But our understanding has changed drastically to the point where we now see the brain as

plastic and constantly changing. But what if I told you that simply thinking could

not only the way your brain works but its physical shape and structure as well?

It turns out this is exactly what happens. From a neuroscientific

standpoint imagining an action and doing it require the same motor and sensory

programs in the brain. For example, if you were to close your eyes and imagine the

letter "B" the primary visual cortex lights up in the same way it does when you

look at the letter on the screen. Take a moment and imagine yourself writing out

your signature with your dominant hand.

Chances are the amount of time it takes you to simply imagine doing it is

similar to how long it actually takes to write it out. Try doing the same thing

with your non dominant hand and it actually takes you longer to write and

imagine.

How is this relevant?

Well because imagination and action are actually integrated and engage the same

neural pathways, practicing one actually influences the other.

One fascinating study took two groups and had them practice piano for two

hours a day.

Except one group was only allowed to use mental practice, they couldn't touch the

piano but would sit in front of it and imagine practicing. The surprising result,

the exact same physical changes took place in the motor cortex of both groups.

And after three days their accuracy in playing was the exact same,

beyond five days the physical practice group did begin to excel faster

but the imagination group, when given the chance to practice physically, was able

to catch up to their skill level quickly. Perhaps more incredible is an experiment

which used imagination in an effort to strengthen muscles. Both groups did the

same figure muscle exercises for four weeks

though one group simply did it mentally. Those who actually did the physical

exercise increased their strength by thirty percent while those who imagined

doing it increased their muscle strength by twenty two percent.

This is because the neurons responsible for the movement instruction were still

being used and strengthened, resulting in increased strength when the muscles

actually contracted. So while your thoughts don't have some mystical or

magical power, mental practice is an effective way to prepare for a physical

skill. Each thought actually changes the structure and function of your brain by

affecting the neurons at the microscopic level.

Though as much as we wish you could sit there and become the next Mozart, it won't

happen without a lot of hard physical work, but a little imagination never hurts.

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