Using Neuroplasticity to Change Your Relationship with your Body

Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life. It sounds complicated, and it is certainly a miraculous thing, but put simply, neuroplasticity is what allows us to learn new skills, recover from injuries, and even reshape habits and thought patterns. 

While you may become stubborn with age, your brain remains dynamic and capable of growth. Every experience you have, whether you’re learning how to play a new sport, practicing mindfulness, or overcoming an injury, can strengthen or weaken neural pathways. Think of it like a muscle: the more you use certain circuits, the stronger they become. 

Why does this matter? Because it means change is always possible. Want to boost memory, improve focus, or break negative cycles? Regular activities turn into habits, and positive thinking can literally rewire your brain. Neuroplasticity shows us that our brains are built to adapt, which is great news for those of us who wish to alter our relationship with our bodies. 

Here’s a few ideas things you can do today to take a step towards having a better relationship with your body:  

1. Practice self affirmations daily | Look in the mirror and name three things your body allows you to do–cook with your partner, play tennis, lift weights, dance, etc. 
2. Engage in mindful movement | Take a moment to stretch or do some yoga poses, and if you have the time, go outside for a walk and tune into how it makes you feel. This strengthens your neural pathways for self-awareness. 
3. Replace negative self talk | Begin this process by trying to pause during a hate spiral to ask yourself “is this helpful or harmful?” Once you can do that, try taking it a step further and replace “I hate my body” with “My body is capable.” 

Rewiring your brain takes time, so don’t expect perfection immediately. Here are a couple additional resources to help understand neuroplasticity:

Dr. Laura Boyd’s TEDx presentation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LNHBMFCzznE 

Science News Today article: https://www.sciencenewstoday.org/what-is-neuroplasticity-how-the-brain-rewires-itself