Ever heard the saying, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks?” Well, we’re here to tell you that when it comes to your brain, that’s a total myth, because you absolutely can rewire your brain! For far too long, it’s been assumed that adult brains are pretty much “set in stone.” But what if we told you that this long-held belief simply isn’t true? You can learn new things, change old habits, and unlock your full potential at any age. So, let’s explore that myth about the fixed adult brain and see how you can reshape your mind and life.

The Myth: The Fixed Adult Brain

For much of the last century, mainstream science was definitive: as adults, our brains are fixed. This belief wasn’t just about neural pathways, it was rooted in the powerful concept of genetic determinism. The dominant view held that our genes were the ultimate blueprint, setting in stone not only our physical traits but also our intelligence, behaviours, and even our capacity for change. If your genetic code was your destiny, then it followed logically that your brain’s wiring, your beliefs, and your behaviours were largely unchangeable too.

This perspective was reinforced by early neuroscience. Influential figures like Santiago Ramón y Cajal, the so-called founder of modern neuroscience, famously declared in 1928, “In adult centres the nerve paths are something fixed, ended, immutable. Everything may die, nothing may be regenerated.” For decades, this harsh decree echoed through scientific circles and society, painting a bleak picture: once childhood ended, so did our brain’s capacity for growth and adaptation.

The dominance of genetic determinism made us, in effect, victims of our heredity. If genes dictated everything, then meaningful change, whether in our brains, our habits, or our potential, was out of reach. This outlook left little room for the environment, experience, or personal effort to make a difference. As a result, the myth of the fixed adult brain became deeply entrenched, shaping how generations understood learning, healing, and self-development.

Thankfully, modern science has since shattered these firmly held misconceptions, revealing a far more hopeful and empowering reality: our brains are dynamic, adaptable, and capable of remarkable change at any age.

Ancient Wisdom Knew It First

For centuries, ancient traditions and indigenous cultures have understood that the brain and mind are not fixed. Practices like meditation, chanting, breathwork, ritual, and creative expression have long been used to foster adaptability, resilience, and personal growth. These approaches, central to traditions from India, Egypt, Greece, and Native American cultures, were designed to help people adapt, learn, and thrive, even in the face of challenge or change.

Indigenous perspectives also offer a holistic view of brain health, emphasising the importance of community, connection to nature, and cultural rituals in supporting cognitive flexibility and lifelong learning. These practices are not just about individual wellbeing, they are woven into the fabric of culture, helping people of all ages adapt, remember, and grow throughout life.

So, while the language may have changed, the core wisdom remains: humans have always had ways to shape the mind and brain. Modern science is finally catching up, explaining in its own terms – neuroplasticity – what ancient wisdom has known all along.

Introducing Neuroplasticity: Your Brain’s Capacity for Change

You’ve probably noticed that the word “neuroplasticity” is everywhere these days. It’s often described as the brain’s superpower, credited with everything from instant genius to miraculous healing. But with all this buzz, it’s easy for myths and misunderstandings to creep in. So, let’s separate the wheat from the chaff and get real about what neuroplasticity actually is, and what it isn’t.

What Neuroplasticity Is Not

First, let’s clear up some common misconceptions and things that get wrongly attributed to neuroplasticity:

• It’s not instant transformation. Neuroplasticity doesn’t mean you can rewire your brain overnight or unlock “hidden” abilities with a single meditation or brain-training app.
• It’s not limitless. The brain’s ability to change is powerful, but it’s not magic. There are real constraints such as age, genetics, injury, and environment all play a role in how much and how quickly change can happen.
• It’s not “using 100% of your brain.” The myth that we only use 10% of our brain, and that neuroplasticity unlocks the rest, has been thoroughly debunked. We use all parts of our brain, just not all at once.
• It’s not a cure-all. While neuroplasticity supports recovery and adaptation, it doesn’t mean every brain injury or disorder can be fully reversed.
• It’s not just positive change. Neuroplasticity can reinforce bad habits, negative thinking, or unhelpful patterns just as easily as it can support positive change, growth and healing.

What Neuroplasticity Actually Is

Neuroplasticity is the brain’s natural ability to reorganise itself by forming new neural connections throughout life. This ability is what allows us to:

• Learn new skills and information – from languages to instruments to new ways of thinking.
• Recover from setbacks – such as relearning functions after a stroke or injury, though this is usually gradual and requires dedicated effort.
• Adapt to change – like adjusting to new environments, routines, or challenges.
• Reinforce habits – both good and bad, depending on what we practise and repeat.

