Brain training does not only help improve baby boomers with their memory retention, nor increase intellect among children and adults. There are studies showing that emotional brain training could actually help in improving stress levels and making a person feel more at ease and relaxed.
Anxiety and stress are among the biggest problems that we are facing in a very fast-paced lifestyle we live in. These problems could actually worsen chronic diseases which could make the illness turn for the worst. Which is why anxiety and depression are associated with cases of death in the country.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illnesses, about 15 million Americans had depression. While about 40 million American each year suffer from anxiety according to the Anxiety Disorder Association in America.
Emotional brain training is actually a cognitive therapy which enables the brain to respond to stimulus, positively and healthily without triggering anxiety. Usually relaxation techniques are used to ease the anxiety attacks and moments of depression.
How does brain training achieve such results?
Those who are suffering from anxiety-depression and other behaviour problems have brain disregulation. Brain training aims to use neurofeedback as a strategy to help learn or change brainwave patterns. The brain is observed and the pattern of the brain activity is presented to the patient/customer. Neurofeedback aims for self-regulation of the brain.
The training or neurofeedback (also called neurotherapy) starts with the patient being interviewed and the initial brain activity taken. This would help the therapist identify which activities are positive and negative for the patient which would be used for the following sessions.
The waves are measure or recorded through the electroencephalogram or EEG. Sensors are attached to the scalp to monitor brain activity. Eventually, the signals are filtered and the feedback can be seen on a screen and can be heard through earphones or speakers.
In neurofeedback sessions, the state when the mind is its calmest is determined. Consistent coaching would help the person to re-create that state and eventually use it to decrease their anxiety or depression. These sessions would also help a person to consistently practice and reinforce these calming patterns.
The number of brain training or neurotherapy sessions depends on the complexity of the symptoms, as well, as how sensitive the patient is. Each session would usually last from 30 minutes to an hour and a half. The entire session is not dedicated to neurofeedbacking. Much of the time is spent on exercises and practices on how to relieve the brain of its negative activities.
Nuerofeedback training is not only used by those who have anxiety and depression, those who have experienced emotional trauma, autisms and are suffering from learning disabilities could also benefit from this training. This could also significantly improve social interactions.
Unlike medications for anxiety and depression, neurofeedback is unlikely to produce side-effects. It is also likely for anxiety and depression to return once medication is stopped. However, neurofeedback and brain training and coaching sessions do not replace medication intake. Experts recommend to get doctor’s approval before stopping any kind of medication.
Today, brain training is known as the process of mental exercises to stimulate the brain’s functions and trigger its cognitive development further. Puzzles, video games, logic games, and other thinking exercises are now used to help in brain training.
Right now, they are used by rehabilitation clinics to help mostly elderly patients improve on their mental abilities. If practiced consistently, authorities contend that these aids can improve memory, concentration and can reduce the effects of Alzheimer’s-related symptoms.
They are also known to improve visual judgment, and generally improve mental capabilities slowed down by aging.
Learning and changing
Before, scientists thought that the brain’s network is rigid and fixed, all because of aging. What we know today is that the brain can be molded and changed, even those in the elderly.
Brain training follows the concept of plasticity that says the brain is always learning and changing. New information changes the brain. This, in turn, makes brain training possible.
Commercial games and others
There are several good products on the market to increase brain functioning. Leading game companies have interactive games that feature mathematics, logic, reading and other challenges designed as “mental treadmills”.
There are other alternative routines, of course. You can do crossword puzzles, soduku, logic board games or other mental sports. The primary rule is simple – practice makes for better memory, visualization and reasoning skills.
Neurobics and other tips
The secret is to make connections to the new knowledge. Recalling past events refreshes the old sights and sounds (and even smells) and makes them new again.
In neurobics, the trick is to simply change daily routines. Sit in another place from your usual position at the table. Brush your teeth or comb your hair with your other hand, even if it feels awkward and hard to do the first time.
Practice
Like in physical exercises, practice is the key to eventual improvements of your mental abilities. Do a few of these exercises every day. You will soon discover that you can do more of them later.
Through all these, do not forget good nutrition and your regular physical exercises. Good health and good nutrition is a pre-requisite to improving your mental abilities.
Memory
Medical authorities are targeting brain training on the rehabilitation of our three key mental skills – memory, visualization and reasoning.
Good memory is simply making mental connections. The more connections you have of something, the more likely you can remember it. How does the word sound? What thoughts does it bring to mind?
Visualization
Visualization gives a good mental workout. Pick a memory and recall everything you can about it – the smells, the colors, the time of day, the people around, etc.
Think what and how you felt then – happy, sad, elated? Try to recall everything. If it was a beach vacation, can you still remember the smell of the sea, the feel of the breeze, the sound of the waves?
Spend around 15 minutes visualizing. Repeat everyday with a different memory.
Reasoning
Reasoning is one of the most important functions of the brain. One very good way of practicing would be asking the question “Why?”
Simply thinking the possible answers to questions on things that interest you will force your brain to use logic and intuition. Brain training is actually not an ordeal at all like most people imagine.
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