Anxiety and stress
Imagine your mind is like a car. Stress is when you're pressing the gas pedal too hard. You feel the pressure, the engine's roaring, but you're still going somewhere. However, in the long run, this might run down the car faster.
Anxiety is when you're stuck in neutral, engine revving, but the car isn't moving. It is a constant feeling of unease, worry, or fear about what might happen.
Discover your new normal
Imagine a life where mornings unfold without a clenched jaw and tense muscles... You wake up refreshed, without the groggy dread of another day. You tackle your to-do list efficiently, without self-doubt or fear of failure.
Social interactions flow smoothly, free from the anxiety of judgment or awkwardness.
Evenings are spent relaxing, not replaying the day's events or worrying about tomorrow. Sleep comes easily, undisturbed by racing thoughts.
Frontal alpha asymmetry neurofeedback for the reduction of negative affect and anxiety
Mennella R, Patron E, Palomba D, 2017
This study explored how neurofeedback targeting frontal alpha asymmetry affects emotions and anxiety. Frontal alpha asymmetry influences whether a person is more approach- or withdrawal-oriented in their emotional responses. Thirty-two right-handed women were divided into two groups: one received neurofeedback to increase this asymmetry, and the other had a control training. The neurofeedback group showed improvements in reducing negative emotions and anxiety.
Norris S. L., Lee C. T., Burshteyn D., Cea-Aravena, J., 2001.
This study looked at how neurofeedback training affects blood pressure, stress, attention, and brainwave patterns. A 49-year-old male with high blood pressure managed by medication participated in 26 training sessions over 15 weeks. Midway, he stopped his medication under his doctor's advice. Results showed that the participant was able to maintain normal blood pressure even without medication. His attention and reaction times improved, and he reported feeling less stressed in work and social situations.
Treatment of Anxiety Disorder with Neurofeedback: Case Study
Moradi A, Pouladi E, Pishva N, Rezaei B, Torshabi M, Mehrjerdi Z.A., 2011
This study explored the impact of neurofeedback training on two patients with anxiety disorder. They underwent 30 sessions of brainwave training over three months. The effectiveness of the treatment was measured using an established symptom checklist and the patients' own reports. After the sessions, both patients reported a significant reduction in anxiety symptoms. A year later, follow-up tests showed that their anxiety levels were within normal range, and they confirmed they were symptom-free.
The Efficacy of Hypnosis as a Treatment for Anxiety: A Meta-Analysis
Keara V., Leonard M., Lauren C., Caitlin M., 2019
This meta-analysis examined the effectiveness of hypnosis in treating anxiety by reviewing 15 studies with 17 trials. The studies compared hypnosis to control conditions. Results showed that, on average, participants who received hypnosis experienced a greater reduction in anxiety than about 79% of those in control groups. At the longest follow-up, this improvement increased to about 84% compared to controls. Hypnosis was especially effective when combined with other psychological treatments rather than used alone.
Calm your chaos
It is completely normal to experience anxiety and stress from time to time. However, if these feelings are overwhelming or interfering with your daily life, it is important to find ways to manage and reduce them. Neurofeedback, resilience training, relaxation, and mindfulness are among the methods that can help.
Children might express anxiety as tummy aches, headaches, or difficulty making friends. They might worry about school performance or fitting in.
Adults feel it as job pressure, relationship issues, or financial worries. They might experience burnout or feel overwhelmed by responsibilities.
In seniors, health concerns, loneliness, and changes in lifestyle or rutines can contribute to anxiety and stress.