But here’s the real magic: neuroplasticity is not automatic. It’s driven by focused, repeated practice and meaningful experience over time. You can’t just wish your way to a new brain. You have to work at it, whether that’s through learning, therapy, mindfulness, or creative pursuits.

The Bottom Line

Neuroplasticity is a genuine superpower, but it’s not a shortcut or a miracle. It’s the foundation for lifelong learning, personal growth, and recovery, but it works best when we understand its real strengths and limits. By knowing what neuroplasticity can and cannot do, we can use it wisely to curate the life and mind we want, one intentional step at a time.

Spotlight on Dr Tara Swart: Practical Neuroscience for Everyday Life

The understanding of neuroplasticity has been revolutionised by the work of neuroscientists like Dr. Tara Swart. A Neuroscientist and author Dr Swart has played a key role in bringing the science of neuroplasticity into everyday conversation. In her best-selling book, The Source, she explores how we can harness the brain’s ability to change by working with our thoughts, habits, and beliefs.

Dr Swart’s approach is refreshingly practical. She draws on both cutting-edge neuroscience and ancient wisdom, showing how tools like mindfulness, meditation, visualisation, journaling, and gratitude can help us rewire our brains for growth and resilience. She often reminds us, “What you focus on grows,” highlighting the importance of conscious intention in shaping our neural pathways.

Some of the areas Dr Swart covers include:

• How to break unhelpful habits and form new, positive ones
• The science behind visualisation and why it works
• The link between stress, self-care, and brain health
• How to use gratitude and journaling to support change
• The role of belief and mindset in unlocking neuroplasticity

All areas we here at The Alchemy of Being wholeheartedly support and undertake ourselves.

As Dr Swart puts it:
“You are not stuck with the brain you were born with. Through focused attention and practice, you can literally rewire your mind.”

If you’d like to dive deeper into her work, find her here:

• Instagram: @drtaraswart
• LinkedIn: Dr Tara Swart
• Website: taraswart.com
• Book: The Source on Amazon UK

Dr Swart’s insights remind us that with the right tools and mindset, we all have the power to shape our brains, and our lives, at any age.

Neuroplasticity in Action: Your Toolbelt for Life

At Alchemy of Being, we believe everyone needs to curate their own “Toolbelt for Life”. That means gathering a diverse set of practices and modalities to support your unique journey. Many of these tools harness the power of neuroplasticity to help you “curate yourself” and create lasting positive change. Here are just a few examples from our Wellness Wiki:

• Mindfulness and Meditation: Regular practice has been shown to increase grey matter in areas of the brain linked to learning, memory, attention, and emotional regulation. Mindfulness strengthens neural pathways for focus, compassion, and self-awareness, supporting resilience and adaptability.
• Hypnotherapy: Hypnotherapy taps into the subconscious mind, helping you reprogram limiting beliefs and behaviours. By visualising your goals and reinforcing positive suggestions in a relaxed, focused state, you create new neural associations, making it easier to break old patterns and embrace new possibilities.
• Belief Change Modalities (e.g. Psych-K, Emotion Code, Havening): These approaches work directly with the subconscious to shift ingrained beliefs and emotional responses. By intentionally accessing and updating these deep-seated neural pathways, you leverage neuroplasticity to create new, supportive ones. Ones that help you align your thoughts, feelings, and actions with your chosen intentions.
• Creative Expression (Art, Music, Writing): Engaging in creative activities stimulates new neural connections and promotes cognitive flexibility. Whether you’re painting, playing music, or journaling, creativity helps you explore new perspectives, express emotions, and keep your brain adaptable and vibrant.

Your toolbelt is unique to you. The key is to find practices that resonate, support your growth, and make use of your brain’s natural ability to change at any stage of life.

Conclusion: Your Brain, Your Canvas

The myth of the fixed adult brain is just that – a myth. Ancient wisdom, Modern science, and everyday experience all show that your brain is alive with possibility, ready to adapt and grow at any age. Neuroplasticity means you are never stuck; you have the power to learn, heal, and reinvent yourself, no matter where you are on your journey.

At Alchemy of Being, we see your brain as a living canvas. Every thought, habit, and intention is a brushstroke, shaping who you are and who you become. The tools you choose are yours to blend and refine as you curate your unique path.

So, don’t wait for change to find you.

