Can you rewire your brain?

Science Desk

Rewiring the brain means you can intentionally change the neuron pathways of your brain through new experiences and intentional practices such as learning to drive or to swim. The longer you practice, the easier the brain gets re-wired for the new skill. The end result of rewiring your brian to learn a new skill is life-long. The ability of the brain to adapt to new experiences is called 'neuroplasticity'.

In simple terms, neuroplasticity is your brain's ability to change, adapt, and reorganize itself throughout your life. It's like a dynamic, ever-changing organ rather than a fixed one. New experiences, learning, and even injuries can cause the brain to form new neural connections, strengthen existing ones, or weaken unused pathways to adapt and function in new ways.

Following are some examples of using 'neuroplasticity' of the brain in everyday life:

• Creating art, music or writing
• Remembering the name of your childhood friend
• Figuring out how to use the new mobile phone

This ability of the brain is central to learning, memory, injury recovery, and adaptation to environmental changes.