How does visualisation work in the brain?
Visualisation is a technique rooted in neuroscience.
It has been practiced for decades and now we’re starting to understanding how visualisation works in the brain.
Visualisation is a mental training technique that has gained increasing attention in recent decades for its effect on mental fitness and wellbeing. As neuroscience delves deeper into understanding the intricate workings of the brain, it becomes apparent that visualisation is not a mere belief system but a scientifically grounded practice with powerful implications for mental fitness.
Visualisation leverages neural equivalence & neuroplasticity.
One key aspect of visualisation's efficacy lies in its ability to leverage neural equivalence. When we visualise a movement, like raising an arm, the similar neural pathways are activated as if we were performing the action for real. In the same way that physical practice makes improvement, studies suggest that the brain's networks are reorganised through visualisation, creating more connections among different regions. This is a process called neuroplasticity and is the foundation of how we learn new skills.
Perspective and believability.
We can play with the perspective from which we visualise. Whether in the first person or third person, our brain responds differently. Visualising in the first person, seeing things from our own vantage point, can be more beneficial for rehearsing direct actions such as kicking a football. Whereas, third person visualisation can be more appropriate for high level strategising. Additionally, the believability of the action we imagine is essential. For more similar neural pathways to be activated, the immersion in the visualisation needs to surpass a certain threshold. Consistent and immersive visualisation sets the stage for more impactful neural responses.
Adolescence and visualisation.
Our minds are adolescent and naturally developing until the age of around 25 years old. The way to keep our brain developing past this point is through exposure to new experiences and repetition of desired actions. Since mental rehearsal is equivalent in the brain to physical practice, we can visualise for the same effect. The ability to train neural pathways through visualisation holds significant promise in therapies for stroke recovery, athletic training and improving cognitive function.
In conclusion, the neuroscience behind visualisation unveils its multifaceted impact on the brain and mental fitness. By leveraging neural equivalence and neural plasticity, visualisation becomes a powerful tool for shaping how we think, feel & perform across our life.
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