Here's the good news: with training, scientists have now shown, we can literally rewire the neural pathways that regulate our emotions, thoughts, and reactions. This means we can create new neural pathways - highways in our brain - that lead us to compassion, gratitude, and joy instead of anxiety, fear, and anger.
Yes. You must train your brain to seek out the good things in life: It can be as simple as counting your blessings. Merely listing three things you are thankful for each day can start training your mind to focus on the positive.
Secret #1 is this: Happiness lies within; it's not “out there.” There is no external reward—a partner, a job, a house, a car, even winning the lottery—that can provide long-term fulfillment if you are ultimately not happy with yourself. To cultivate happiness within, you must follow Secret #2: Honor yourself.
Taking this variability into account, it usually takes several months to over a year for your brain to rewire. “Some improvements are seen after 3 months, such as some improvement in [the] prefrontal cortex and the ability to make better decisions,” says Lopez.
How many months does it take to rewire your brain?
Experts suggest 90 days as a general estimate for rewiring the brain, but everyone is different. Talk to us today and find out how your brain and body can recover with the support of our experienced healthcare team.
Scientists have found that the three things that make people most happy are PLEASURE (doing things you enjoy), ENGAGEMENT (feeling interested in your activities and connected to others), and MEANING (feeling like what you do matters).
Dopamine. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter produced by the hypothalamus, a small region of the brain that helps you feel pleasure. It's an important part in your reward system, meaning the brain releases dopamine when you do things that feel good or pleasurable or when you complete a task.
Meth and the Brain. Meth releases a surge of dopamine, causing an intense rush of pleasure or prolonged sense of euphoria. Over time, meth destroys dopamine receptors, making it impossible to feel pleasure.
Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to improve cognition, increase neuroplasticity, and decrease risk of depression. Fatty fishes, flax seeds, walnuts, avocado, and chia seeds are all recommended sources.
Normal, healthy dopamine production depends on a wide variety of factors, but many medical professionals believe that your brain's dopamine production will return to pre-substance misuse levels over a period of 90 days.
New skills. Carving out time for your hobbies can be a great form of self-care if you live with anxiety, but there's another benefit too. Each time you learn a new skill, you're increasing your brain's ability to rewire itself. Any new skill you learn will help with this.
A dopamine detox entails fasting from dopamine producing activities, or “pleasures,” for a certain amount of time with the hope of decreasing reward sensitivity. However, there is no scientific evidence to support this method.
