Support a healthy lifestyle with high-tech devices and habits for enhanced cognition
What if your body could tell you exactly what you needed to optimize your life? Turns out, it does! Brain biofeedback technology allows you see the data required to train your mind for the highest benefit of your body and brain.
We are living in a highly technological era where even our health and wellness have become intertwined with technology. Nowadays, there are tons of online training programs and apps that can be used to measure various health markers. Among them, biofeedback stands out as a particularly interesting option for monitoring brain activity.
Biofeedback is a form of mind-body therapy that teaches people to change how their bodies function to improve physical and mental health.1 It involves measuring different functions such as heart rate, breathing, sweat, muscle tension, brain waves, and temperature, to provide feedback on how to make beneficial changes. The goal of biofeedback is to support people to make subtle changes in their bodies to achieve a desired effect. For example, one can learn to relax specific muscles and use breathing techniques to lower their heart rate and blood pressure.2
While these types of changes are indirectly beneficial for our brains, there are also specific types of biofeedback that focus on measuring brain waves and enhancing brain function directly.
Brain biofeedback, also known as neurofeedback, assesses your brain function by measuring brain waves and providing feedback signals to start the self-healing process.3 Different wavelengths are connected to different functions. For example, delta waves are associated with sleep, repair, and deep unconsciousness, whereas alpha waves are connected to alertness, readiness, and meditation.4 Brain biofeedback operates through a special brain scan method called electroencephalogram (EEG), which uses small electrodes placed around your scalp to measure the electrical activity of your brain. These electrodes are merely small sponges placed on the skin.
The first step is to use the EEG to assess the current state of your brain and its function. Afterward, feedback is provided through various stimuli, such as sound, lights, computer games, or others, with the objective of increasing or decreasing specific brain waves to achieve balance in the brain.
Recently, there has been a lot of research done on neurofeedback. Evidence suggests that it is beneficial for anxiety, managing pain, and depression.5 Neurofeedback has also shown benefits in ADHD treatment,6 stroke recovery,7 and traumatic brain injury.8
While many people have expressed experiencing benefits from biofeedback, it may not be for everyone. It is highly recommended that you speak to your doctor to make sure your goals align with this practice.
“At the end of the day, the only thing that you truly can control is where you place your attention and where you place your effort.”
Get personalized neuroscience-based brain training. Run an in-depth brain check to determine the current state of your brainwaves and create a guided program that fits your needs. Start training your brain with a tailor-made program for improved focus. Get 1:1 coaching for stellar results.
WAVi is a brain measurement platform that provides objective information about brain function and cognitive resources. The WAVi system uses EEG technology to record electrical signatures of the brain, providing doctors, researchers and wellness experts with actionable, data-driven reports.
Discover the world’s only 6-dimensional PEMF Therapy System that utilizes the electromagnetic spectrum to retain and restore your overall well-being. The iMRS prime SWISS Engineering system is the most advanced and comprehensive PEMF technology in the world. It offers 7 easy-to-use and efficient applications on the go, including programmed applications that allow you to create your own individual user profiles.
Experience the benefits of PEMF therapy with NeoRhythm. This non-invasive therapy harnesses the power of electromagnetic waves to enhance cellular function and tap into your body’s natural healing abilities. Whether you seek relief from pain, stress reduction, or just want overall health optimization, PEMF therapy can help. Discover the transformative power of frequencies with NeoRhythm today!
The Hanu App is a powerful mobile app that helps you keep tabs on your mental health, verify powerful data about your body, and perform therapeutic exercises.
It keeps you accountable, offers mental health exercises, and measures your progress as you reduce or eliminate your anxiety and depression.
The app uses a proprietary Stress Resiliency Score to help you better grasp how primed your body is to deal with life’s stressors, as well as anxiety and depression.
You can track the events in your life that either improve or degrade your mental health. Using morning and evening mental health assessments, this app helps you keep tabs on your emotional state.
