You know our brain has a ‘DELETE’ button? Here’s how to use it
The brain is like a computer – it constantly gets rid of irrelevant data, creating space for new information.
This process is called clearing synaptic connections and happens when we sleep
The more we use certain neural switches, the stronger they become, that is, the more we practice activity, the better we are at it.
For years, this has been the focus of learning new things, but learning alone is a much more complicated process than strengthening the bonds between neurons.
However, the human ability to break down old connections is a much more important step, and it is called synaptic coronation and represents the so-called. erasing data from our brain.
Namely, in the garden, we usually grow flowers, fruits, and vegetables, while the brain can be said to grow synaptic connections between neurons.
Neurotransmitters travel through these connections – chemicals in the role of means of communication between neurons, such as dopamine, serotonin, and others.
Glial cells in the brain act like gardeners because they act by speeding up signals between neurons. There are also microglia cells, “scavengers” that weed weeds, kill pests and grab fallen leaves. It is they who crown our synaptic connections.
But how do they know which synaptic connections need to be cleared? Scientists are still looking for an answer to this question, but it is known that those links that are less frequently used are labeled with the C1q protein.
When microglial cells detect this protein, they either destroy or crown that synapse. In this way, our brain creates physical space for even stronger connections so we can learn more. Cool, isn’t it?
Dream is important
Successful cleansing of synaptic connections, therefore, requires sleep. If after a hard working week you had a feeling that your brain was full, you were right. In a way he is full.
When you are constantly gathering new information, for example through an intensive project, your brain builds synaptic connections. Lack of sleep causes deconcentration, you are slow and you cannot function normally.
During sleep, cells in the brain shrink by 60% so that microglia cells can clear unused connections. That is why short breaks of 20 minutes to half an hour are so important for the return of energy and better cognitive ability of a person.
Watch what you mean
Man essentially can control what he erases from memory. Those synapses you use constantly will be maintained regularly, while those you don’t use will be deleted.
For example, if you’re intensely wondering if Peter Jackson is going to screen another Tolkien book, and you’re neglecting a project at work, guess which synapses will go in the trash.
You don’t need to completely discard things that are important to you to commit to one that is important at the moment but try to strike a balance to harness the full potential of your brain. And don’t forget to get some sleep!
You know our brain has a ‘DELETE’ button? Here’s how to use it
