For a long time, scientists believed that the brain was a fixed and unchanging organ. However, recent discoveries have transformed our understanding, revealing that the brain is actually quite adaptable and constantly evolving. Imagine if simply thinking could alter not only how your brain functions but also its physical structure. Surprisingly, this is exactly what happens.
From a neuroscientific perspective, imagining an action and actually performing it engage the same motor and sensory areas in the brain. For instance, if you close your eyes and picture the letter “B,” your primary visual cortex activates just as it would if you were looking at the letter on a screen. Try imagining yourself signing your name with your dominant hand. You’ll likely find that the time it takes to imagine it is similar to the time it takes to physically write it. If you attempt the same with your non-dominant hand, both the imagining and the actual writing will probably take longer.
Why does this matter? Because imagination and action are interconnected, utilizing the same neural pathways. Practicing one can influence the other. A fascinating study explored this by having two groups practice piano for two hours daily. One group practiced physically, while the other used only mental practice, sitting at the piano and imagining playing. Astonishingly, both groups experienced the same physical changes in their motor cortex. After three days, their playing accuracy was identical. Although the physical practice group advanced faster after five days, the imagination group quickly caught up once they began physical practice.
Even more remarkable is an experiment that used imagination to enhance muscle strength. Two groups performed the same muscle exercises for four weeks, but one group did so mentally. The physical exercise group increased their strength by thirty percent, while the imagination group saw a twenty-two percent increase. This is because the neurons responsible for movement were still being activated and strengthened, leading to increased strength when the muscles were actually used.
While thoughts don’t possess mystical powers, mental practice is a powerful tool for preparing to learn physical skills. Each thought can alter the brain’s structure and function by affecting neurons at a microscopic level. Although we can’t become the next Mozart by merely sitting and imagining, a bit of imagination can certainly complement hard physical work.
This episode of AsapSCIENCE is supported by Audible.com, a leading provider of audiobooks with over one hundred thousand titles available for download. The episode draws inspiration from the book “The Brain That Changes Itself” by Norman Doidge. You can download this audiobook or another of your choice for free at audible.com/asap. Special thanks to Audible for supporting these videos and offering a free audiobook at audible.com/asap. Subscribe for more weekly science videos.
Close your eyes and visualize yourself performing a simple task, such as tying your shoelaces or writing your name. Focus on the details and try to engage all your senses. Afterward, perform the task physically and compare the experience. Reflect on how the visualization affected your performance.
Pair up with a classmate and choose a simple skill, like juggling or playing a basic piano tune. One of you should practice physically, while the other practices mentally for a set period. Afterward, switch roles and compare your progress. Discuss the differences and similarities in your learning experiences.
Join a group discussion to explore the concept of neuroplasticity. Share your thoughts on how mental practice can influence brain structure and function. Consider how this knowledge could be applied to learning new skills or rehabilitating after an injury.
Conduct a four-week experiment where you mentally practice a strength exercise, such as lifting weights, without physically doing it. Record your perceived strength changes weekly. After the experiment, compare your results with classmates who performed the exercise physically.
Read “The Brain That Changes Itself” by Norman Doidge and participate in a book club discussion. Focus on the chapters related to mental practice and neuroplasticity. Share insights and discuss how the book’s concepts relate to your personal experiences and future learning strategies.
For years, scientists believed that the brain was static, unchanging, and locked. However, our understanding has changed drastically, and we now see the brain as plastic and constantly evolving. What if I told you that simply thinking could affect not only the way your brain works but also its physical shape and structure? It turns out this is exactly what happens.
From a neuroscientific standpoint, imagining an action and performing it require the same motor and sensory programs in the brain. For example, if you close your eyes and imagine the letter “B,” the primary visual cortex lights up in the same way it does when you look at the letter on a screen. Take a moment to imagine yourself writing out your signature with your dominant hand. Chances are, the amount of time it takes you to imagine doing it is similar to how long it actually takes to write it out. If you try the same exercise with your non-dominant hand, it will likely take you longer to both write and imagine.
Why is this relevant? Because imagination and action are integrated and engage the same neural pathways; practicing one actually influences the other. One fascinating study involved two groups practicing piano for two hours a day. One group was allowed to use mental practice only, sitting in front of the piano and imagining practicing. The surprising result was that the same physical changes occurred in the motor cortex of both groups. After three days, their accuracy in playing was identical. Beyond five days, the physical practice group began to excel faster, but the imagination group, when given the chance to practice physically, was able to catch up quickly.
Perhaps even more incredible is an experiment that used imagination to strengthen muscles. Both groups performed the same muscle exercises for four weeks, but one group did it mentally. Those who performed the physical exercises increased their strength by thirty percent, while those who imagined doing it increased their muscle strength by twenty-two percent. This is because the neurons responsible for movement instruction were still being used and strengthened, resulting in increased strength when the muscles actually contracted.
While your thoughts don’t have mystical or magical power, mental practice is an effective way to prepare for a physical skill. Each thought changes the structure and function of your brain by affecting the neurons at a microscopic level. Although we wish we could simply sit and become the next Mozart, it won’t happen without a lot of hard physical work, but a little imagination never hurts.
This episode of AsapSCIENCE is supported by Audible.com, the leading provider of audiobooks, with over one hundred thousand downloadable titles across all types of literature. This episode was inspired by the book “The Brain That Changes Itself” by Norman Doidge. You can download this audiobook or another of your choice for free at audible.com/asap. Special thanks to Audible for making these videos possible and offering you a free audiobook at audible.com/asap. Subscribe for more weekly science videos.
Brain – The organ located in the skull that is responsible for thought, memory, emotion, and sensory processing, as well as regulating bodily functions. – The brain is a complex organ that processes information from the senses and coordinates the body’s responses.
Imagination – The ability to form mental images or concepts of things not present to the senses or never before wholly perceived in reality. – Imagination plays a crucial role in scientific innovation, allowing researchers to envision new possibilities and solutions.
Action – A process or state of acting or of being active; something done or performed, typically to achieve an aim. – In psychology, understanding the neural basis of action can help explain how intentions are translated into physical movements.
Neurons – Specialized cells in the nervous system that transmit information through electrical and chemical signals. – Neurons communicate with each other via synapses, forming complex networks that underpin all cognitive processes.
Practice – The repeated exercise in or performance of an activity or skill so as to acquire or maintain proficiency in it. – Regular practice of cognitive tasks can enhance mental agility and improve problem-solving skills.
Strength – The capacity of an object or substance to withstand great force or pressure; in psychology, it can refer to the robustness of mental faculties or resilience. – Cognitive strength can be developed through challenging mental exercises and stress management techniques.
Cortex – The outer layer of the cerebrum, involved in complex brain functions such as perception, thought, and decision-making. – The prefrontal cortex is crucial for executive functions like planning and impulse control.
Flexibility – The quality of bending easily without breaking; in psychology, it refers to the ability to adapt to new situations and change strategies. – Cognitive flexibility is essential for problem-solving and adapting to new information or environments.
Psychology – The scientific study of the mind and behavior, encompassing various aspects such as cognition, emotion, and social interactions. – Psychology provides insights into human behavior, helping to improve mental health and interpersonal relationships.
Science – The systematic study of the structure and behavior of the physical and natural world through observation and experiment. – Science relies on empirical evidence and experimentation to advance our understanding of the universe.
