I am sure you have heard the saying “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks”. Well, times have changed and studies have proven this to be false. The brain’s ability to grow and develop throughout the lifespan as you are exposed to new experiences is known as neuroplasticity. 

Oxford Reference defines neuroplasticity as, “the ability of the brain to develop new neurons and/or new synapses in response to stimulation and learning. Recent research shows that the brain retains its plasticity throughout life, more or less, depending on the person’s state of health, etc.”

According to psychology Today, “The importance of neuroplasticity can’t be overstated: It means that it is possible to change dysfunctional patterns of thinking and behaving and to develop new mindsets, new memories, new skills, and new abilities.” (read the article here)

Each time you think, feel, or do something, you are developing pathways in the brain or “wires”. The more you do something the stronger the pathway becomes and habits are developed. When you stop using certain pathways, they tend to weaken. 

So what does this mean for anxiety treatment? Anxiety develops over time with repeated patterns of thinking and reacting. If you work consistently to develop new thinking patterns and behaviors, your anxiety will likely decrease. The key is repetition and consistency. Let me repeat that. The key is repetition and consistency! Just like you don’t learn to ride a bike or play a musical instrument in one day, shifting thinking patterns and behaviors takes time. The good news is it’s possible!

“Our brains renew themselves throughout life to an extent previously thought not possible.”

~Michael Gazzaniga