I think there is probably something evolutionary in that we are drawn to the easiest option. But in our age of convenience, cars, ready meals and off the peg mean that we are in danger of being mentally under stretched.

If we keep practicing mental skills it is likely we can strengthen neural connections and make new connections.

Two brains are better than one. You've twice the brain capacity and you have two sets of experiences and genes to bring to any challenge.

Our emotional map is laid down mainly in relationship with our earliest caregiver in the first couple of years of life.

Our brains do not have to be fixed, they can be plastic.

Beginning a new habit, or ending an old one can feel like letting go of a rope that swings a mile above the ground. So we feel reluctant to let go, after all, we've survived so far doing what we've done, why risk it.

Plasticity is an intrinsic property of the human brain and represents evolution's invention to enable the nervous system to escape the restrictions of its own genome and thus adapt to environmental pressures, physiologic changes, and experiences.