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Anxiety is a natural human response to stress. It can manifest differently for each of us, causing anything from mild unease before a big presentation to persistent worry about life’s uncertainties.

While occasional anxiety is completely normal, improving our ability to manage these emotions can truly help us overcome them. Moreover, if left unchecked, occasional anxiety can escalate into an anxiety disorder that disrupts daily life and causes other health issues.

Given that more and more people are struggling with anxiety nowadays, scientists have shown increased interest in practices that can help alleviate anxiety symptoms, and one of them is neurofeedback.

So, if you’re looking for an innovative way to train your brain to reduce stress, promote relaxation, and improve your emotion regulation skills, neurofeedback might be exactly what you need! In this article, we will discuss briefly what neurofeedback is and when exactly it is safe to practice it at home for managing anxiety symptoms. We'll also help you choose the best neurofeedback device for anxiety.

Key Takeaways

• Neurofeedback and anxiety management. Neurofeedback provides real-time feedback on brain activity, allowing you to train your brain to respond better to stress and anxiety.

• Neurofeedback systems are not medical devices. They are only designed for wellness purposes, so they can be beneficial in managing occasional anxiety. If you have an anxiety disorder or another mental health condition, you should talk to a healthcare professional before using any of the devices mentioned in this article.

• Among the best neurofeedback devices for anxiety are Mendi, Muse S, Sens.ai, Flowtime Biosensing Meditation Headband, and FocusCalm.

• Consistency and motivation are extremely important in neurofeedback brain training. You may also experience better results if you combine neurofeedback with other wellness practices.

What Is Neurofeedback, and How Does It Work?

Neurofeedback is a non-invasive biofeedback technique that helps people regulate their brain activity. It provides real-time feedback on brainwave patterns or blood flow to certain brain regions.

Imagine seeing your brain in action and adjusting it toward healthier patterns—this is the goal of neurofeedback. It provides you with the necessary tools to train your brain to self-regulate, reinforcing desired brain waves and reducing problematic ones. Research shows that this method works because of neuroplasticity—the brain's ability to adapt and reorganize—and operant conditioning—the likelihood of repeating behaviors associated with positive feedback.

Electroencephalography (EEG) is the most common neurofeedback technology. It monitors brainwave activity through electrodes placed on the scalp. During a session, the person watches a video or plays a game while the sensors detect brainwave activity. If brainwaves shift in an undesired direction, the video or the game stops. When the brain wave activity returns to the desired state, the video or the game resumes. This process teaches the brain to maintain healthy patterns on its own.

Other neurofeedback technologies, such as functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) or functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), measure blood flow and oxygen levels instead of electrical activity. These technologies are just as effective as EEG but are not widely used because of their higher costs.

As such, can neurofeedback help with anxiety, and if so, can you use an at-home neurofeedback device for this purpose? Let's find out.

How Neurofeedback Devices Help with Anxiety

Research shows that in-clinic neurofeedback therapy can be beneficial for reducing anxiety symptoms. Nonetheless, results vary based on the experience of the neurofeedback provider, whether the protocol is personalized, and other factors. However, our discussion today focuses on the use of at-home neurofeedback devices for anxiety. Are they useful in this regard?

To answer this, we must first define anxiety. Everyone experiences it occasionally. It’s a normal part of life. We all worry about family, health, and other important matters. But for some, these feelings become overwhelming and develop into an anxiety disorder. People with anxiety disorders worry excessively, often without a clear reason.

As such, if you experience occasional anxiety, you can certainly try an at-home neurofeedback system. It can help enhance your emotion regulation abilities, stay focused, improve your stress management skills, and break negative thought patterns.

On the other hand, if you have or suspect you may have an anxiety disorder, you should not use an at-home neurofeedback device without confirming with your doctor that it aligns with your mental health needs. These devices are designed only for general wellness and do not substitute medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment.

If you want to learn more about the effectiveness of neurofeedback for anxiety, check out our comprehensive article on this topic.

The following section about the best neurofeedback equipment for anxiety is intended only for people who experience occasional anxiety. If you have an anxiety disorder, and your therapist has recommended at-home neurofeedback, the details mentioned below may help you find a device that suits your needs.

