Watch Out, Shakespeare! It's the Taming of the Neurofeedback Device

Silvia Damiano
2 min read

When many people hear the phrase ‘neurofeedback device,’ they are likely left scratching their heads. Advancing technology has unlocked new tools that can be used to monitor brain activity—without a sophisticated laboratory setup. These devices can offer real-time data on what’s really going on upstairs.

Don’t Be Katherina, The Shrew! Embrace New Tech And Use A Neurofeedback Device

In Shakespeare’s famous comedy, The Taming of the Shrew, Katherina stubbornly rebukes the advances of her would-be suitor. In this same vein, many people are reluctant to try new technologies such as neurofeedback devices. However, most of us are always ready to jump for the new smartphone, or the new fitness tracker, or whatever digital tech makes your blood pump.

Neuroscience is now studying the links between neurofeedback devices and the effects on users. Using such a device, users can see and hear real-time representations of their own biological responses. While such feedback required an elaborate medical or lab setup, once upon a time, now devices are available for home use. Preliminary data regarding patients with traumatic brain injuries have been promising, with patients seeing a reduction of symptoms regarding mindfulness, mood, and attention (Gray, 2017).

Imagine How Integrating Data From Your Own Brain Can Improve Your Leadership Skills

For maximum performance as a leader, whether you are an actor on stage or a CEO in a boardroom, you have to cultivate all the parts of you—including your physical, mental and emotional selves. Think about how much you could improve your mental game if you could actually see what was going on. Having real data on your brain activity can be an eye-opening moment, and you’ll likely find out more about yourself than you ever imagined possible.

The human brain has 100 billion neurons, each neuron connected to 10 thousand other neurons. Sitting on your shoulders is the most complicated object in the
known universe.

Michio Kaku

Your brain is, in fact, a marvel of science. It’s big, intricate, and simply beautiful. It is now possible to monitor your own brain waves during activities such as meditation, all from the privacy of your own home. And don’t worry—you don’t have to spend an arm and a leg. These devices often cost less than a fitness tracker, and many of them work with your existing smartphone.

Strengthening the integration between your body and mind using neurofeedback devices is now possible. You can build more balance in your life, and hone your mental edge right along with your physical health.

The choices in this life are your own, and would you instead resist modern technology, much as the shrew resisted her lover, or would you rather be on the cutting edge of leadership in today’s Imagination Age?

Citation:
Gray, S. N. (2017). An Overview of the Use of Neurofeedback Biofeedback for the Treatment of Symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injury in Military and Civilian Populations.Medical Acupuncture, 29(4), 215–219. http://doi.org/10.1089/acu.2017.1220

Originally posted on: 20 February 2018
Last updated on: 24 March 2024
Silvia Damiano

Silvia Damiano

Founder & CEO
About my Brain Institute

Scientist, educator, author, speaker, coach, award-winning leadership specialist, filmmaker and creator of the i4 Neuroleader Model & Methodology.

Silvia's scientific background and curiosity about the human brain led her to a decade long journey of research into optimal brain functioning and the application of neuroscience in leadership and daily life. Her past and current roles have uniquely prepared her for the current undertaking, that of leadership activist & change agent.

Silvia Damiano founded The About my Brain Institute in 2009, with the purpose of democratising leadership & neuroscience. She has a passionately held belief, that leaders in our 21st century global economy and their organisations must radically change long-held ideas of what constitutes effective leadership

In her ground-breaking books ‘Leadership is Upside Down’, ‘Brain-Friendly Leadership’ and the 2018 documentary ‘Make Me A Leader’, Silvia provides both compelling evidence and explores the importance of leadership in our personal and professional lives and what it takes to develop the human behind the leader.

Silvia has worked in different countries, across many industries, helping teams and organisations improve business performance. Silvia’s clients have described her as a passionate, dynamic, a highly experienced speaker and master facilitator on the topics of Emotional Intelligence, Cultural Change, Neuroleadership & Engagement.

Silvia is passionate about leaving a legacy of well-rounded leaders who can act and decide in a way that better serves humanity. Her clients include Microsoft, Australian Stock Exchange, NSW Government, VISA, Fuji Xerox and Manpower amongst many other global companies.

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