Wearables for Anxiety or Pain Management
I've been trying out some wearables, just to see how effective they are.
These are personal, not clinical recommendations. I am not being sponsored for this blog. Please use at your discretion.
Pros:
-You get to try out what neurofeedback is like without having to get wired to a system or going to an office.
-You'll see how your brain responds to meditation while sleeping or meditating and how long it can stay relaxed.
Cons:
-It doesn't always stay on so it can malfunction mid-session.
-You're not looking at a screen at your brain waves in real time.
-You have to pay a premium for meditation access in addition to the cost of the band.
-Muse 1 headband is less comfortable/stylish than Muse 2.
Pros:
-You get to experience what bilateral stimulation can feel like in between EMDR sessions and a relaxing effect can take place.
-You can wear them on your wrist or legs but must buy the bands for legs separately.
-You can alternate some speed/length of vibrations.
-Designed to look like a watch, but you can't wear your watch while wearing them unless you don't mind double the wearable electronics.
Cons
-There are not unlimited speeds/lengths of vibrations.
Pros:
-Transcutaneous nerve stimulation can help moderate pain and help you create a new relationship to pain.
-Portable, noninvasive
-Not as painful as a shot
-Can be used at home v.s. clinic
Cons:
-Can't be used during pregnancy, can't be used with folks who have heart, cancer, tumor, or skin conditions
-Only treats symptoms of pain vs. underlying cause
-Short Term, not Long Term Solution
Sometimes, I recommend trying devices if relief is not possible in between session with just thought reframing, exercise, good old phone conversations, and medication. That being said, I always say, learn to tolerate the distress and you're building mental muscles for resiliency.