The newness of life is symbolised beautifully with the birth of a newborn child. This creation brings in a whole new range of emotions. The excitement of the preparation for the future, the uncertainty through which we probably would grope and the welcoming of a new member into the family. We enjoy this mixed state of emotions as a natural process.
In your mundane routine lives, how many of you have experienced the thrill of a new job, a new project, meeting your life partner or a shift to a new home? Did you ever give it a thought as to whether your brain has a role to play in it or not?
Yes, it is the neurobiology that’s kicking in the neurotransmitters and bringing that ecstasy in you. The walnut-shaped brain definitely plays a role in it.
Let's explore how the brain processes ‘the new’ and accepts change.
Human beings are creatures of habit whose brains are wired to seek stability and predictability. We prefer familiarity to change, and hence we continue with the simple patterns of life we have had for years. This can also create an obstacle to change. (1)
The study of the brain (cognitive neuroscience) shows that the brain's ability to accept change relies on well-defined mechanisms. The brain uses the neural connections formed by past experiences and accommodates new choices. (2)
Certain factors can trigger the acceptance of change in the brain. Dopamine, for example, plays a major role as a signal for learning and anticipation. The new beginning or a change is experienced as a novelty, creating outcomes that differ from the past. Thus, it activates the neuronal connections involved in exploration and learning and the dopamine signalling. But if unrealistic expectations are attached to it and early difficulties are encountered, the brain receives a negative signal, and motivation collapses. When the activity is beneficial, the process is less a pleasure and more a source of anticipation and motivation, which creates a need for repetition and the learning of valuable experiences. (3)
The Limbic system, also called the mammalian brain, which we have inherited from our ancestors (mammals), is responsible for situations in which we have experienced the incompletion of a task even though it was a long-desired goal to be accomplished. The new beginnings, ventures, and changes, when seen as a goal to be accomplished, do not matter to this part of the brain unless it creates the ripples of survival instincts to some extent. Only then is it supported through the display of positive emotions, which is required to achieve your desired change. So, the next time you decide or plan to do something varied, you will need to give it a personal touch, add meaning, which, of course, is connected to your inner being. Adapting this method will increase your chances of success. (4)
The next question is: What keeps you from change?
This is also called as ‘self-discovery through introspection techniques’ and will help you understand how stress impacts your ability to adapt to change.
The chronic stress, any kind of trauma that you have experienced in your life, surely has a negative impact as it plays havoc with the stress hormone, which in turn puts the body into a fight or flight mode. Slowly, the body gets exhausted, and the mind cannot function at its optimum. Once again, the limbic system prioritises - first to the survival of the body and then tries to recuperate. It's best not to indulge in any new goals at this stage, as they will be difficult to reach in the stipulated timeframe .
The most you can do is to help your body heal faster from the stress. There are ways in which you can achieve this.
All these will help you bounce back from the effects of chronic stress.
Again, our human brain is wired for stability and predictability. If you ever decide to take up new ventures, check on the stability of your idea, and give it a personal touch, you will reach great heights. Are you ready to fly with change?
If you find yourself reflecting deeply on change or direction, a guided conversation with a psychologist can help bring clarity. Self-discovery through guided conversations allows for introspection and can help you grow and adapt to change better.
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