News & Goods Practice

 

When you're recovering from a brain injury, it can feel like you're stuck in a loop.  The same challenges, the same frustrations.  It's tough, and your brain can get really good at those familiar, sometimes negative, pathways.

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But there's a simple, powerful trick called "News and Goods" from Dr. Herbert Benson, a pioneer in mind-body medicine, that can help.  It's all about neuroplasticity—your brain's incredible ability to rewire itself.

 

The "News & Goods" Practice

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It’s really as simple as it sounds:

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• Do something "new": This helps create new neural pathways.  It could be as simple as trying a new recipe, listening to a different genre of music, or taking a new route for a short walk.  The goal is gentle novelty, nothing overwhelming.

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• Do something "good": This is about engaging in an activity that brings you genuine pleasure and a sense of well-being.  Think about a quiet moment with a favorite book, a gentle stretching session, taking a warm bath, or enjoying a warm cup of tea in a sunny spot.

 

How It Helps Your Brain

 

Your brain loves routine, but sometimes those routines reinforce old, unhelpful patterns, especially during recovery. When you introduce something new and pair it with something good, you're actively building new connections. You're telling your brain, "Let's explore this path instead!"  This helps interrupt those automatic, sometimes negative, thought loops and gently nudges your brain toward new, healthier ways of functioning.

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It's not about big, dramatic changes, but consistent, small shifts that encourage your brain to adapt and grow.  By regularly engaging in "News and Goods," you're actively participating in your brain's rewiring process, fostering resilience and opening doors to new perspectives in your recovery journey.

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Give it a try. What's one "new" thing and one "good" thing you can do today?

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• "New": Visit a local farmers market you've never been to.

• "Good": Buy some fresh produce and cook a simple, healthy meal with it.

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Another one:

• "New": Listen to a new genre of music.

• "Good": Enjoy it while you sip on a warm cup of tea or coffee.

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It doesn't have to be a big deal.  The key is to be intentional about it.  Start small, be consistent, and see how this simple practice can create a little more space for joy and calm in your life.​

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"We can either change the complexities of life—an unlikely event, for they are likely to increase—or develop ways that enable us to cope more effectively."

- Dr. Herbert Benson