While most treatment options only address the symptoms of cognitive decline, at Brain Mind Wellness, we help you rebuild your brain’s natural capacity for focus, clarity, and emotional balance through our proven combination of neurofeedback and counseling. Here’s what you can do at home to maximize the benefits of your treatment.
In this post, you’ll discover:
- How small changes to your morning routine can prepare your brain to get the most out of your neurofeedback sessions
- The science-backed daily practices that can be used between counseling sessions to maintain emotional regulation and cognitive clarity
- Which common daily habits might be inadvertently interfering with your brain training progress, and what to do instead to support your brain health goals
Understanding Your Brain’s Potential
Imagine your brain as a garden, with neurofeedback and counseling sessions being like expert landscaping services. But just as a garden needs daily watering between professional care, your brain needs consistent daily nurturing to optimize the results of your treatment. Individuals who complement their professional treatments with supportive daily habits often experience even more profound and lasting changes.
Setting the Foundation
The neurofeedback and counseling sessions we offer here at Brain Mind Wellness create opportunities for significant cognitive change. Our advanced neurofeedback technology helps retrain brain wave patterns, while counseling provides essential emotional tools and insights. However, the habits you maintain between sessions can play a crucial role in your progress.
Research shows that the brain’s ability to create and strengthen new neural pathways—a process called neuroplasticity—depends on consistency. Think of it like learning a new skill: regular practice between lessons always yields the best results.
Morning Habits That Prime Your Brain
Starting your day with brain supporting habits can significantly improve the outcome of your treatment plan:
Quality Sleep
- Maintain consistent sleep and wake times, even on weekends
- Your brain uses sleep to consolidate the progress made during neurofeedback sessions
- Quality rest improves your ability to engage fully in counseling sessions
Hydration
- Begin your day with 16-20 oz of water
- Proper hydration supports optimal brain function and neuroplasticity
- Even mild dehydration can impact your ability to focus during treatment sessions
Morning Movement
- Light stretching or gentle exercise increases blood flow to the brain
- Physical activity enhances the neuroplasticity we target in neurofeedback
- Movement supports emotional regulation which amplifies the benefits of counseling
Mindful Screen Use
- Delay screen time for the first 30 minutes after waking
- Strategic screen management supports the cognitive patterns we develop in treatment
- Natural light exposure helps regulate your brain’s circadian rhythm
Daytime Practices That Support Your Treatment
Maintaining consistent brain-supportive practices throughout the day can enhance the success of treatment:
Stress Management Techniques
- Apply the breathing exercises from your counseling sessions
- Take brief meditation breaks between tasks
- Use mindfulness techniques that complement your neurofeedback training
Brain-Friendly Nutrition
- Eat regular, balanced meals to maintain stable blood sugar
- Include omega-3 rich foods that support brain function
- Stay hydrated throughout the day
Strategic Breaks
- Schedule 5-minute breaks every hour to prevent mental fatigue
- Practice grounding techniques learned in counseling
- Brief movement during breaks enhances cognitive function
Mindfulness Practices
- Create moments of mindful awareness throughout your day
- Implement the techniques discussed in counseling
- Notice and adjust habits to support your treatment goals
Evening Habits That Protect Your Progress
Your evening routine can significantly impact your brain’s ability to process and retain the benefits of treatment:
Wind-Down Routine
- Begin reducing stimulation 2 hours before bed
- Practice relaxation techniques learned in counseling
- Establish a consistent evening schedule
Digital Wellness
- Minimize blue light exposure in the evening
- Choose calm, offline activities
- Support your brain’s natural transition to rest
Relaxation Techniques
- Use the calming strategies from your counseling sessions
- Prepare your mind for restorative sleep
- Reinforce the patterns we work on in neurofeedback
Sleep Environment
- Create a cool, dark, quiet space
- Consider white noise if helpful
- Maintain a peaceful sleep space
Habits That May Interfere With Treatment
Being aware of these common habits can help protect your progress:
Inconsistent Routines
- Irregular sleep patterns can disrupt brain training
- Skipping meals affects cognitive function
- Irregular treatment attendance may slow progress
Excessive Stimulants
- Too much caffeine can interfere with sleep quality
- Alcohol can impact overall health
- Energy drinks may interrupt sleep patterns
Mental Overload
- Constant digital connectivity strains cognitive resources
- Multitasking can overwhelm neural systems
- Excessive screen time may impact treatment efficacy
Your journey to improved cognitive health is unique, and at Brain Mind Wellness, we understand this. Our combination of cutting-edge neurofeedback technology and compassionate counseling creates a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
Don’t let cognitive challenges hold you back any longer. Ready to discover how neurofeedback and counseling can help you achieve lasting results? Schedule your initial consultation today.