Top Neurofeedback Devices for Anxiety

Below, you'll find the key features of the most praised neurofeedback devices on the market, as well as some potential benefits that may help improve your stress response and reduce anxiety in difficult situations.

Mendi

Price: $299

Mendi stands out among other devices on the market because of its innovative use of fNIRS technology, focusing on measuring blood flow and oxygenation in the prefrontal cortex. This brain region, located right behind your forehead, controls your response to stress, emotion regulation skills, focus and concentration, and other cognitive functions. By focusing on this part of the brain, Mendi can help you strengthen your ability to handle stressful situations, ultimately reducing anxiety over time.

Here are the key benefits of the Mendi headband:

• Targeted focus on the prefrontal cortex. By concentrating on the brain’s emotion regulation center, Mendi specifically enhances your ability to deal with stress, reduce anxiety, and improve overall emotional resilience.

• Interactive and engaging. Mendi uses gamification, turning brain training into a game-like experience, which makes sessions enjoyable, engaging, and helps maintain motivation.

• Less movement sensitivity. Unlike EEG-based devices, fNIRS technology is less sensitive to movements and sounds, so you don't have to sit completely still to get accurate measurements.

• Cognitive enhancement. Given that it focuses on training your prefrontal cortex, the Mendi headband can also enhance cognitive performance, which may be beneficial for those who are often stressed and anxious.

Muse S

Price: $474.99

The Muse S headband is quite popular among those who want to manage anxiety and stress, particularly if they also struggle with poor sleep. It uses EEG technology to provide real-time auditory feedback. This can guide you toward a more relaxed state and help reduce anxiety.

Here are the key benefits of the Muse S headband:

• Comprehensive tracking. It not only tracks brain activity but also measures heart rate, breathing, and sleep quality. So, it offers a comprehensive understanding of how your body responds to stress.

• Real-time feedback. The auditory feedback helps you identify when your brain is moving towards a more relaxed state, and over time, this reinforcement can strengthen your ability to manage stress and anxiety.

• Focus on relaxation and sleep. The Muse S headband is especially well-suited for those whose anxiety disrupts sleep. It is also a great tool for those who want to take their meditation practice to a new level!

However, the Muse S must be used with your eyes closed, which may limit its usability for some.

Sens.ai

Price: $1,700

Sens.ai is a sophisticated neurofeedback device that combines EEG, tPBM (transcranial photobiomodulation), and HRV (heart rate variability) biofeedback to provide a comprehensive picture of your brain activity.

Here are the key benefits of the Sens.ai system:

• Multi-technological approach. Sens.ai integrates the above-mentioned three advanced technologies. This allows for detailed tracking and analysis of brain activity and overall nervous system function. This makes it a powerful tool for those who want a complete understanding of their response to anxiety and stress.

• Personalized feedback. The app offers a range of customizable programs that can be used for specific wellness goals.

On the downside, the Sens.ai headset is bulkier than other devices, so you may not find it comfortable enough. Additionally, it is quite expensive due to its advanced technologies and detailed feedback system. Therefore, it is usually recommended for those who've already tried neurofeedback and want a more comprehensive approach.

Flowtime Biosensing Meditation Headband

Price: $297.99

The Flowtime Biosensing Meditation Headband is a neurofeedback device that uses multiple sensors for customizable biofeedback training. It incorporates both EEG and Photoplethysmography (PPG) sensors. The Flowtime Biosensing Meditation Headband monitors your brain activity and heart rate. It also offers comprehensive reports that will help you understand your progress over time.

Here are the key benefits of the Flowtime Biosensing Meditation Headband:

• Customizable biofeedback. It offers multiple practice modes, giving you control over your meditation practice. You can choose settings that help target relaxation, focus, or stress relief.

• Tracks theta and gamma waves. The Flowtime Biosensing headband helps you track deep theta waves, which are linked to deep relaxation, and gamma waves, which are associated with hyperfocus. This makes it useful for managing anxiety, reducing stress, promoting relaxation, and learning to stay focused in difficult situations.

