Following the Path

This tree (see image) isn’t just any tree—it proudly displays the distinctive white-red signage of the “Pieterpad,” a renowned long-distance trail that spans the entire length of the Netherlands from north to south, covering just 498 km due to the country's compact size.

Following this trail became the cornerstone of my week of vacation.

In the initial days, I occasionally missed the Pieterpad sign, resulting in extra kilometers of walking. But by the fourth day, a remarkable change occurred: my brain became adept at spotting the trail’s signage effortlessly, even from a distance!

As I actively searched for these signs during my hike, I was training my brain that was forging and strengthening new neural pathways, enhancing my ability to detect the markings with ease—a fascinating demonstration of #neuroplasticity.

In general, the time it takes to create new neural pathways in the brain varies widely depending on factors like task complexity, repetition frequency, brain health, and age. Research indicates that neural pathway changes can start happening relatively quickly, sometimes within hours or days of consistent practice or learning. However, for more significant and enduring changes, it often requires weeks to months of sustained effort and repetition to establish strong new neural connections and pathways.

Numerous other fascinating processes occur in our brain during vacations.

The mere thought of vacation can already ignite the "feel-good" neurotransmitter dopamine as Justin James Kennedy describes in his recent article? “Why vacations Are So Good for the Brain” (Psychology Today)

Anyway, I expect to miss fewer trail signs in the upcoming stages on the Pieterpad trail—hopefully none at all!

Do you like to learn about the brain-body system and resilience growth?

Book an appointment to discuss how I can help: https://calendly.com/sonja-vlaar/