1. Biofeedback: What Is It & Procedure Details. (n.d.). Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/13354-biofeedback
2. Cherry, K. (2021). What Is Biofeedback? Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-biofeedback-2794875
3. Stoler, D. R. (2014). Neurofeedback: How Does It Work? Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-resilient-brain/201410/neurofeedback-how-does-it-work
4. Marzbani, H., Marateb, H. R., & Mansourian, M. (2016). Methodological Note: Neurofeedback: A Comprehensive Review on System Design, Methodology and Clinical Applications. Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, 7(2). https://doi.org/10.15412/j.bcn.03070208
5. Biofeedback: Biohacking Your Mind-Body Connection (n.d.).. Chicago Psychology Services. https://chicagopsychservices.com/chicago-psychology-blog/f/biofeedback-biohacking-your-mindbody-connection
6. Enriquez-Geppert, S., Smit, D., Pimenta, M. G., & Arns, M. (2019). Neurofeedback as a Treatment Intervention in ADHD: Current Evidence and Practice. Current Psychiatry Reports, 21(6). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-019-1021-4
7. Wang, T., Mantini, D., & Gillebert, C. R. (2017). The potential of real-time fMRI neurofeedback for stroke rehabilitation: A systematic review. Cortex, 107, 148–165. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cortex.2017.09.006
8. Gray, S. (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. https://doi.org/10.1089/acu.2017.1220
9. Biofeedback (2023) Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/biofeedback/about/pac-20384664
Wearable devices allow you to track the health and function of your brain while integrating new lifestyle habits into your daily routines. Once you have this valuable data, biohacking your health and living better are a walk in the park.
There are all sorts of tools that you can use to help biohack your brain function. These devices can be used at home, providing a simple way to get the benefits of brain scans and other more complicated techniques from the comfort of your own schedule. Wearable devices, also known as transformative technology, have become popular tools that can promote personal health and well-being.1 Biohacking wearables like smartwatches, fitness trackers, and sleep devices track physical health markers such as heart rate, sleep, and activity levels, providing you with valuable information on the state of your health. Transformative tech includes meditation apps, as well as virtual reality and brain-sensing headbands. Used together, these tools provide a comprehensive approach to managing mental health.
While overall health is often the main focus, wearable devices for your brain function are also incredibly popular. Wearable EEG devices allow you to track your brain wave activity and get into deeper states of relaxation.1 The process is non-invasive, using sensors that are placed on the skin around your skull. Standard EEGs are complex and take a long time to set up. They also require an expert to use and analyze data. Wearable devices bypass all of that by providing you with data that you can use immediately. EEG devices can also promote passive brain-computer interfaces (pBCI), which allow for communication between the brain and external devices or environments without any physical effort.2 These interfaces work by translating brainwaves into commands or actions that can be understood by an external device.
Wearing a sleep device provides you with information on the quality of your sleep, allowing you to make necessary changes to feel more rested in the morning. Similarly, using EEG or other brain devices (headbands and headsets) can inform you about which brain waves are activated during specific activities. Brain waves have varying wavelengths and frequencies for different activities; for instance, alpha waves, which are associated with relaxation and recharging, tend to increase during meditation.3 Knowing this, you can use a device to see if you have activated alpha waves during meditation.
The overall goal of wearable devices is to send the wearer signals that can aid in managing their symptoms.4 In a world where one in four adults in the United States has been diagnosed with a mental health disorder, people are searching for effective and straightforward ways to alleviate feelings of stress, anxiety, depression, and other symptoms. Wearable devices can offer a convenient means of managing such conditions in a productive way.
There are many different devices that you can wear. Here are a few examples:1
EEG devices:
Mindfulness devices:
“Tracking anything is better than tracking nothing. Tracking even a mediocre variable will help you develop awareness that leads to the right behavioral changes.”
Muse is a smart headband that can help you meditate in just a few minutes a day. Its advanced sensors can detect when your mind wanders and give you gentle audio cues to bring your focus back to the present. Muse is designed to help improve your wellbeing by teaching you to meditate effectively and monitoring your sleep patterns overnight.
BrainTap is a brain wave technology that helps you cultivate creativity and foster growth. It eliminates mental blocks and negative thinking patterns so you can unlock your full creative potential. BrainTap’s breakthrough technology helps you enjoy energetic interactions by harnessing your body’s natural recovery power with cutting-edge audio sessions.
Using the Catalyst Cryohelmet v2 has been found to reduce concussion symptoms, decrease or eliminate pain from migraines and other headache disorders, promote sleep, and cool you down in the heat. The Cryohelmet is flexible when fully frozen for a more comfortable fit and maintains long-lasting cooling for 90 minutes or more!
These collections offer themes and sessions for different moods and needs. Each experience results in a “probability state” that molds into your mind. Explore freely to identify your favorites. Their Creative Studio offers unique and emotionally enriching experiences, and the company currently offers Mind States, Better Sleep, Brain Gym, and Brain Optimizer collections.
Get reliable and easy-to-use solutions to measure EEG signals with TMSi. Choose from multiple headcaps including the Infinity Gel Headcap, Infinity Water Headcap, Ring Electrode Headcap, and round-the-ear cEEGrids. Available in all sizes, these TMSi headcaps and cEEGrids come with a LEMO multi-connector, shielded cable, and Ag/AgCI electrodes.
