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Every experience shapes your brain’s structure from "summary" of Your Brain Weighs 500 Pounds by Derrick Pledger
Our brains are amazingly complex organs that are constantly changing and adapting based on our experiences. Every single experience we have, whether positive or negative, plays a role in shaping the structure of our brains. When we have a new experience, our brain cells communicate with each other by forming new connections. These connections, also known as synapses, help to strengthen the neural pathways associated with that particular experience. The more we engage in a certain activity or thought process, the stronger these connections become. Conversely, if we stop engaging in a particular activity or thinking in a certain way, the connections in our brain related to that experience may weaken or even disappear over time. This is why it is important to continually challenge ourselves and seek out new experiences in order to keep our brains healthy and functioning at their best. Research has shown that the brain is capable of remarkable plasticity, which means that it has the ability to reorganize itself based on new experiences. This is great news because it means that we have the power to shape our own brains through the choices we make and the activities we engage in.- Our brains are constantly being sculpted by the experiences we have each day. By being mindful of the experiences we expose ourselves to, we can positively influence the structure of our brains and ultimately improve our cognitive function and overall well-being. So, the next time you have a new experience, remember that you are also shaping your brain in the process.
