The #1 Combination for Boosting Neuroplasticity
Two simple daily practices that strengthen focus, reduce stress, and promote emotional resilience.
“When things get tough, remember that we aren’t building something small, we’re building a palace of peace within our own hearts. It takes determination and effort to complete something of such beauty and magnitude.”
A Note from Me
Hi, I’m Jessica.
I wrote this piece because I know how easy it is to feel stuck—mentally, emotionally, and even physically.
But the truth is, your brain is always listening to what you do. That’s what makes this topic so powerful.
You don’t need a perfect routine to start healing. You just need to move a little, breathe a little, and repeat.
These two habits have been a quiet anchor in my life, and I hope they become a source of strength in yours too.
Let me know if you try this—I'm always rooting for you!!
Let’s Start with The Breakthrough: Your Brain is Not Static
For years, we were taught that the brain was like cement—formed early, then set for life.
That once brain cells died, they were gone forever. But today, we know that idea was wrong and definitely no longer the case.
Here’s the truth:
Your brain is malleable, plastic, trainable, and rewritable.
This ability is called neuroplasticity—your brain’s natural ability to rewire itself based on what you do, think, and feel.
And two of the most powerful ways to activate this process?
Movement and meditation.
Again, you don’t need a new supplement, a 30-day challenge, a cold plunge, or a two-hour morning routine.
What you do need is this: daily movement and intentional stillness.
Two simple practices.
One powerful outcome: a more resilient, focused, and adaptable brain.
“When we rise above the past and use our effort to respond to life intentionally, by having the perseverance to build wiser habits, we open the door wider to living in a new way.”
Movement: How Exercise Literally Rebuilds Your Brain
We often think of exercise as a tool for our waistline or heart, but your brain benefits just as much—maybe even more.
The Science:
Movement increases Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF)—a key protein that helps new brain cells grow and form new connections. BDNF is also referred to as “miracle grow” for the brain.
It strengthens the prefrontal cortex, responsible for focus, planning, and emotional control.
It improves blood flow to the brain, enhancing mental clarity, memory, and even mood.
You don’t need a fancy gym or a 90-minute session.
You need consistency, not intensity.
Walk around the block or for 15-20 minutes.
Dance to a couple songs.
Do 5-15 minutes of stretches.
Ruck with a weighted backpack.
Do a 20-minute yoga flow.
Jog, garden, clean your house—just move!
Even 20 minutes of daily movement creates structural changes in the brain over time.
And for those recovering from trauma or anxiety?
Movement helps recalibrate the nervous system, giving your brain a new rhythm to follow.
Meditation: The Stillness That Makes You Stronger
Where movement activates and energizes the brain, meditation strengthens and stabilizes it.
Far from “doing nothing,” meditation trains the mind to become aware, focused, and calm.
What We Know:
It thickens the prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain tied to decision-making and self-regulation.
It quiets the amygdala, the region responsible for fear and stress responses.
And it restructures the default mode network (DMN), reducing overthinking, self-judgment, rumination, and mental noise.
Even brief moments of meditation help build emotional resilience and mental flexibility—core features of a neuroplastic brain.
A 2018 study from Harvard University found that just 8 weeks of mindfulness meditation increased gray matter in the hippocampus, which supports learning and emotional regulation.
You don’t need to sit for 30 minutes to feel a change.
Try 3–5 minutes of silence or breathwork right after your morning walk. That’s it.
Or even, try to sit in silence for one minute and build upon that until you can reach 5-10 minutes of stillness.
Why The Combination is So Powerful
When you pair daily movement with daily stillness, you activate complementary brain systems.
Movement sparks growth.
Meditation builds control.
Together, they create flexibility.
This combination doesn’t just make you feel good for a day.
It builds a mind that:
Handles stress without shutting down.
Recovers faster from setbacks.
Makes sharper, more intentional decisions.
Regulates emotions instead of reacting to them.
This is where healing begins.
This is how change becomes sustainable.
How to Get Started (Today)
You don’t need a program. Just begin.
Move, Daily.
Walk. Run. Dance. Ruck. Squat. Stretch.
Aim for 20 minutes—but even 5 is better than 0.
Sit in Stillness.
Right after movement, sit in silence for 3–5 minutes.
Focus on your breath. If your mind wanders, then return to the breath.
You’re not doing it wrong—you’re training your mind.
Make it Accessible.
Don’t chase perfection.
You don’t have to be up at 5 AM, watching the sunrise and drinking green juice.
Although, catching the sunrise is amazing!!
You just have to show up. Even if it's messy. Even if it's late.
The brain responds to effort, not perfection and rewards repetition, not aesthetics.
Final Thoughts: A New Brain Starts with A New Habit
Your brain is always listening.
Every time you move with intention or sit in quiet awareness, you're giving your mind new instructions:
Grow here. Calm here. Rebuild here.
You don’t need to do everything.
You don’t need to fix yourself.
You just need to create the conditions where change becomes possible.
And that starts today—with one walk. One breath. One choice.
✍️ Journal Prompt for Tonight
“When I move and breathe with intention, I feel…”
Write for 2–5 minutes. Don’t edit. Let your nervous system speak.
Thank you for reading this article.
Until next Sunday,
—Jessica
Your 2am friend who actually gets it
“In a world that is changing and growing ever so rapidly, inner calm is your most valuable asset—the type of calm that you can rely on when there is turmoil around you. The type of calm that helps you breathe deeply and make good decisions when it’s time for action.“ —Yung Pueblo
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MEDICAL DISCLAIMER
This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician. All readers/viewers of this content are advised to consult their doctors or qualified health professionals regarding specific health questions. All viewers of this content, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physicians before beginning any nutrition, supplement or lifestyle program.
Love this, and fully agree. No need to be perfect. Getting started is more important than being right!
Another great post Jessica! Thanks for sharing.