Written by | Li Ran
Edit | Lynn
In life, we often think of the human brain as a computer.
For example, the computer downloaded "The Shining", and the 2G film was stored on the hard disk. I heard that it was too terrible to watch, so I deleted it again. This is just a change in hard disk data, increase 2G, and reduce 2G, the computer itself - graphics card, hard disk, processor itself, not affected, right?
However, people watched "Chainsaw Horror", and the 2G film was stored in the brain. After watching it for a month, I didn't dare to go to the toilet in the middle of the night, and then I completely forgot about it. So, just the change of memory content, input sound and picture, forget the sound picture, for the human brain itself - anterior and posterior cortex, functional partitioning, hippocampal gyrus, amygdala, will not have an impact, right?
This view is to treat the human brain as a computer, and feel that the computer composed of metal, plastic, chip, etc., in addition to normal hardware aging, is not affected by software replacement.
In addition to the normal "hardware" aging, the brain of human flesh and blood carbon-based organisms will also be transformed by "software": watching movies, listening to music, doing sports, and sending WeChat have been continuously transforming the components and structure of the brain.
Think of your house as an organic organism: if you eat barbecue all the time, an exhaust chimney will grow on the roof; if you always eat takeout and don't cook, then the kitchen will gradually shrink; if you like to soak in the bathtub, the bathroom will swell threefold.
It's like Brain Plasticity.
In a certain definition, brain plasticity means that the brain can be modified by the environment and experience, and has the ability to shape the structure and function of the brain under the action of the external environment and experience, which is divided into structural plasticity and functional plasticity.
Structural plasticity of the brain means that the synapses inside the brain, the connections between neurons, can establish new connections due to the influence of learning and experience, thereby influencing the behavior of individuals. It includes synaptic plasticity and neuronal plasticity.
The plasticity of function can be understood as through learning and training, the function of a representative area of the brain can be replaced by a neighboring brain region, and it is also manifested as the recovery of brain function to a certain extent after learning and training in patients with brain injury.
The interpretation is a bit obscure, and the simple explanation is that people's experiences and environments will constantly reshape the brain.
Scientists once believed that brain circuits were fully developed in adulthood and would never change much. But studies in recent years have found that the brain is still quite malleable in adulthood.
As a negative example, we all know that videos secrete dopamine in the brain. Further studies have found that high-dose, high-frequency dopamine secretion causes the striatum (i.e., the area of the brain associated with reward response mechanisms and motivational behaviors) to shrink, alters the connection of neurons in the brain, and weakens the pathway between the striatum and the prefrontal cortex (the area responsible for rationality, self-discipline, and decision-making).
In layman's terms: pornography is addictive and can really cause brain atrophy.
From a positive perspective, as long as a positive approach is taken, it is also possible to generate positive feedback on itself through brain plasticity.
One of the ways is meditation.
My mom doesn't know how to meditate, and I once asked her what she thought meditation was, and she replied, "Meditation is about thinking positively, thinking about something positive to quiet yourself down and empty." "This understanding is quite representative. I feel that meditation is just chicken soup for "walking the heart". In fact, meditation is also a kind of fitness - through brain plasticity, brain health.
These changes occur in the brains of people who meditate for a long time
Thickening of the prefrontal cortex – The prefrontal lobe provides reason, focus, and self-control.
Amygdala shrinks – amygdalas produce tension and anxiety.
Increased gray matter density – gray matter determines information processing speed and responsiveness.
Enlargement of the hippocampus – The hippocampus is responsible for memory and helps to enhance memory.
There are other common meditation benefits: relaxation, stress reduction, concentration, calm, improved well-being... They are all the result of brain health.
After a long period of meditation practice, the structure and function of the brain will gradually be reshaped in a favorable direction. That's why meditation isn't really a superstition, it's a scientific exercise of self-improvement.
In addition, for meditation practitioners, it is necessary to have a clear understanding of brain plasticity: that is, although the brain is plastic, it is not so easy to be plastic, and regular continuous practice is required. The significant differences that can be detected in clinical studies generally require participants to practice for more than half a year. So three days of fishing and two days of drying nets is not enough!
At the same time, the brain is not so easy to progress, nor is it so easy to regress. Once the brain is shaped by long-term meditation, the good state is very stable. On important occasions such as dating, speaking, and competitions, you don't need to be nervous, and the kung fu is already on the body. Even if you are lazy for two days, drink and watch movies, you will not lose all your skills, your brain is broken, and you can relax and enjoy life.
Start "shaping" your brain now.
Welcome to the "Into Brain Science" special column, where you can explain in detail the changes that meditation brings to different areas of the brain. Interested in the role of other areas of the brain? You can continue reading this article
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