We all strive for self-improvement, but how often do we stick with our goals long enough to see real change? As it turns out, consistency is key, and science backs this up. Let me share my personal journey of discovery and how it relates to an exciting opportunity for mental health improvement.
The Power of Consistent Learning:
When COVID-19 hit, I started studying Spanish out of boredom using a program that rewards daily practice. I thought, “Who couldn’t spare ten minutes a day to learn something new?” Four years later, I’m still at it, and I’m actually becoming pretty good.
It appears that by setting aside 10 minutes a day to practice, I developed the habit of studying Spanish, thereby engaging my brain in what is termed “Neuroplasticity”. Neuroplasticity refers to our brains’ ability to change throughout our lives. Our brains do this by building and tearing down ‘neural pathways’ or ‘roadways’ within our brains (McLachlan, 2021).
- Experience-dependent neuroplasticity which is passively forming neural pathways by simply repeatedly doing something (good or bad). Practicing Spanish is a good new neural pathway. A bad new neural pathway might be formed by repeatedly biting one’s nails (McLachlan, 2021).
- Self-directed neuroplasticity is when we intentionally form new pathways in our brains to form good habits. This is usually done by assessing one’s actions and feelings about the outcome of our actions and considering how we might permanently change those actions. For instance, I might think about how I do not like that my nails look and even hurt because I bite them. To form a new neural pathway, I could start to wear nail polish to remind me not to bite them. Soon I would have formed the habit (built a new neural pathway) of painting my nails and lost the habit (shrunk the neural pathway) of biting them (McLachlan, 2021).
Neuroplasticity and Mental Health:
Let’s look at how neuroplasticity applies to mental health. Every experience we’ve had (whether positive or negative) affects us physically and psychologically by creating or reinforcing neural pathways. These pathways grow bigger and stronger the more we repeat any given thought or activity. If we worry, we get better at worrying. If we feel grateful, we get better at gratitude (Redesign, 2023). Just as gratitude neural pathways can create feelings of contentment and bliss, worry pathways can create anxiety and distress and can even lead to psychological injury. It follows that we would desire to rewire our brains so that we always experience good feelings (Hannah Owens, 2024).
Rewiring Your Brain for Better Mental Health:
So how does one go about changing mental health neural pathways for the better? This is where RESET: Journey comes in.
RESET: Journey is a clinically developed, evidenced based group program focused on recovery from trauma and managing adversity. By attending once a week and consistently doing the worksheets and exercises provided, participants can change toxic stress related neural pathways into effective coping strategy related neural pathways. At the end of 14 weeks, participants’ lives are ‘RESET.’ They walk away with new skills to navigate life stressors, stronger, more knowledgeable and confident. When we are wired with a whole new set of neural pathways, which increase mental health, positive thought patterns and healthy responses become second nature (Redesign, 2023).
One of the key benefits of RESET: Journey is its virtual format. This allows participants to access the program from the comfort of their own homes, eliminating geographical barriers and making it easier to maintain consistent attendance – a crucial factor in rewiring your brain (Pappas, 2023).
Take Action: Start Your Journey to Better Mental Health
RESET your life by rewiring your brain. This neuroplastic mental health Journey starts online this September 19th, every Thursday and finishes December 19th.
Key Details:
- Cost: $83/hour (covered by most benefit plans)
- Last day to register: September 13, 2024
Don’t miss this opportunity to transform your mental health from the comfort of your own home. Register now by
- Visiting Kells Counselling https://kellscounselling.ca/services/trauma-recovery-2/#journey
OR
- Calling 780-430-4769 409
Invest in yourself. Your brain – and your future self – will thank you.
The last day to register is September 13, 2024.
Facilitator Bios:
Meagan Fisk-Jordan https://kellscounselling.ca/our-staff/meagan-jordan/
Olivia Curran-Morton https://kellscounselling.ca/our-staff/olivia-curran-morton/
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO ON RESET: JOURNEY https://kellscounselling.ca/services/trauma-recovery-2/
by Cathy Klapstein
References
Hannah Owens, L. (2024, May 25). This is What Happens. Very Well Mind: https://www.verywellmind.com/how-therapy-can-change-your-brain-8650127
McLachlan, S. (2021, December 22). The Science of Habit. Healthline: https://www.healthline.com/health/the-science-of-habit#1
Pappas, S. (2023, March 1). Group Therapy is as effective as individual therapy and more efficient. American Psychological Association: https://www.apa.org/monitor/2023/03/continuing-education-group-therapy
Redesign, B. (2023, September 24). Building Neurons Habits: How Your Daily Routine Shapes Your Brain. Medium: https://medium.com/@beliefredesign/building-neurons-through-habits-how-your-daily-routine-shapes-your-brain-4b97e963daa0