Dreamlight is a sleep-aid technology company that has created a sleep mask which uses light therapy technology to help you meditate, relax, and drift off to sleep faster. The Dreamlight Ease 3D Contoured Sleep Mask is 100% light blocking and made with breathable, comfortable, anti-wrinkle fabric for sleeping, traveling, shift work, and meditation.
FrequenCell is a revolutionary pain management method that helps reduce pain naturally. It addresses chronic pain without the use of chemicals or invasive procedures and has been proven to be effective by world-class athletes, chiropractors, osteopaths, and physiotherapists.
Get a calm energy boost without side effects. Feelzing patch uses a proprietary waveform to stimulate the nerves of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. It’s designed to improve your energy and focus without affecting your sleep cycle. Customers report reduced mental fatigue.
Learn how to break free of anything holding you back. Lief uses a proprietary waveform to improve your heart rate variability, a scientifically-proven biomarker of mental health. Follow the vibrations to build awareness of your triggers and self-regulate in the moments you need it most.
1. Pearce, K. (2022). 75 Transformative Biohacking Wearables And Performance Tools. DIY Genius. https://www.diygenius.com/transformative-technology-tools-and-biohacking-wearables/
2. Park, S., Han, C. S., & Im, C. (2020). Design of Wearable EEG Devices Specialized for Passive Brain–Computer Interface Applications. Sensors, 20(16), 4572. https://doi.org/10.3390/s20164572
3. Meda, K. (2020). How to Manipulate Brain Waves for a Better Mental State.Jefferson Health. https://www.jeffersonhealth.org/your-health/living-well/how-to-manipulate-brain-waves-for-a-better-mental-state
4. Fleming, L. (2022). What Role Could Wearable Tech Play in the Future of Mental Health Care? Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/wearable-devices-help-with-mental-health-symptoms-6502966
5. EEG-Powered Meditation & Sleep Headband. (2023). Muse. https://choosemuse.com/
6. Personalized Brain Training; Neurofeedback (2023) Sens.ai. https://sens.ai/
7. Introducing the Crown. (2023). Neurosity. https://neurosity.co/
8. FOCI- Ultimate Productivity Tool. (2023). FOCI. https://fociai.com/
9. Stress Relief Technology for Meditation & Relaxation (2023). Sensate. https://www.getsensate.com/
10. Narbis. (2023). Narbis. https://www.narbis.com/
The latest mobile apps in the biohacking space offer everything from mindfulness and mental health hacks to brain training games. Finally, something on your phone that works for you — not against you!
Technology has become an increasingly dominant presence in our lives, and while opinions about it may vary, there’s no denying it can make many things easier. This is especially true in the area of brain and mental health. Many of us are looking to improve focus, memory, and overall cognitive function, or reduce feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression. Mobile apps have emerged as a tool in this field, providing a convenient and accessible way to support mental health. From meditation apps to brain training games, there is a growing selection of apps available that claim to help “biohack” your brain. In this context, we’ll explore some of the ways that apps can be used to support brain health and potentially improve cognitive function.
There are many different ways we can manage our mental health, including therapy, meditation, support groups, and changes to our lifestyle.1 However, some of these options can be daunting or challenging to implement, and it’s common for younger individuals struggling with mental health concerns to avoid seeking professional help.2 That’s where apps can come in and help.
In today’s world, there seems to be an app for everything — from maps to connecting with friends and family, and even reminding you of things on your to-do list. That said, apps have proven to be especially useful in managing mental health and enhancing brain function. Research suggests that brain training using cognitive apps can improve cognitive performance in older adults. Participants who played over 100 sessions of a cognitive mobile game in real-life contexts (independently with no specific guidelines on frequency) demonstrated significant improvements in their cognitive outcomes. While the amount of change was slower in older individuals, all participants showed improvement.3
Mental health apps are designed to help users manage and improve their emotional well-being, become more mindful, and become aware of mental health issues.4 These apps can range from mindfulness apps to therapy apps that connect you to a therapist from the comfort of your home. There are even apps tailored to specific conditions, such as alcoholism, eating disorders, anxiety, and depression.5
Research suggests that meditation, mood tracking, and apps for specific health conditions can all be helpful in managing and treating symptoms of mental health issues.6 The key to their effectiveness is the ability to monitor and manage conditions while being easy to use, thereby enhancing user engagement.7 While this is promising, it’s important to consider seeing your doctor while using these apps, as the apps themselves may not be enough for some individuals.
