You Can Change Your Brain: Neuroscientist Explains How to Rewire Your Mind & Stop Negative Thoughts

Mel Robbins introduces the often misunderstood notion of the difference between the mind and the brain, underscoring that understanding this distinction can be transformative. She introduces Dr. Caroline Leaf, who has extensively researched the mind-brain connection.

Brain Needs Mind to Function

Dr. Caroline Leaf delves into the relationship between the mind and the brain. She expresses that the brain doesn't operate on its own but is completely dependent on the mind for guidance.

The Mind Powers Brain and Body, Driving all Experiences

Leaf provides a clear distinction between the two, emphasizing that the brain is essentially passive without the mind’s instruction. The mind is the driving force behind all experiences and psychological and physiological functions. It allows for conversation, memory, and the ability to interact with the world through perceptions and relationships. Furthermore, the mind directs physiological processes, controlling various bodily functions including heartbeat, lung function, and neurochemistry.

Mind and Brain as an Interconnected Network: Mind Signals Brain Responses

The mind not only powers the body and the brain, Leaf continues, but it also sends signals that the brain responds to. The interconnectedness is so profound that even minor events like wiggling one's toes or feeling the texture of a sweater are directed by the mind.

Mind Programs Brain By Encoding Information

Leaf further explains that the mind absorbs information from external stimuli, forming "thought clouds" from experiences such as t ...

Dr. Caroline Leaf, a cognitive psychoneurobiologist, has been a pioneer in studying how the mind can actively shape and heal the brain through a process called neuroplasticity.

Brain Changes Through Neuroplasticity

Directing Thoughts Reshapes Neural Pathways, Enhancing Mental Health and Function

Leaf asserts that we have the power to change our mind and, consequently, our brain. This concept is founded on the principle of neuroplasticity, which suggests that the brain is malleable and capable of forming new neural pathways in response to our thoughts. When we engage in these directed thoughts, we're essentially adding "drops to the cloud" of thought, thereby growing branches in the neural network and reshaping the structure within the brain.

Robbins further explains that the thought patterns we cultivate in our mind power both our brain and body, which can lead to positive or negative feedback loops. Negative thinking can lead to additional negative programming in the brain. Conversely, Robbins argues that to change anything in our lives, we must change our thinking first; by doing so, we rewire neural networks in our brain which then create sustainable actions, attitudes, and good habits.

Caroline Leaf discusses the power of the mind over the body and brain, suggesting that the brain responds to the mind and that our thought life has a significant impact on our physical and mental health. She introduces the concept of "neurocycle," a method to drive neuroplasticity and empower individuals to direct their thoughts and reshape their brain's neural pathways.

Severe Brain Injury Recovery Through Mental Effort

Research Shows Active Mind Management Improves Brain Injuries, Anxiety, Depression, and Mental Health

Dr. Caroline Leaf's research includes assisting patients with traumatic brain injuries through mental effort. During the 80s, Leaf challenged the prevailing belief that a damaged brain could not heal. She worked with severely injured individuals to explore whether mind management could facilitate brain change and recovery.

One striking success story shared by Dr. Leaf is about Lee, a 16-year-old patient who suffered a severe traumatic brain injury. After emerging from a coma, Lee functioned at a second-grade level. Dr. Leaf worked with her intensively, and after eight months, Lee fully restored her mental functions. She eventually excelled academically, completed high school alongside her peers, and obtained a university degree.

Mel Robbins delves into how neurocycling – a five-step process – can help people with severe brain injuries change their e ...

The Neurocycle, a method developed by Dr. Caroline Leaf, has been introduced as a five-step process to manage and improve mental health issues, including those resulting from traumatic brain injury.

Neurocycle Steps: Gather, Reflect, Write, Recheck, Reach

Process to Observe Thoughts and Emotions Objectively

The Neurocycle involves five intentional steps: gather awareness, reflect, write (also known as mind storm), recheck, and active reach. This systematic approach, discussed by Caroline Leaf, assists individuals in transitioning from initial emotional signals to identifying the root of their thoughts, ultimately reconstructing and modifying future behavior.

During the gathering phase, individuals are encouraged to ask themselves four key questions to objectively observe their feelings, bodily sensations, behaviors, and perspectives. This first step establishes a foundation for the subsequent Reflect phase, where individuals use targeted "WH questions" (who, what, when, where, why, and how) to probe deeper into the emotions or experiences they've recognized.

The Write step requires one to jot down all emergent thoughts—constructing a concept map or mind map—focus on a specific, current stressful issue, and avoid delving into unrelated broader life issues.

Recheck involves viewing the issue from another perspective, to understand what can be done in the present to address it.

The Active Reach step, often initiated with a visualization or a positive phrase, helps anchor an individual, preventing immersion in negative or harmful emotions and allowing the deconstructive process to continue.

Implementing the Neurocycle For 63 Days Creates Lasting Change and Healthier Mental Habits

Neurocycle Interrupts Negative Thought Spirals or Overwhelming Emotions

While there is no explicit mention in the provided material of a 63-day timeframe, Dr. Leaf emphasizes the necessity to address issues over time to develop new habits. She suggests that it takes around 63 days to establish a habit; the first 21 days are for the hard work, and the next 42 days for reinforcement.

Mel Robbins cites from Leaf's research that after 21 days of utilizing the Neurocycle process, an 81% reduction in depression and anxiety was ...