• Interactive feedback. During meditation, you’ll receive feedback in the form of vibrations and audio cues. They will guide you toward achieving the desired state, so it's the perfect device if you're new to meditation.

On the other hand, take into consideration that while the app itself is free, you'll need a subscription to access all of the advanced features.

FocusCalm

Price: $249.99

FocusCalm is another excellent neurofeedback device that uses EEG technology to help you feel more relaxed and improve your stress management skills.

Here are the key benefits of the FocusCalm headband:

• Affordable solution. FocusCalm is one of the more cost-effective options for neurofeedback, making it accessible to individuals who want to explore effective brain training without a significant financial commitment.

• Cognitive training exercises and games. FocusCalm offers numerous interactive games and mental exercises, so it's perfect if you want to diversify your neurofeedback experience.

It is worth noting that even though the FocusCalm headband is relatively budget-friendly, you'll need a premium app subscription to access all its features.

Is It Safe to Use Home Neurofeedback Devices for Anxiety?

As already mentioned, using at-home neurofeedback equipment is generally considered safe when your goal is to improve overall well-being. Therefore, if you use these home devices to improve your response to occasional anxiety and stressful situations, you're good to go. You may experience a few temporary side effects, such as headaches or eye strain, but they should resolve within 24-48 hours. If they do not, you should contact the manufacturer.

If you have or suspect you may have an anxiety disorder, using one of the devices mentioned above without talking to your doctor can cause side effects. This is because neurofeedback training that targets anxiety disorders should only be performed at a clinic. This way, an experienced neurofeedback provider can supervise your sessions and personalize your protocol accordingly to avoid overtraining your brain or any side effects.

Tips for Effective Neurofeedback Training at Home

To get the best results from home neurofeedback training, it’s important to be consistent and stay motivated. Neurofeedback is a long-term commitment—doing just a few neurofeedback sessions won't lead to any long-term benefits. Plus, it's important to set realistic goals and learn as much as you can about neurofeedback training. This way, you'll know how it works and what you can expect from it.

Also, don't forget to track your progress. Even the tiniest changes can help you stay motivated. This can also help you notice whether you experience any side effects. For example, some users have reported headaches or other undesired effects, which may be linked to overtraining. This is why it's important to stick to the manufacturer's recommendations in terms of training duration and frequency. So tracking any changes can help you adjust these accordingly.

And don’t forget about sleep—prioritizing quality rest is crucial for consolidating what your brain has processed during training. You can also combine neurofeedback with other wellness practices, such as meditation and exercise.

Summary

At-home neurofeedback equipment can be a valuable tool for managing occasional anxiety. It can help you learn how to regulate your emotions more efficiently, break negative thought patterns, and improve your stress management skills. However, always consult a professional if you have any concerns regarding your mental health.

If you feel that the advanced fNIRS technology incorporated into the Mendi headband is in line with your wellness objectives, now's the perfect time to prioritize your mental health! Backed by scientific research, Mendi provides a powerful way to boost your focus, regulate emotions better, and alleviate occasional anxiety. With regular brain training, you can build lasting resilience to stress and enhance your cognitive performance!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is neurofeedback, and how exactly does it work?

Neurofeedback is an effective non-invasive brain training technique. It tracks brain function and provides real-time feedback that helps individuals achieve desired mental states.

Can neurofeedback help with severe anxiety?

Research has shown that neurofeedback can potentially help with severe anxiety, but it needs to be done at a clinic under the supervision of an experienced professional who can personalize the training protocol.

Are home neurofeedback devices worth it?

Home neurofeedback devices are undoubtedly worth it if you're looking to improve overall well-being and key functions like focus, emotion regulation, and stress management. However, if you have or suspect you may have a mental health condition, you should talk to your doctor before purchasing an at-home neurofeedback device.

How do neurofeedback devices help with anxiety?

Neurofeedback devices can help manage anxiety by improving your stress response, promoting relaxation, helping break negative thought patterns, and enhancing emotion regulation skills.

Are neurofeedback devices safe to use at home?

Neurofeedback devices are generally safe for home use, but consulting a professional is advisable, especially if you have specific medical conditions. Additionally, ensure that the device you choose is of high quality and has been validated for safety and effectiveness.