Neuroplasticity refers to our brain’s ability to change and adapt throughout our lifetime by forming new connections between neurons (i.e., nerve cells) and reorganizing neural pathways. This is important for a lot of reasons, ranging from learning and memory to recovery from brain injury.
Yesterday, I was talking to someone about the importance of neuroplasticity in the context of work, especially in tech. Software developers, designers, and other creatives need to lean into their brains’ abilities to adapt and respond to challenges and tough problems.
It also made me think about its importance to me as it relates to mental health and recovery. It contributes to emotional well-being and mental wellness because, by forming new neural connections and pathways, the brain can adapt to emotional challenges, develop coping strategies, and recover from psychological trauma and stress.
Although I have plenty of unkind things to say about my brain at times—it can be a real jerk—I’m grateful for it’s evolution, adaptation, and regeneration.
Seriously, Jerk Brain? 
The late Jimmy Breslin put it best: “I want to thank my brain for remembering me.”
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