Neuroplastic Fantastic – The Focus Chemical
Lotte Mikkelsen’s journey from early entrepreneurial ventures to becoming a Laughter Yoga Master Trainer reflects a lifelong dedication to well-being and joy. Since founding UnitedMind in 2002, she has pioneered innovative stress-relief methods and trained thousands to harness laughter's transformative power.
When I named this part of the news story Neuroplastic Fantastic, I was playing on the title of Plastic Fantastic, a famous 1970s Danish avant-garde poem collection by Britta Sandqvist. Back then, “plastic fantastic” was a cheeky nod to synthetic, mass-produced materials that could be moulded into any shape you could possibly imagine.
But the word “plastic” actually comes from the ancient Greek word plastikos, which means “able to be moulded, shaped, or formed.”
By calling this newsletter Neuroplastic Fantastic, we take that concept back from artificial factories and give it to our biology and nature.
Our brain is the ultimate mouldable material. It is a true shapeshifter, physically rewriting its own pathways based on how we use it.
Last time, I talked about using laughter to destroy old, automated habits. This time, let’s look at the secret chemical key required to mould a new, positive habit into place: acetylcholine.
Our brain’s yellow highlighter
Whenever you perform an action on autopilot, your brain glides through existing pathways without changing anything.
However, the moment you bring intense, concentrated focus to a new action, your brain releases a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine.
You can imagine or think of acetylcholine as a biological yellow highlighter. It marks/highlights the exact neural circuit you are using at that particular moment and tells your brain, “This is important. Save this change during sleep tonight.” Without this chemical highlighter, your brain simply forgets the new routine.
Three steps to trigger the focus chemical
Remove and completely banish micro-distractions: Your brain cannot highlight a new pathway if your attention is fragmented. When you practice a new habit, put your phone away. Even a 2-second glance at a notification immediately halts acetylcholine production.
Lean into the friction of discomfort: When you try a new behaviour, it feels awkward, clunky, uncomfortable, and difficult. The mental strain these feelings provide is a good thing. That exact feeling of effort is the physical sensation of acetylcholine flooding your brain to force these important structural changes.
Anchor the newbie with a micro-win: Straight after putting intense focus into your new routine, celebrate! A quick fist-pump or a positive thought triggers a secondary splish-splash of dopamine, which permanently seals the highlighted pathway into your long-term memory.
Your neuro-action step for this week
Pick one positive behaviour you want to automate this week.
When you do it, don't multitask.
Give it 5 minutes of your complete, undivided, super-focused attention.
You are forcing your brain to highlight the new, vulnerable circuit and letting neuroplasticity do the ‘heavy lifting’ while you sleep.
Tell me how you can benefit from workshops and training. You can reach me by email here or by mobile at +44 (0) 7736341717.
Read more from Lotte Mikkelsen
Lotte Mikkelsen, Laughter Yoga Master Trainer
Lotte Mikkelsen’s legacy is one of laughter, growth, and positive change, echoing her mission to enrich lives through laughter and joyfulness. Since founding her business, she has trained over 2,000 individuals and shared laughter at thousands of festivals, conferences, and wellbeing events around the UK and Europe. With a background in corporate, national, and international workplaces, she has a deep understanding of how stress can affect physical, psychological, and emotional health and wellbeing.
