The inner workings of the human brain have fascinated me since 1995. Why 1995 you may ask? That is the year I started my A-Level in Psychology. Now, nearly 30 years (!) later, the fascination remains. With the evolution in technology, the ability to get “under the hood” of the brain has evolved, helping Neuroscientists investigate their theories, and create a range of insights into why we do what we do! This month’s read-along, “Rewire” is another example of how we can apply this learning in our everyday lives.
Nicole Vignola, known as “Nicole Neuroscience,” on Instagram, has a way of translating the science into an easier-to-understand way: unlike some other books out there, you don’t need a Degree in Psychology to understand the concepts. The opening chapter gives us an overview of neuroscience, and brings home the power of the brain – to be able to apply the tips, tools and techniques in the later stages of the book, it’s essential to understand more about why the brain creates the pathways, assumptions and judgements it does, as well as the way it protects itself in times of stress.
Intertwined throughout the book are Nicole’s journey to “rewire” her brain, as well as a range of experiments (fully referenced in the back) to bring the theories to life. It leaves us with the understanding the stresses, strains, and responses we have are, whilst natural, able to be managed and altered, due to the way our brain learns, throughout our lifetime.
What I love about the book is the evidence behind things we know work for us but don’t understand why. For example, we are told about the power of problem-solving and emotional regulation through walking in the countryside (which is believed to be linked to the “left and right” way our eyes move when we walk). We are also reminded of the free and (relatively) easy tool to positively, sleep!
For those who know me better, you know how often I recommend “ Why We Sleep” by Matthew Walker. If you don’t have the inclination to read a whole book on sleep, then the chapter “Sleep is your number one optimization tool” gives you everything you need to start making changes.
The book is repetitive, in parts – but I believe that is intentional. We are reminded that change only happens with consistency; that repetition is paradoxically the cause of the negative patterns we find ourselves in and the tool of change.
If you are committed to making positive change in your life and want to understand why the tools and techniques coaches like me offer, then this is the book for you. It does an excellent job of empowering people to take science-based actions, in ways that feel possible, and sustainable, without ignoring the real pressures that exist in the world.
As we are reminded throughout the book “Remember, neurons that fire together, wire together.” So, what one thing will you do differently today?
I’d love to know what you think about the book.
You can find the previous reviews, which cover a range of personal development, career, parenting, psychology and business topics, here. If there are ones you would like to add to the list, or you would like me to review your non-fiction/personal development book, feel free to reach out to me at hello@thebalancecollective.co.uk
Fancy a chat to find out how I can help YOU create a career to enjoy? Find a time here, and I will call you back!
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Clara Wilcox is a straight talking, practical and experienced coach helping clients navigate the tricky waters of returning to work, career changes and professional development. The Balance Collective is a social enterprise focused on improving the lives of parents, by working together to build inner confidence and promote a healthy work/life balance.