Pick up your toolbelt, embrace your brain’s natural adaptability, and start painting the life you truly want.

The journey never ends, and your potential is limitless.

The post Rewire Your Brain: Debunking the Myth of the Fixed Adult Brain first appeared on The Alchemy Of Being.

It might sound simple, but tapping into laughter for mood is one of life’s most accessible well-being practices. When you’re feeling low, stressed, or just a bit flat, intentionally using laughter for mood can be the spark that lifts you up and helps you see things in a more positive light. This month, we’re exploring the science behind why laughter feels so good – and how you can use it to brighten your days, whatever life throws at you.

Understanding Mood: What It Is and Why It Matters

Mood is more than just a fleeting feeling – it’s the emotional backdrop to your day. When your mood is good, everything feels lighter and more manageable. When it’s low, even small things can feel overwhelming.

Mood isn’t random. It’s shaped by a mix of things, from how well you slept last night to what you ate for breakfast. Stress, relationships, and even the weather can all play a part. The people around us, our daily routines, and the challenges we face feed into our mood, sometimes without us even noticing.

But there’s another layer too – the chemistry in our brains. Neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins act like messengers, influencing whether we feel upbeat or a bit flat. When these chemicals are in balance, we’re more likely to feel positive and resilient. When they’re out of sync, it’s much easier to feel down or irritable.

Mood matters because it colours how we see the world and how we respond to it. A brighter mood can help us connect with others, handle stress, and enjoy life more fully. On the flip side, a low mood can make it harder to focus, sap our motivation, and leave us feeling disconnected. That’s why finding simple ways – like laughter – to gently lift our mood can make such a difference to our everyday wellbeing.

The Science Behind Laughter and Mood

Laughter isn’t just a reaction to something funny – it’s a powerful biological event that can lift your mood in surprising ways.

• Endorphin Release: When you laugh, your brain releases endorphins – those “feel-good” chemicals that help create a sense of pleasure and wellbeing. These endorphins interact with opioid receptors in the brain, not only easing pain but also boosting mood and even helping with symptoms of depression. Research from University College London and the University of Turku shows that social laughter, in particular, triggers endorphin release in brain regions linked to emotion and arousal, making us feel more connected and content. The effect isn’t just fleeting – a good laugh can leave you feeling lighter for hours afterwards.
• Stress Reduction: Laughter is a natural stress-buster. It lowers levels of cortisol and adrenaline – the hormones responsible for your “fight or flight” response – helping you feel calmer and more resilient. Studies show laughter therapy can reduce blood levels of these stress hormones, reversing the stress response and even helping with anxiety and depression. Plus, laughter increases your oxygen intake, stimulates your heart and lungs, and encourages muscle relaxation, all of which help your body let go of tension and return to balance.
• Social Connection: Laughing together is a social glue. When you share a laugh, your body releases endorphins in the parts of the brain that help build trust and emotional bonds. This is why laughter is so contagious – hearing others laugh often makes you want to join in. Studies have found that shared laughter creates a sense of safety and belonging, reduces feelings of loneliness, and even helps us see others as more similar to ourselves. In fact, we’re much more likely to laugh in company than when we’re alone, and it’s often the presence of others – not just the joke itself – that gets us giggling.
• Physical Relaxation: Laughter gives your body a mini workout: it gets your heart pumping, increases circulation, and helps your muscles both contract and then deeply relax. This physical response can help break the cycle of stress and low mood, leaving you feeling refreshed and more at ease. Laughter also increases oxygen flow to the brain, which can clear brain fog and help you think more clearly. Over time, regular laughter can even help improve sleep and boost your immune system.

And remember, laughter doesn’t always have to be spontaneous. Even “fake” laughter can set off some of these positive changes in the body, but the biggest mood boost comes from genuine, hearty laughter – especially when it’s shared with others.

So what makes laughter “genuine”? Scientists call this Duchenne laughter. It’s the kind that bubbles up from deep inside, usually in response to something truly funny or joyful. You’ll notice it not just by the sound, but by the way it lights up your whole face – especially around the eyes. This type of laughter is linked to a bigger release of endorphins and a stronger sense of connection with those around you. In brain scans, genuine laughter activates more areas linked to emotion, social bonding, and pleasure than polite or forced laughter.

Genuine laughter also has a ripple effect. When you laugh authentically, it’s more likely to make others laugh too, creating a feedback loop of positive energy and connection. This is why a shared belly laugh with friends or family can leave you feeling uplifted for hours, and why laughter is such a powerful tool for building relationships and lifting group morale.

