Videos

Growing evidence of brain plasticity

Michael Merzenich

A neuroscientist explains the brain’s ability to rewire itself and how researchers are trying to use that ability to build skills and recover lost function.

You can grow new brain cells. Here’s how

Sandrine Thuret

A neuroscientist describes research on neurogenesis, the growth of new neurons in the adult brain, and practical habits that may support it.

Note: Scientists still debate how many new neurons form in the adult human brain, and how much this matters for mood and memory.

The power of believing that you can improve

Carol Dweck

A psychologist introduces “growth mindset,” the idea that abilities can grow with effort, and how thinking “not yet” can change how we handle challenges.

Note: Later research found that growth-mindset programs have small effects on average. They seem to help more for some students, such as lower-achieving students in supportive schools.

The brain-changing benefits of exercise

Wendy Suzuki

A neuroscientist discusses how physical activity may boost mood and memory and help protect the brain as we age.

A simple way to break a bad habit

Judson Brewer

A psychiatrist who studies mindfulness and addiction explains how habits form and how curiosity about an urge may help us ride it out.

How to make stress your friend

Kelly McGonigal

A health psychologist explores how our beliefs about stress may affect how it influences us, and how reaching out to others can help.

Note: Research on how our beliefs about stress affect health is still developing. Long-lasting or overwhelming stress still deserves support from a professional.

How to stay calm when you know you’ll be stressed

Daniel Levitin

A neuroscientist describes how stress clouds our thinking and suggests planning ahead for what could go wrong, an approach called the “pre-mortem.”

Sleep is your superpower

Matt Walker

A sleep scientist describes how sleep affects learning, memory, the immune system, and more, and shares tips for better sleep.

Note: Some specific statistics in the speaker’s popular writing have been criticized, and he has acknowledged at least one error. The main message that sleep matters for health is widely supported.

One more reason to get a good night’s sleep

Jeff Iliff

A neuroscientist describes research on how the brain clears waste and how sleep may be involved.

Note: Most of this research has been done in animals. In people the evidence is indirect, and scientists still debate whether the brain clears waste more during sleep.

Why do we sleep?

Russell Foster

A circadian neuroscientist shares popular theories about why we sleep, myths about how much sleep we need, and links between sleep and mental health.

Your body language may shape who you are

Amy Cuddy

A social psychologist argues that standing in a confident posture may change how confident we feel.

Note: Some findings in this talk have not held up. A larger 2015 study found that power posing changed how powerful people said they felt, but not hormone levels or behavior. TED has added its own note about this debate.

The Neuron (basics)

This explains what neurons are and how they’re built to send information. WithinYourLight recommends it because self-improvement gets easier when you understand you’re working with a biological learning system, not “willpower magic.” It’s a short, simple foundation before watching anything about habits, stress, or attention.

Action Potential (how signals move)

This explains the electrical “spike” that lets neurons communicate rapidly. WithinYourLight recommends it because it makes brain talk less mysterious—your thoughts and skills emerge from repeatable processes. The takeaway: practice matters because repeated activity can strengthen the connections involved.

Synaptic Transmission (how neurons communicate)

This explains how neurons transmit signals across synapses via neurotransmitters and receptors. WithinYourLight recommends it because it helps people understand why mood, learning, and habits are influenced by both biology and environment. The takeaway: you can support your brain through sleep, movement, stress reduction, and repetition—not just “trying harder.”

Neuroplasticity (how the brain changes)

This introduces neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to change its connections with experience. WithinYourLight recommends it because it shows why learning, practice, and new experiences matter at any age. The takeaway: change is possible, and it usually builds gradually through repetition.

Serotonin (a chemical messenger for mood and sleep)

This introduces serotonin, a chemical messenger involved in mood, sleep, and appetite. WithinYourLight recommends it as a starting point, as long as it is not oversimplified. The takeaway: serotonin is one of many players, and mood is not controlled by a single chemical.

Dopamine (motivation and learning from rewards)

This introduces dopamine, a chemical messenger involved in motivation, movement, and learning from rewards. WithinYourLight recommends it because it helps explain why rewards and new things can feel so pulling, and how habits form. The takeaway: dopamine is about wanting and learning, not simply pleasure.

Anxiety (how the brain responds to threat)

This gives a short overview of how the brain is involved in anxiety. WithinYourLight recommends it because it can make anxious reactions feel less mysterious and less personal. The takeaway: anxiety involves body and brain systems that respond to possible threat, and it can be treated with the help of a professional.

Depression (a brain and body condition)

This gives a short overview of how the brain is involved in depression. WithinYourLight recommends it because understanding that depression involves the body as well as the mind can reduce self-blame. The takeaway: depression is a real, treatable health condition, and reaching out to a professional is a strength.