Train your brain to be happy – really
The economic crisis that has dogged the world economy for the last few years has left many people feeling depressed and just downright unhappy. Peak Achievement Training has released a new neurofeedback product called Peak BrainHappiness Trainer. The program is supposed to help you train your brain to be happier.
The Peak Brain Happiness Trainer will be launched at the the First World Congress on Positive Psychology. The Conference is hosted by the International Positive Psychology Association. The new program will be demonstrated this week on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights during the conference.
The Peak Brain Happiness Trainer is supposed “to enhance the effects of the pleasurable brain chemical, dopamine, by modifying the brain’s electrical activity at the prime spot–the Prefrontal Pleasure Center.” The training is supposed to result in more positive feelings such as happiness, gratitude and peace by helping you find your “Neureka” brainwaves.
The equipment consists of a sensor headband, a wireless transmitter and receiver and computer software. The computer package that comes with this gear “includes special proprietary biofeedback protocols (screens and sounds that respond to your brainwaves) for the Neureka! brainwaves in addition to the Focus and Alertness measurements from the basic Peak Achievement Trainer.” Of course, in order to use the computer portion of the program you better have Windows XP or Vista. MAC and Linux users need not attempt to become happy with this program.
The basic technique is actually neurofeedback which gives real time feedback to the patient or user. Special sensors are attached to the scalp in select areas to record brain activity. Specific computer programs are used to “train the brain” to achieve whatever the desired effect may be. Neurofeedback is frequently used by psychologists to help with such issues as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder better know as ADHD, sleep disorders and migraine headaches.
There are scientific studies that prove that neurofeedback when properly administered can achieve the desired results. At home biofeedback/neurofeedback is discouraged unless administered under the close supervision of a clinician. Sometimes adjustments need to be made in the program and only a trained psychologist knows when and how to do the modifications.
A number of studies are listed on the company’s Web site that support using programs like these to improve mood and attention. As with all programs that purport to be able to change your thinking, you have to be willing to follow the program to the letter. The company provides “an hour’s consultation” in how to use the system along with a manual and lesson plans.
If you don’t like reading, don’t even think about trying this system. As with all programs, just like diet and exercise, it requires dedication and effort. You can’t quit if it seems too hard or the results are not showing up fast enough. That’s why neurofeedback works better with a clinician to oversee sessions. Clinicians can modify the program so it works better and can cheer you on when it seems to be taking a long time.
These systems aren’t cheap so before you go looking for happiness training, be sure you’ve got the money to spend. Oh right. That’s how we got here in the first place.
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