Stress is a constant companion in our lives, whether we are children, adolescents, adults, or in our later years.
Our view of stress is mostly negative, but stress also has its “positive side”: it motivates us to push our physical and mental limits.
For example, physical training for competition is a form of stress, intense training to strengthen the body; and deadlines motivate us to excel.
Stress helps us enhance performance, but when it becomes too strong and prolonged, it becomes harmful.
Often, stress from certain causes, such as work or school, is temporary and dissipates once the exam is over.
However, chronic stress can increase the risk of certain diseases such as diabetes, heart diseases, certain cancers, and even premature death.
A stressful situation alerts the body: it releases a surge of adrenaline, increases heart rate, and accelerates breathing.
The body’s reflex response is either to fight or flee, but these responses are often insufficient, so we hope that time will heal things, but unfortunately, it’s not that simple.
However, there are ways to reduce stress and prevent its undesirable effects.
Numerous studies have shown that neurofeedback is an effective means of managing stress.
The Neuroptimal® system is the latest advancement in neurofeedback, using gentle music with subtle interruptions when the software detects that your brain is not functioning optimally. This creates a subtle change in brainwave patterns.
In the case of stress, the brain is reminded to reset to its “normal” state, free from anxiety, and to create new neural pathways that do not trigger an excessive reaction. This allows you to manage your attitude rather than succumb to compulsive or excessive reactions. Subconsciously, you will gain the necessary distance to readjust your response to the situation.
The results depend on the frequency of sessions, but since neurofeedback sessions generally last less than an hour and are often conducted once a week for the first five weeks, improvement can be seen quite quickly, especially when compared to traditional psychotherapy.
As sessions progress, stress-free periods lengthen, symptoms become less pronounced, and, most importantly, shorter. Your brain starts to accept your newfound calmness as its “new normal.”
Ultimately, a certain number of sessions lead to lasting change for you or your loved one. The results also vary depending on the severity of the person’s stress. Progress can be challenging to observe and accept in cases where stress is triggered by avoidance behavior, but improvement still occurs and is often noticed by those around you.
When considering treatment for stress, neurofeedback can offer a rebalancing of your nervous system, often felt as early as the first session.
All these tips have one thing in common: they allow you to step back and redirect your thoughts. Using them all or in part in your daily life can prevent the accumulation of stress and help you face challenges with more confidence.