So don’t hold back – embrace the giggles, the belly laughs, and yes, even those laughter lines. They’re a sign you’re giving your brain and body exactly what they need, and that you’re truly living in the moment.

Bringing Laughter and Mood Together

So, how can you use laughter to boost your mood? The good news is you don’t need hours of comedy – just a few minutes of genuine laughter can make a real difference. Even a quick burst of laughter can trigger a cascade of positive effects throughout your body and mind, helping you reset when life feels heavy.

Aim for at least 10–15 minutes of laughter a day. This doesn’t have to be all at once – think of it as little doses of joy you can sprinkle throughout your day. Watch a funny video on your lunch break, swap jokes with a friend, listen to a comedy podcast, or reminisce about a hilarious memory. Even intentionally seeking out laughter, like joining a laughter yoga session or spending time with people who make you giggle, can help you tap into these benefits.

Laughter isn’t just a solo act, either. It’s deeply social and contagious. When you laugh with others, you’re not just sharing a joke – you’re building trust, strengthening bonds, and creating a sense of belonging. Professor Sophie Scott’s research at UCL shows that laughter is a social emotion at its core, and the simple act of laughing together can lift everyone’s spirits and help us feel more connected. It’s no wonder that after a good laugh with friends, worries seem to fade and everything feels a bit more manageable.

Beyond the immediate mood boost, laughter also helps us cope with stress and setbacks. It acts as a pressure valve, releasing tension and helping us see problems in a new light. When you laugh, your brain releases endorphins and dopamine – natural chemicals that not only elevate your mood but also make it easier to bounce back from challenges. Over time, these regular moments of laughter can build resilience, helping you stay positive and adaptable, even when life gets tough.

So, if you’re feeling down or overwhelmed, don’t wait for laughter to find you—go looking for it. Reach out to someone, share a funny story, or give yourself permission to enjoy something silly. As Professor Sophie Scott from University College London says, “Laughter is a social emotion—it brings people together and lifts everyone’s spirits”. In many ways, laughter is one of the quickest, simplest ways to feel better, reconnect, and remind yourself that joy is always within reach.

Putting It All Together: The Alchemy of Being Approach

At The Alchemy of Being, we see laughter as a key part of your “Toolbelt for Life.” Here’s how some of us use laughter to keep our spirits high:

Charlotte takes a laughter break with her favourite comedians whenever she needs to reset her mood.

Sally finds that a night in with friends and a bottle of red wine always leads to laughter and lifts her spirits.

Vicky swears by watching silly animal videos online—they never fail to make her smile, no matter how her day is going.

Maybe for you, it’s a comedy club, a funny podcast, or a laughter yoga session. The important thing is to find what makes you laugh and make it a regular part of your routine.

April Challenge: Laugh for a Better Mood

Last month, you tracked how laughter could ease pain, and before that, you started your “Laughter Log” to notice what makes you smile. This month, let’s bring it all together and focus on how laughter lifts your mood:

1. Update Your Laughter Log: Keep adding to your log, but this time, note how your mood shifts before and after a good laugh. Notice any patterns – do certain types of humour or situations lift you more than others?
2. Share the Joy: Reach out to someone and share something that made you laugh—whether it’s a joke, a meme, or a funny video. Notice how sharing it affects both your moods.
3. Schedule Laughter Breaks: Set aside time each day for something that makes you laugh. It could be a comedy show, a silly podcast, or just a few minutes of playful fun with family or friends.
4. Reflect: At the end of the month, look back at your log and see how laughter has influenced your mood, pain levels, and even your sense of connection with others.

Ready to take your laughter practice to the next level? If you’re up for a deeper dive, check out our 30-Day Laughter Challenge, available for £9.99.

Unlock Your Joy: Embrace the Power of Laughter 30-day Challenge

Are you ready to laugh your way to a stress-free life? Why not engage in a 30-day Challenge Unlock Joy: Embrace the Power of Laughter! & Discover how to reduce stress and boost your wellbeing through daily laughter activities!

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Share Your Journey with Us!

We’d love to hear how laughter has brightened your mood this month! Share your stories below, or use #GiggleGalleryChallenge and tag us @TheAlchemyofBeing.me on social media. Let’s keep spreading joy and supporting each other—one laugh at a time!

The post Laughter for Mood: Boost Your Wellbeing with Joy first appeared on The Alchemy Of Being.