How Your Brain is Shaped

This video explains how the brain is constantly changing and adapting based on experiences and lifestyle. It emphasizes the importance of engaging in physical and mental challenges to maintain brain structure and functioning.

Every experience alters the brain in some way. The brain is constantly changing. Neuron circuits grow stronger or weaker, new neurons form, and unused neurons dissolve. When you're born, your brain has a set of neuronal circuits that get more complex through development and experience. Life experiences can both help and hurt neuronal connections. For instance, an injury might negatively impact your brain, while exercise can help you form new, healthy connections. When a neuron is damaged, a healthy brain can adapt. Other neurons may take on the function of the damaged neuron, or new neurons may be created to take its place. In general, the brain structure changes in response to your environment and lifestyle. Engaging in physical and mental challenges helps maintain brain structure and functioning. This allows neurons to maintain their functions and adapt to take on new functions. To work your brain, engage in activities that involve thinking and learning. Just like you need to strengthen and stretch your muscles to keep them healthy, you have to strengthen and stretch your brain.