The term brain retraining is tossed around in many different circles. Wellness practitioners, life coaches, and sometimes even entrepreneurs are all big fans of this self-directed and drug-free program. With the principles of neuroplasticity, brain retraining can help those who feel stuck in life, lost in the shuffle, or are resistant to change. But what is brain retraining, and how does it work? Is it really possible to rewire your brain?
What Is Brain Retraining?
In its simplest definition, brain retraining involves the practice of neuroplasticity. Neuroplasticity is a fantastic power that the brain has. Did you know that the brain has the ability to change and generate new neurons? And the best part is that the brain can do this no matter how old you are. Brain retraining uses the brain’s power to retrain and generate new neural connections to create a new and more positive, successful, and emotionally healthier you.
Brain retraining uses different techniques to rewire the brain to achieve a whole-brain state gradually. You’ve probably heard of people who mainly use their right or left brains, right? It’s said that right-brain thinkers are typically more creative and artistic and process information visually, while left-brain people are more analytical and learn better by reading. However, brain retraining seeks to engage both sides of the brain better. Doing so can harness the powers of your brain’s right and left hemispheres. This is what a whole-brain state means.
Methods for Retraining Your Brain
Retraining your brain might sound like a long and difficult process, but it’s easier than you think. With the right guidance, you can begin to rewire your neurons and create healthier, more positive pathways.
There is a common saying in the field of neuroscience that says, “Neurons that fire together wire together.” This is the goal of brain retraining. Building new (or more robust) neural pathways associated with happiness, contentment, love, satisfaction, and many other positive emotions.
Retraining your brain can be achieved in several ways.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CBT is a therapeutic approach that aims to identify and correct negative thoughts and behavior patterns. It helps to recognize distorted or unhelpful thoughts, develop better coping skills, and replace negative behaviors with positive ones.
Mindfulness and Meditation
Mindfulness is the practice of staying in the present moment without judgment. Meditation involves taking the time to relax and achieve better focus and awareness. Mindfulness and meditation go hand in hand to help us calm our minds and better understand ourselves. Both can help us identify and replace our negative thoughts with healthier thinking.
Physical Exercise, Diet, and Hydration
Exercise and a healthy diet are required for our brains to function at total capacity. Regular exercise and a healthy diet have long been known to have cognitive benefits, helping to improve concentration, mood, and memory. Any physical activity – a good workout, a vigorous walk, or even dancing – can release neurotransmitters that support brain health and neuroplasticity. Hydration also plays a vital role in brain health.
Creating Calm
Primal Trust offers a powerful program we call Regulate™ Level 1. It’s an easy-to-follow home brain retraining practice that includes several nervous system resiliency tools, such as vagus nerve regulation practices, somatic body/trauma healing practices, and more. Our self-guided brain retraining program is one of the most direct, simplified approaches on the market. It is also holistic, weaving together multiple tools for nervous system self-regulation to address the chronic stress response resulting in chronic illness.
Is Brain Retraining Right for Me?
One of the best aspects of brain retraining is that it benefits anyone. There isn’t anyone on the planet who doesn’t want an improved emotional well-being. We are never too old to retrain our brains and build new and healthier neural pathways. While everyone is a good candidate for brain retraining, those with special conditions may benefit most.
- Individuals with Anxiety or Depression – Brain retraining techniques can help manage the symptoms of anxiety or depression by identifying and addressing negative thought patterns while promoting relaxation.
- Those with Chronic Stress – Chronic stress can not only affect us on an emotional level but also physically. Brain retraining techniques like medication and mindfulness can help individuals to manage their stress better and to learn healthy coping skills.
- People with Trauma-related Symptoms – Trauma can cause the brain to reinforce negative thinking and other deeply rooted emotional problems. The techniques of brain retraining can help to process traumatic memories and reduce the symptoms of PTSD.
- Individuals with ADHD – Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder can be treated with brain retraining by helping to retrain the brain to improve focus, attention, and impulse control.
- Individuals with Chronic Illness – Chronic illness is often the root cause of an overreactive, cross-wired limbic system; therefore, the problem must be addressed in the brain. Otherwise, we are simply treating symptoms that give short-term relief.
Self-regulating the nervous system through brain retraining is one of the most effective ways to heal from a variety of chronic issues, including pain, trauma, chronic fatigue, endocrine/digestive/immune issues, hypersensitivities to food, chemicals or mold, various allergies, and mental and emotional issues. Brain retraining is a powerful method for helping to resolve many different types of issues.
It is crucial to understand that our natural tendency is to resist change, even when faced with illness or distress. Our unconscious ego sees change as a threat and prefers to stay in familiar, albeit compromised, states. This is where brain rewiring comes into play. By staying dedicated to the necessary practices, you can overcome the resistance to change driven by the unconscious limbic system and facilitate rewiring.
Why Is Brain Retraining Effective?
Rather than treating problems, both physical and emotional, with pharmaceuticals, brain retraining goes directly to the root of the problem. By using the brain’s natural ability to build, rebuild, and strengthen neuropathways (neuroplasticity), individuals can gain insight and healing. Traditional treatments generally involve treating symptoms and not the root causes of them. Brain retraining aims to change how the brain responds to emotional and physical pain.
Are You Ready To Take Control of Your Life by Retraining Your Brain?
No matter your age or issue, there are great benefits awaiting you by using your brain’s power of neuroplasticity. Brain retraining is a drug-free alternative to traditional therapies and is appropriate for issues such as negative thinking, depression, and some chronic health issues. Combining neuroscience with consciousness, you can begin to naturally build healthy neuropathways and begin the journey of being the best version of yourself. Schedule your complimentary discovery Zoom call today to learn more about how brain retraining can transform your life.
