Our brain loves variety. By constantly mixing it up and providing mental “exercise”, we are creating big boosts in mental power.
Plot twist! When we arrived at Nackord studio last Monday, there was an “after rain” scent that made us uncomfortable for an aerobic-based workout. To be safe, we switched class to Studio #2.
When friends started arriving, you could see the slightly startled sensation of being guided to another studio, and being pushed to Mojo in a different spot (the horror!). But once everyone was able to acclimate, that minor blip added an adventurous and playful, delightfully distracting vibe and took our sweat sesh to another level.
Did you know that our brains crave sudden shifts (mini adventures) like this? Our brain loves variety. By constantly providing mental “exercises” like this, we are creating big boosts in mental power.
Here’s how:
Think of your brain as a super-efficient prediction machine. When you consistently attend your Mon/Wed class, and stand in the same spot, your brain builds a detailed model of that environment – where the instructor stands, the feel of the floor beneath your feet, the usual sounds, and even the subtle cues of your classmates. This allows for efficient processing; your brain anticipates what’s coming next, freeing up resources for the actual dancing and the joy of movement.
When that routine is disrupted and you find yourselves in a new location, or you are trying out a new routine, your brain suddenly encounters a mismatch between its predictions and reality. This “prediction error” is a powerful trigger.
Here’s why it’s so good for us:
Neuroplasticity Boost: Our brain is constantly rewiring itself based on new experiences. Surprises act like a jolt, forcing our brain to pay closer attention and create new neural pathways to process the unfamiliar environment. This strengthens neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to adapt and learn throughout life.
Enhanced Cognitive Flexibility: When faced with the unexpected, our brain has to become more flexible in its thinking. It’s taking in new sensory information, analyzing it, and adjusting our movements and expectations accordingly. This mental agility translates to improved cognitive flexibility in other areas of our lives, making us better at problem-solving and adapting to different situations.
Dopamine Release and Motivation: Novelty is inherently rewarding to the brain. When we encounter something surprising, it often triggers the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure, motivation, and learning. This surge of dopamine not only makes the experience more enjoyable but also reinforces the learning process, making those new neural connections stronger. That extra spark of fun we felt was likely a neurochemical release.
Increased Awareness and Sensory Processing: When we’re in a familiar environment, our brain can operate on a sort of autopilot. Surprises force us out of that autopilot mode. We become more aware of our surroundings and pay closer attention to details we might normally overlook. This heightened sensory processing can sharpen our overall perception and attention skills.
We work out to get physically fit because we want to have a slimmer silhouette and live a healthy, vibrant life. But without brain health, it’s not the full package. Our brain is a muscle that needs to be exercised frequently and consistently for us to enjoy long-term. Ignoring it is a bit, well… absent-minded.
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