The Germans know how to celebrate Christmas! The Christmas markets are humming with great music, naughty treats like Glühwein (warm, spicy wine in a mug) are available, and everyone’s smiling. As the year comes to a close and holiday cheer fills the air, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the past and look forward to the future with hope, growth, and a little dash of neuroplastic magic.
Whether you’re in sunny South Africa or snowy Sweden, this is your reminder to embrace the gift of your amazing, ever-changing brain as you step into the new year. Let’s dive into some fun and fascinating ways to power up your brain while keeping things light and merry, and not Grinch-y.
Music: Your Brain’s Ultimate Holiday Playlist
Did you know your brain loves music just as much as you do? When we listen to music, our brain lights up in areas linked to emotion and memory. That’s why your favorite holiday tunes from childhood can make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside: They’re like little time machines for your emotional memories.
But here’s the kicker: Music doesn’t just help you remember the past; it can change how you feel about it. Listening to music can reshape the emotions tied to your memories, making it a powerful tool for growth and healing. So this holiday season, turn up the tunes that make your heart sing and let the good vibes rewire your brain for a brighter future.
Stress and Fear: The Grinch of Your Memory
Seeing family again? Not always fun? Feeling stressed about holiday shopping, family gatherings, or year-end deadlines? You’re not alone, but here’s why it matters: When we’re stressed, our brains store memories differently. Stress floods the memory system, making it harder to distinguish between what’s scary and what’s OK. This phenomenon is tied to conditions like PTSD, in which memories of past fears become overwhelming and hard to escape. The good news? Breath work, relaxation, napping, and time with people you like all help rewire your brain to stay calm and clear-headed. So take a deep breath, grab a cup of cocoa, and find a child to cuddle. Give your brain the gift of oxytocin this season: The neurotransmitter powers our brains to feel good when we’re with people we love and connect with.
Dopamine: The Dark Star of the Party
This “feel-good” neurotransmitter is like an internal holiday planner, keeping us motivated, happy, and even grooving to holiday tunes. But with all the hype, you might wonder: Can we ever have too much dopamine? Should we be doing a “dopamine detox”? The dark side of dopamine is that too much of a good thing isn’t good for you. Beware of all the dark chocolate cake and other holiday delights: As Schneider et al. (2023) explained, the potential risks for interpersonal tension and disappointments over the holidays are linked to mental health. Here’s the deal: Dopamine is essential, but balance is key. Focus on healthy ways to boost the brain’s dopamine levels, like celebrating small wins playing games like Monopoly and spending time with loved ones. After all, what’s a holiday party without some feel-good brain chemistry?
Wishing You a Merry, Brain-Boosting Holiday
As we end the year, let’s celebrate all the ways we’ve grown and get excited for the adventures ahead. And remember: Your brain is your best ally in creating a brighter, bolder future, capable of learning, adapting, and growing in ways you can’t even imagine. As we step into the fresh air of the new year, let’s embrace the power of neuroplasticity to shape our lives for the better. Want to learn a new skill? Strengthen a relationship? Find more joy? Your brain is ready.