“Your brain is your most precious asset, and it is wise to invest in it accordingly.”
NuCalm is a clinically proven neuroscience technology that helps you manage your mental state on demand. It effectively turns your headphones into a remote control to enter the brain state you desire. You can use NuCalm to get the sleep you deserve, receive instant stress relief, and perform like a pro – all without the use of drugs.
Inner Balance is a scientifically researched app designed to help you synchronize your heart, mind, and body to reset your composure, inner clarity, and calm reactive emotions, as well as neutralize stress. The app provides you with an accurate, real-time coherence score and guided meditations that coach you for improved results.
Sensate 2 is a wearable stress relief device that can help you achieve relaxation in an easy and enjoyable 10-minute daily session. No effort, training or experience is required. Sensate Plus offers you access to the entire Sensate library, including new monthly tracks for specific uses like sleep, travel, and anxiety.
1. Neary, M. (2021). Can an app help my mental health problems? Mental Health America https://screening.mhanational.org/content/can-app-help-my-mental-health-problems/?layout=actions_neutral
2. Giota, K. G., & Kleftaras, G. (2014). Mental Health Apps: Innovations, Risks and Ethical Considerations. E-health Telecommunication Systems and Networks, 03(03), 19–23. https://doi.org/10.4236/etsn.2014.33003
3. Bonnechère, B., Klass, M., Langley, C., & Sahakian, B. J. (2021). Brain training using cognitive apps can improve cognitive performance and processing speed in older adults. Scientific Reports, 11(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-91867-z
4. Dorwart, L. (2023). Best Mental Health Apps. Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/best-mental-health-apps-4692902
5. Braun, A. (2022). 13 of the Best Mental Health Apps to Use. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/mental-health-apps#A-quick-look-at-the-best-mental-health-apps
6. Chandrashekar, P. (2018). Do mental health mobile apps work: evidence and recommendations for designing high-efficacy mental health mobile apps. mHealth, 4, 6. https://doi.org/10.21037/mhealth.2018.03.02
7. Wang, K., Varma, D. S., & Prosperi, M. (2018). A systematic review of the effectiveness of mobile apps for monitoring and management of mental health symptoms or disorders. Journal of Psychiatric Research, 107, 73–78. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychires.2018.10.006
8. Asprey, D. (2021). Biohacking: There’s An App For That! Dave Asprey. https://daveasprey.com/best-biohacking-apps/
Discover science-backed approaches to boost brain health and maximize cognitive function.
Mindfulness is a hot topic, with its benefits linked to supporting mental health, lowering stress, […]
Most of us don’t really think about the relationship between our brain and our gut. […]
These days, most of us know the benefits of exercise for both our body and […]
Learn about the newest breakthroughs and techniques for optimizing brain function.
Broaden your understanding of brain science by tracking the latest findings from these accomplished specialists.
Dr. Patrick Porter is a renowned entrepreneur, mental coach, and neuroscience expert. He is a leading figure in the neurotechnology field and believes in biohacking the brain to enhance mental clarity and productivity.
As the founder of BrainTap, he has leveraged cutting-edge technologies to optimize brain function, improve sleep quality, and alleviate stress. Additionally, he is the founder of Positive Changes, a network of centers focused on modifying lifestyle and behavior.
Dr. Porter has received numerous awards, including the 2019 Health App of the Year Award, the 2020 Best Sleep App title by Men’s Health Magazine, and the 2020 Lifetime Achievement Award.
His expertise has earned him widespread recognition, and he has made appearances on The Doctors, Fox News, CNN, NBC, ABC, and Forbes. Furthermore, he actively speaks at biohacking conferences and conventions and engages with his audience through podcasts, including his own, “BrainTap Radio”, as well as on Instagram and YouTube.
Dr. Bruce Lipton is a cellular biologist, author, researcher, and lecturer best known for his expertise in epigenetics. His primary focus lies in exploring how the environment influences an individual’s genes, biology, and overall well-being. By integrating science and spirituality, he offers a holistic understanding of human nature and promotes that mental practices can help individuals take control of their health and their lives.
Dr. Lipton’s research has documented that genetic makeup is influenced by environmental factors and can be changed through mental practices. His findings have been published in esteemed journals such as Nature, Developmental Biology, and Science. Through his speaking engagements and his website, he also provides biohacking insights which impact the lives of people across the globe.
He was awarded the 2009 Goi Peace Award for his significant contributions in epigenetics and has been a guest on multiple podcasts. You can find more of him on YouTube, Twitter, and Instagram.
