Despite initially laughing at my inability to tell left from right, it became abundantly clear to my nearest and dearest that the brain I have always relied on for cognition, hyper-focus, all night socialising and rapid processing, well, was not quite on its A-game (read: back to front, upside down and inside out … on a good day! Long story made short, I was diagnosed with a mild traumatic brain injury. Even for the externally optimistic (such as myself) this took my breath away!
Yup, the mTBI accompanied by my old friend ADHD and new friend M-pause, really has served-up a growth spurt in 2025 like no other!
Part of my journey has been engaging in neurofeedback, which is basically brain training. If you imagine for a moment that your brain isn't just a squishy organ but instead is the lead guitarist in a massive rock band. Sometimes, it’s totally shredding the perfect solo (focused, calm, happy, next level), then suddenly just tunes out in the middle of the solo (distracted, stressed, forgetful, over-loaded and flooded).
The music our brains make is based on brainwaves and tiny electrical impulses that are always firing. For anyone struggling with things like an mTBI, ADHD, insomnia, pain, etc. neurofeedback can be revolutionary! The small, non-invasive sensors (like little microphones) are placed on your scalp (see above photo). They don't put anything in your brain, they just listen to the brainwaves your brain is already producing.
The sensors are plugged into a computer program. You sit back and watch something on screen, maybe a spaceship, a calming image, literally any video can be utilised. The cool thing is that your brainwaves are the controller! When your brain starts making the calm, focused brainwaves you need (like a good Alpha rhythm), the screen might get bigger, brighter, the sound might get louder, or the spaceship move forward. That's your brain’s reward!
If your brain drifts, gets distracted or anxious then the screen shrinks, the sound dips, or the spaceship stalls. That's your brain’s cue to adjust. The coolest part? You don't consciously tell your brain to be calmer. Your brain figures it out! The unconscious brain is like "Hey, every time I produce the 'calm focus' rhythm, I get a brighter screen. I like the brighter screen! I'm going to do more of that." (Reward! Yup… we really are simple creatures!)
Through repetitions, your brain learns to make those desired, required healthy (read: typical/normative) brainwave patterns automatically, essentially rewiring itself, even when you're not in a neurofeedback session.
Neurofeedback has made me calmer and happier. It is a mental workout that gives your brain a mirror and a goal!
I’ve always absolutely loved learning and so this intervention has been brilliant for me! 2025 has been a personal Everest of a year, I have learned more than I ever imagined about myself, my gifts and my strengths and above all the importance of celebrating the victories and small wins! Still a #workinprogress as 2026 approaches but have come so far in 2025.
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