function.

2. Structural Plasticity: This refers to actual physical changes in the brain, like growing new neurons or strengthening the connections between existing ones. These changes are deeply influenced by the things we do: the skills we learn, the habits we form, the environments we’re in, and the relationships we’re part of.

   
   

If you've been in my office, you will recognize the phrase "neurons that fire together, wire together”. In other words, the more we repeat a certain thought, feeling, or behaviour, the stronger that neural pathway becomes.

This is why certain patterns can feel so hard to break, but also why they can be changed.

How Do We Support Neuroplasticity?

There are so many small, powerful ways to support your brain’s ability to change. Here are a few science-backed options:

• Mental Stimulation

  • Learn something new - take up a new hobby, learn a new language, or pick up an instrument

  • Use your non-dominant hand - try brushing your teeth, writing your name, stirring your coffee, eating breakfast, and opening doors with your opposite hand

  • Puzzles and brain games - do a Sudoku, crosswords, strategy games, or bilateral brain challenges (here's me trying one!)

  • Read a book - especially something that stretches your thinking or is outside your usual genre

• Experience

  • Travel - explore new surroundings, walk in a new neighbourhood, take a weekend day trip, visit a new café, or explore a museum

  • Take a different route - walk your dog on a new trail or take an alternate route to work

  • Change your routines - rearrange your furniture, cook a new recipe, or switch up your Starbucks order

• Mindfulness

  • Practice meditation - download a mindfulness app, breathe for five minutes, or follow a body scan on YouTube

  • Journaling - reflect on your emotions, thought patterns, and experiences to deepen self-awareness

  • Name your emotions - label what you feel accurately

• Physical Health

  • Aerobic exercise - go for a walk, dance in your kitchen, or bike around your neighbourhood

  • Strength training - do a dumbbell workout, use your bodyweight for squats and planks, or go to the gym

  • Sleep - stick to a regular bedtime and wind down with low light and no screens

  • Nutrition - focus on nutrient dense foods, Omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants

• Relational Enrichment

  • Connect with others - call a friend, have dinner with someone you love, or join a community group

  • Engage in conversations - talk about challenges, explore goals, or learn about others

  • Laugh - watch a comedy special or reminisce about funny memories with a friend

Neuroplasticity and Neurofeedback: Where It All Comes Together

So where does neurofeedback fit into all of this?

When our nervous system is stuck, either in high alert (hello anxiety) or low activation (think burnout, brain fog, or shutdown), it's often because certain neural pathways have become dominant over time.

Neurofeedback doesn’t force the brain to change. Instead, it offers real-time information about what the brain is doing, like holding up a mirror to its patterns. With that feedback, the brain can start to reorganize itself in ways that are more balanced and efficient.

I often describe it like this: your brain is capable of change, but sometimes it just needs a little nudge in the right direction. Neurofeedback provides that nudge until new patterns are built, and you start to feel like yourself again: more clear-headed, emotionally steady, able to focus, and able to rest.

Want to Learn More?

This post is just the tip of the iceberg. If you’re someone who loves to dig deeper, here are a few recommended reads:

• The Brain That Changes Itself by Norman Doidge

• The Brain’s Way of Healing by Norman Doidge

• Livewired by Dr. David Eagleman

• Change Your Brain, Change Your Life by Dr. Daniel Amen

• The Body Keeps the Score by Dr. Bessel van der Kolk

  
  

Neuroplasticity reminds us that change is not only possible, it’s expected. The brain is built for it. Whether you’re navigating trauma, ADHD, anxiety, or just feeling stuck, knowing that your brain can change is the first step. And you don’t have to do it alone.

Click here to start your neurofeedback journey!