Rewire: Break the Cycle, Alter Your Thoughts and Create Lasting Change

Neuroscientist Vignola debuts with a robust “neuroscientific toolkit” to help readers rework entrenched habits and “subconsciously programmed beliefs we hold about ourselves.” She anchors her approach in the brain’s “ability... to change and adapt” as harmful thought patterns are weakened by disuse and replaced with new synaptic connections. Readers are encouraged to combat chronic stress with breathing exercises; visualize positive outcomes before a meeting or performance (“If you’ve already imagined executing something, then it will be easier to execute”); and increase resilience by believing that one’s abilities “can be developed through dedication, effort and learning.” Vignola expertly translates neuroscientific principles for the lay reader without sacrificing complexity. As a result, even the more obvious stress-reduction tools (sleep, exercise) are enriched with useful context (according to the author, during REM sleep, a drop in norepinephrine aids “the brain’s ability to process emotions and memories without triggering a person’s emotional centres,” helping to reduce “the emotional load of traumatic experiences and intrusive thoughts”). It’s a solid resource for those seeking to lead fuller lives. (June)