Unveiling the power of your brain for a longer life filled with mental clarity and fulfillment.
Biofeedback technology provides real-time feedback on physiological processes like heart rate, breathing, and brainwave activity. By using devices such as heart rate monitors or EEG headbands, individuals can learn to regulate their own physiological responses. Biofeedback training can help improve focus by teaching individuals to increase their attention and relaxation by reducing stress and promoting a calm state of mind.
There are several wearable devices designed to enhance cognitive performance and brain health. One example is transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) devices that deliver low electrical currents to specific brain regions, potentially enhancing cognitive functions like memory and attention. Other devices, such as neurofeedback headbands, use EEG technology to provide feedback on brainwave patterns, helping users optimize their brain states for improved cognitive performance.
Cognitive mobile apps can assist in biohacking the brain for better memory and mental agility. These apps often include brain training exercises that target specific cognitive functions like memory, attention, and problem-solving. By regularly engaging in these exercises, individuals can challenge and strengthen their cognitive abilities, leading to improved memory, focus, and overall mental agility.
Yes, virtual reality (VR) technology can be used to enhance brain function and creativity. VR provides immersive and interactive experiences that can stimulate the brain and enhance cognitive abilities. VR applications can be used for cognitive training, such as memory improvement exercises or creative simulations that encourage innovative thinking and problem-solving.
Light therapy technology, such as light therapy lamps or glasses, can impact mood and circadian rhythm for optimal brain function. Exposure to specific wavelengths of light can regulate the body’s internal clock and promote the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter associated with mood regulation. Light therapy can be particularly helpful for individuals with seasonal affective disorder (SAD) or those looking to optimize their circadian rhythm for improved sleep and cognitive performance.
Yes, brainwave entrainment technology can aid in relaxation and creativity. By using audio or visual stimuli like binaural beats or flickering lights, brainwave entrainment technology helps synchronize brainwave patterns, inducing a relaxed or creative state of mind. This can enhance relaxation techniques, meditation, and creative practices, promoting deep focus, relaxation, and heightened creative thinking.
Neurofeedback training with EEG devices can improve brain function and mental well-being. These devices measure brainwave activity and provide real-time feedback to help individuals learn to self-regulate their brain states. By guiding users towards desired brainwave patterns, neurofeedback training can help improve attention, focus, and overall mental well-being.
Yes, there are brain-training apps specifically designed to enhance cognitive abilities and problem-solving skills. These apps offer a variety of exercises and games that target different cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and logical reasoning. Regular use of these apps can help individuals challenge their cognitive abilities, improve problem-solving skills, and enhance overall brain function.
Smart home devices or voice assistants can be used to optimize brain health and productivity. These devices can assist with creating a focused work environment by playing background music, setting reminders, or scheduling breaks. Voice assistants can also be used for guided meditation sessions, breathing exercises, or providing information on brain-healthy recipes and habits, promoting overall brain health and productivity.
Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) have the potential to have a significant impact on biohacking the brain for various cognitive enhancements. BCIs allow for direct communication between the brain and external devices, enabling individuals to control technology using their thoughts or brain activity. While BCIs are still in early stages of development, they hold promise for applications such as prosthetics control, neurorehabilitation, and potentially enhancing cognitive functions like memory and attention in the future.
Upgrade your brain with the latest advancements in technology-enabled biohacking for enhanced cognitive performance.
Discover podcasts, YouTube channels, websites, apps, and more to enhance your knowledge and empower your biohacking journey.
Neurohacker’s Collective Insights podcast is a platform that explores the intersection of neuroscience, biohacking, and cognitive enhancement.
Hosted by members of the Neurohacker Collective team, the podcast delves into cutting-edge research, technologies, and strategies for optimizing brain health and cognitive performance. It features interviews with experts in fields such as neuroscience, psychology, and longevity, providing listeners with valuable insights and practical tips for enhancing mental well-being.
The podcast covers a wide range of topics, including nootropics, neuroplasticity, sleep, stress management, and overall lifestyle practices that support brain health and cognitive function.
Elevate is a popular app designed to improve cognitive skills and overall brain function. It offers a variety of brain-training exercises and games that target areas such as memory, focus, problem-solving, and more.
Elevate aims to enhance critical thinking, productivity, and communication skills through personalized training programs. The app incorporates elements of biohacking by utilizing scientifically-backed techniques and strategies to optimize brain performance.
By engaging in regular training sessions, users can challenge their mental abilities, track progress, and potentially enhance their cognitive capabilities in various aspects of life.
