Have you ever thought about how our brain has endless possibilities for changing our lives? Sometimes we feel stuck, and an inner voice keeps screaming for a change.
Human beings have the power to heal and transform their lives. All we need is some brain rewiring and a positive mindset.
Our brain is simple. Whatever information we feed into our brain, it constantly rewires itself to fit into that situation. It can’t differentiate reality or illusion.
If you are in the same phase of life where you think some reprogramming is needed, I would highly recommend these four excellent books that teach how to do brain rewiring.
(Note: The links mentioned in this article are affiliate links. If you choose to purchase these books through these links, it will help me earn a small amount of money — at no extra cost to you. Thanks!)
How To Do The Work by Dr. Nicole LePera
This book by Dr. Nicole LePera, a clinical psychologist, takes you on a journey of healing your body, mind, and soul. This is the best thing I like about this book, as LePera talks about psychological methods to heal and reprogram life based on her own experience while healing.
When her health started to degrade, she got a wake-up call to heal herself, resulting in this book. It consists of eight extracts. Each talks about different issues like mental health, physical health, holistic psychology, childhood trauma, reducing stress, reprogramming your core belief, healthy relationships, breaking free from destructive behavioral patterns, and much more.
Dr. LePera has wonderfully crafted this book about self-healing as she went through this process. I was amazed by the depth of her observations and how realistic the suggestions were to reprogram yourself.
My favorite quotes from How To Do The Work by Dr. Nicole LePera
“The real work has nothing to do with anything “out there.” It has everything to do with what’s in you. It comes from you.”
“Healing is a daily event. You can’t “go somewhere” to be healed; you must go inward to be healed. This means a daily commitment to doing the work.”
“Holistic Psychology harnesses the power of choice because choice enables healing.”
“The first step toward healing in mind and body is knowing what you’re dealing with — identifying the unresolved trauma.”
“Once a core belief is formed, you engage in what’s called a confirmation of bias; information that does not conform to your beliefs is discarded or ignored in favor of information that does.”
Why you should read it
This book has left me with life-changing wisdom and insights I will never forget.
My advice would be to read this book with patience, take time, absorb the lessons, and apply them to your life.
Get yourself a copy of this book here.
Chatter: The Voice in Our Head, Why It Matters by Ethan Kross
Out of all the conversations we have, we spend most of the time in our heads chattering with ourselves. It is pretty common to talk with yourself, most people do that. But sometimes, that voice is impossible to shut down.
We try our best to control our monkey mind but the more we shut it, the more it wanders. It says things like “Everyone thinks you’re a fool”, “Everybody’s doing great except you” — and more disturbing thoughts like that.
What if you get a key to regulate your mind and turn that inner chatter into introspection?
Ethan Kross, a renowned neuroscientist, psychologist, and accomplished writer, talks about positively directing that inner voice and overcoming anxiety.
He has beautifully weaved some real-world stories with research and lessons in the book. The deteriorating talks we have with ourselves, which we call chatter, can have severe effects on our mental health, mood, and our relationships with others.
My favorite quotes from Chatter by Ethan Kross
“People we love, as well as how often we can tolerate this venting while not feeling listened to ourselves. Relationships thrive on reciprocity. That’s one of the reasons why therapists charge us for their time and friends don’t.”
“Moreover, it turns out that having imaginary friends may spur internal speech in children. In fact, emerging research suggests that imaginary play promotes self-control, among many other desirable qualities such as creative thinking, confidence, and good communication.”
Why you should read it
This book changed my perspective on self-introspection and regulating my inner thoughts. Now I don’t try to shut it constantly. Give it a read, and indeed, you won’t be disappointed.
Get yourself a copy of this book here.
Your Turn: How to Be an Adult by Julie Lythcott-Haims
What do you think of the word adults or adulthood? The first things that come to mind are responsibilities, a degree, a job, and a family, which society has embedded in our minds.
But being an adult is more than just following those societal norms at the cost of your freedom and health. Reaching a particular age doesn’t make you an adult. Being comfortable with uncertainty and knowing how to keep going does.
In her book Your Turn, Julie Lythcott-Haims, mother of two and a bestselling author, has discussed her personal experiences and practical strategies to live a fulfilling adulthood.
My favorite quotes from Your Turn by Julie Lythcott-Haims
“Don’t let anyone tell you who you are — you have to have a bigger idea of who you are than how society sees you.”
“You must stop pleasing others because those other people literally have no idea who you ARE.”
“We remember the people who saw us when we couldn’t really see ourselves.”
Why you should read it
Besides working hard for your dream life and grinding, adulthood means including gratitude and kindness. I strongly recommend this book if you want a deeper understanding of being a grown-up.
Get yourself a copy of this book here.
Livewired: Inside Story of the Ever-changing Brain by Dr. David Eagleman
The brain is the most magical part of your body. We can’t even imagine the power it has. You must have heard the quote, “What we think is what we become.” Even scientific research has shown that our brain can be rewired or reprogrammed according to what input we feed into it.
The book Livewired published by Dr. David Eagleman, a neuroscientist, and a TED speaker, was an eye-opener for me. I got to know more about brain functionalities. His research and discoveries about the brain, dreaming, and the use of neurological devices was informative and engaging.
My favorite quotes from Livewired by Dr. David Eagleman
“The experiences and goals of a person are always reflected in the brain’s structure.”
“Dreams are the means by which the visual cortex prevents takeover.
Every man can, if he so desires, become the sculptor of his own brain.”
“The difference between predictions and outcomes is the key to understanding a strange property of learning: if you’re predicting perfectly, your brain doesn’t need to change further… Changes in the brain happen only when there’s a difference between what was expected and what actually happens.”
Why you should read it
Give it a read if you are more like a logic-behind-everything person and want to dive deep into brain rewiring.