RESILIENCE
How you can transform your wiring through neuroplasticity
With this year ’ s rise in mental health issues it ’ s more important than ever to be self-aware and mindful . While statistics show mental illness is only set to rise , that doesn ’ t mean we are helpless in the face of increased anxiety and depression . For many decades , neuroplasticity has been at the forefront of scientific research and scientists are continuing to be surprised by the brain ’ s capacity for self-healing and change . Neuroplasticity refers to the brain ’ s ability to rewire itself in order to adapt to new circumstances and situations . This kind of rewiring happens on a daily basis whenever we learn something new , but it ’ s also something that we can encourage and stimulate . This is a particularly exciting concept when it comes to psychological change . But how does this relate to mental illness ? While psychiatric disorders tend to encourage unhealthy pathways and can cause damage to the brain , neuroplasticity means that you can also stop further damage or reverse it completely . Psychologist Courtney Ackerman says , “ Our brains are perfectly capable of rewiring and remodelling to improve our ability to manage anxiety .”
But this isn ’ t an easy fix ; to transform or create any pathway in your brain takes a lot of time and effort . However , Ackerman has compiled a list of 8 neuroplasticity exercises that help tackle anxiety and depression .
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Memory tasks and games Learning to juggle Learning to play a new instrument Learning a new language Yoga Mild to moderate regular exercise Challenging brain activities like crosswords or sudoku Learning a new subject
So , in these uncertain times when anxiety is at an all-time high , perhaps we can take the time to train our brains and forge healthier pathways that lead to a more mindful lifestyle . Among all the COVID-19 chaos , now is the time to try an online yoga class , pick up the guitar you ’ ve always wanted to use , or learn Italian in preparation for when the international borders finally open . What might seem like time-wasting or unimportant activities could actually transform your mind and soul and set you on a pathway to a happier , more resilient headspace .
Rob Redenbach on LinkedIn
Like nearly a million other people , I recently watched SAS Australia . Having lived on base with the SAS in Britain back when I had hair ( clearly a long time ago !), media mentioning the SAS usually grabs my attention .
In this case what sold me was a pre-release clip where a contestant said , “ I have never failed in my life !” followed by , “ What am I afraid of ? NOTHING !”. That contestant went on to quit in record time with her last words being a tear-filled , “ This is a disaster !”. Personally , I disagree . I admire the fact that she had a go . And , she ’ s been given an opportunity for valuable self-reflection .
I find it fascinating when someone claims to be fearless . To quote my friend and former CO of the Australian SAS , Ben Pronk : “ I am in awe of that level of hubris .”
Really , how can anyone grow if they operate in a bubble devoid of fear ? Basically , if you ’ re not failing , you ’ re not trying hard enough .
“ I ’ ve missed more than 9000 shots . I ’ ve lost almost 300 games . 26 times , I ’ ve been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed . I ’ ve failed over and over and over again in my life . And that is why I succeed .” Michael Jordan
SPOILER : SAS instructors rarely yell . As one veteran said to me , “ I can ’ t remember being shouted at , you knew what was expected and just tried your best .”
Issue 2 2020 | Chief of Staff 21