Stress, when managed properly, can be a real asset to performance.
However, prolonged exposure to stress strengthens that pattern within the brain. Just like with muscles, brain patterns grow stronger with use. Given enough reinforcement, these patterns can become ‘locked’ into place (see neuroplasticity), making it more and more difficult to return to a neutral, unstressed state. Stressed becomes the new normal.
When we are chronically stressed, we underperform at almost everything. It affects the tone of the central nervous system, affecting hormonal balance, supressing the immune system, imparing mental processing and emotional control.
Anxious thoughts are damaging to the physiological system, and can present physically in a myriad of ways. Migraines, fears, phobias, sleep trouble, irritable bowel, digestive difficulty, anger issues, adrenal fatigue, burnout; most every system in our body suffers when under prolonged stress.
Neurofeedback is a targeted and direct method to show your brain how to return to a natural, unstressed position.
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Neurofeedback & Stress/Anxiety
Neurofeedback therapy is a useful tool in the arsenal of anyone looking to gain more control over their mind, and it has been shown in some studies to compliment alternative treatments for stress and anxiety.
If you are looking for a non-invasive and non-drug therapy program to help better control your mind then neurofeedback training could be a good option. However please note that if you have or think you may have a stress or anxiety disorder, your first step should be to consult with your doctor (including sharing details on the neurofeedback approach to intend to embark on).