5 Places to Relax After a Neurofeedback Session in Tampa, FL
Neurofeedback is a drug-free, noninvasive therapy making waves in recent years for its ability to help regulate the brain. There are many common and well-known benefits of neurofeedback including the reduction of anxiety, improved sleep, improved focus and attention, emotional recovery, and trauma recovery. For anyone struggling with these issues, neurofeedback is a good option to support growth and healing.
Neurofeedback is a bit like exercise for the brain. It gently stimulates the brain waves, rerouting unhealthy patterns and allowing patients relief from symptoms caused by ADHD, Autism, Trauma, Sleep Disorders, Anxiety, and other mental struggles. Because neurofeedback pushes the brain to make these small changes, it can cause side effects. Most of these are mild and temporary.
What are potential side effects of Neurofeedback?
Common, mild side effects are often reported as fatigue, headaches, restlessness or anxiety, mood swings, difficulty sleeping, brain fog or trouble concentrating. Again, these symptoms are usually mild, and they’re reported to only last a short while. They are caused by the brain working to reorganize itself, which takes some time and energy after each session. Because of this, it is important to take care of yourself after a neurofeedback session, allowing your brain the space and time to recover.
Where to recover after Neurofeedback in Tampa Bay?
There are numerous ways to recover after a neurofeedback (or microcurrent neurofeedback) session in Tampa Bay. Consider a few of the following options:
The Beach – This is, perhaps, the easiest and cheapest way to decompress and recover after receiving a neurofeedback treatment. The beach is free, and there are numerous studies that show the calming and soothing benefits of sea air and waves lapping the shore. A long walk down the beach on a nice day gives your brain the time it needs to recover and repair after a session.
A Day Spa – Giving yourself a relaxing massage or facial or simply laying down in the quiet rooms offered by many day spas can give your brain time to relax and recover after a treatment.
The Park – Like the beach, visiting your local park is generally free (or cheap if you have to pay for parking). Being in nature is soothing to the brain, and the sounds of nature, of birds chirping, wind rustling through trees, and children laughing has a natural soothing effect on the mind and soul. Anytime you can get outdoors and breathe fresh air is a win, but this practice is particularly helpful after a neurofeedback (or micro neurofeedback) session.
A Cozy Café – There are a number of peaceful cafes throughout the Tampa Bay region, from Lady and the Mug in South Tampa (try sitting in the swings inside) to CoffeeMe on Busch Blvd (quiet and intimate – a great place to enjoy a cup of coffee). You could even venture to Oxford Exchange and get lost in the books, then tuck yourself in a quiet corner with a cup of tea and people watch. Whatever makes you feel most relaxed, build a little time after each therapy session to unwind and regroup before diving back into life.
The Riverwalk – Looking for a free place to go after a neurofeedback session? Head downtown to the riverwalk. You can park at Armature Works and stroll down the paved sidewalks along the Bay, soaking in the sunshine and nature while also being surrounded by people. You can grab a cup of coffee or tea for your walk and make it more of a stroll, or strap on your tennis shoes and go for a brisk walk or run. Either way, moving your body allows endorphins to release in your system, a chemical reaction that produces a sense of calm and happiness, and moving allows your lymphatic system to drain and toxins to release from your body. These things, combined with your recent neurofeedback, allow your brain and body to work together to heal and lead you into optimal mental and physical health.
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to recovery, and everyone is wired a little differently. Some people crave activity and sound and crowds, while others long for quiet and peace and solitude. Knowing yourself and what works best for you is the first step. Once you’ve pinpointed exactly how you best rest and recover you can line up activities for yourself post-treatment. Building these relaxation techniques and spaces into your treatment plan will help you stick to them. It may require a little preplanning, perhaps you can line up childcare if needed, or schedule your neurofeedback appointments at a time when you have open time afterward. Whatever works for you, we encourage you to work toward that and give yourself the best chance to see optimal results from each neurofeedback session. Call us at Christian Counseling of Tampa Bay today to schedule your appointment.
Read more about Micro Current Neurofeedback in our MCN series:
Micro Current Neurofeedback Therapy in Tampa: Gentle, Noninvasive Cutting-Edge Technology
