This May, discover the power of neuroplasticity, ancient yogic techniques, and mindset tools to transform how you think, feel, and live.
Your Brain Can Change—Here’s How.
For many years, we believed the brain was fixed—like concrete poured in childhood and left to harden. But neuroscience now paints a far more hopeful picture. Your brain is beautifully adaptable. It changes moment by moment, shaped by how you move, breathe, focus, feel, and connect.
This capacity for change is called neuroplasticity—and it’s one of the most empowering discoveries of our time.
“Every experience sculpts the brain. With intention and practice, we can shape it in ways that support clarity, resilience, and joy.”
Let’s look at some of the science that backs this up:
- Movement creates growth. Regular physical activity stimulates the release of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)—a kind of fertiliser for brain cells. It encourages the growth of new neurons and strengthens connections between them, improving memory, mood, and cognition.
Source: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4915811/
- Breath regulates the brain. Slow, deep breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system—helping calm stress responses and improve focus. Studies show breath practices can reduce anxiety and support better sleep and emotional balance.
Source: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6137615/
- Gratitude changes perception. Practising gratitude has been shown to increase activity in the prefrontal cortex, associated with decision-making, empathy, and happiness. It shifts how we interpret the world, wiring the brain for a more optimistic, resourceful outlook.
- Meditation literally rewires. Long-term meditation is linked with increased grey matter density in areas linked to learning, memory, and emotional regulation. Even short daily practices can reduce the amygdala’s activity—the brain’s threat centre—and boost calm.
Source: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3541490/
- Mindful attention strengthens focus. The simple act of paying attention—whether to a flower, a breath, or a thought—builds the brain’s capacity for presence, reflection, and insight. It helps shift us from autopilot to awareness.
Source: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8011594/#S20
- Relaxation supports flow. Deep relaxation—especially when combined with a softly lengthened neck and open posture—can support the movement of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), the clear liquid that nourishes and protects the brain and spinal cord. Gentle movement and calm breathing help release muscular tension in the neck and spine, allowing CSF to flow more freely. This circulation is vital: it clears metabolic waste from the brain, enhances nutrient delivery, and may support mental clarity and mood regulation. Even a few minutes of conscious relaxation each day can contribute to your brain’s internal spring clean.
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27261979/
This is the foundation of our upcoming Boost Your Brain Health course—a rich, practical exploration of how to support your brain’s natural brilliance through everyday tools like movement, breath, meditation, and positive emotion.
You don’t need to overhaul your life. You just need to begin.
What The Ancient Yogis Knew
Long before neuroscience discovered neuroplasticity, the yogis of old understood that the mind is trainable, and the brain is not fixed.
They saw thought patterns as grooves (samskaras)—deep mental habits that shape how we experience the world.
Through practices like mantra, mudra, pranayama, and meditation, they developed precise methods to soften unhelpful patterns and awaken higher states of awareness. Yogic texts speak of manomaya kosha (the mental layer) and its influence on both body and soul.
By cultivating clarity, devotion, and presence, the yogis taught that we could rewire not only our minds, but our destiny. Spring offers the perfect time to reconnect with this wisdom and refresh the inner landscape
5-Step Spring Clean for Your Brain
Simple practices to refresh your mind, rewire your habits, and reconnect with your spark
1. Open the Windows of Your Mind
Just as spring invites us to fling open windows, your brain needs space and breath. Begin your day with 3–5 minutes of stillness — no agenda, just watching the breath. This moment of pause gives your mind a chance to reset and rewire.
Try this: Sit tall with a soft gaze. Inhale slowly through the nose, exhale with a sigh. Notice what arises — and let it pass like a breeze.
2. Clear the Clutter
Old thought patterns, looping worries, and unconscious habits all take up mental real estate. Journaling for 5 minutes a day can declutter your mind and create space for insight.
Try this prompt:
“What belief or thought am I ready to outgrow?”
3. Water What You Want to Grow
Neuroplasticity means your brain changes with what you practise. Consciously choose one uplifting emotion — like joy, gratitude or calm — and spend a minute amplifying it each day. The more you feel it, the more you wire it.
Try this: Recall a moment that brought joy. Feel it again, breathe it in, let it grow.
4. Keep the Neck Free
A relaxed neck and flowing breath support the circulation of cerebral spinal fluid — your brain’s cleansing and nourishing system. Gentle movement and deep relaxation help this flow.
Try this: Neck rolls, shoulder shrugs, or a few minutes in crocodile pose. Then lie down and simply let go.
5. Light a Spiritual Spark
The ancient yogis understood that the mind becomes luminous when aligned with purpose. Chanting, mantra, or simply connecting with your inner teacher brings the mind from chaos to clarity.
Try this: Silently repeat a mantra like “Om” . Feel your inner being expand into spacious awareness.
Reflective Questions for Your Classes, Clients, and Friends
- What does a clear mind feel like for me? When have I experienced it?
- In what ways am I currently shaping my brain - through habits, thoughts or emotions?
- What small daily action could I take to nourish my brain and inner life?
- What emotional habits would I love to strengthen in my mind (e.g. gratitude, calm, curiosity?
- What stories am I telling myself about my brain and my potential? Are they helping me grow?
- In what ways can I incorporate neuroplasticity into my teaching to support my students' brain health?
- What tools or practices can I share with my students to help them integrate brain health into their lives beyond the yoga mat?
