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First responders and active military encounter unique challenges while on duty, and this highly intensive role can affect physical and mental health. Clients express concerns regarding lack of quality sleep and high-stress levels. NeurOptimal® training can provide relief from the negative effects of such a strenuous occupation. Sessions can help first responders, active military and veterans with:
- Waking up refreshed
- Reduced anger / irritability
- Improved marksmanship
- Improved driving / reduced road rage
- Faster response time
- Better focus / more clarity
- Improved ability to remain calm and focused under pressure
- Reduced burnout
- Higher sense of well-being
- Improved physical performance and mental acuity
- Positive outlook
- Better communication
- Improved personal relationships
- Reduced sick time
In conjunction with the positive outcomes gained from NeurOptimal® sessions, the key change is the improvement of the transition between work and off-duty life, allowing the client to downshift while off-shift.
Transitioning
NeurOptimal® sessions can assist with the transition between work hours and off-duty time. Policing is among the top ten stress-producing jobs1. Such elevated levels of pressure over extended periods have been found to negatively impact performance and often generate complications for the individual, their loved ones, industry associates, and the public. Unfortunately, a reactive approach is standard procedure. Industries generally introduce psychological guidance ost-episode/predicament but fail to provide proactive resilience training and preventative mental health care.
NeurOptimal® neurofeedback sessions throughout a first responder’s career can significantly reduce the chances of the negative job-related psychological effects, forming a proactive solution. Sergeant Darrel Mesa, MCAS (Miramar) reported improved sleeping and reduced traumatic dreaming following NeurOptimal® sessions. The experience improved his relationship with his partner, his ability to make decisions, and managing complicated work tasks.
“The improvements I’ve seen from neurofeedback included my confidence, my happiness, the efficiency of my work and the quality of life” – Lance Corporal Rebecca Johnson, MCAS (Miramar).
While NeurOptimal® training can be highly effective once signs of psychological distress become apparent, completing regular sessions while in this line of work can help maintain lower stress levels, powerful resilience, and flexibility. In the City of Fort Worth, TX workplace study in 2016, participants demonstrated significant and lasting improvements in stress and burnout following a series of NeurOptimal® sessions2. This state of mind helps minimize negative effects that may result from high stress jobs, allowing these critical workers to more effortlessly separate their work and home life – for the better. An established balance between occupation and relationships results in better job performance.
NeurOptimal can also be extremely helpful for veterans to help expedite the mental transition necessary to shift from active duty “on high alert” programming to a calmer, less reactive state of mind that is more compatible with assimilating to civilian life after service.
Performance
Professional and amateur athletes alike credit NeurOptimal® neurofeedback sessions with improved coordination, focus, and responsiveness leading to enhanced performance in their sports. A study conducted on shooting capabilities of police officers found that neurofeedback sessions improved shooting capabilities significantly, particularly among novice shooters3.
Neurofeedback can drastically accelerate the performance of new officers. The advancements were demonstrated by Sergeant Darrel Mesa, MCAS (Miramar) who developed from a sharp-shooter to an experienced M16 shooter after 20 sessions – a level he had never before achieved in seven years of service. NeurOptimal® training can help first responder performance by building a shield of resilience for themselves, which in turn boosts their ability to help others.
High-stress roles engender arduous decision-making. The importance of hyper-vigilance and situational awareness is crucial as a first responder or active military member. NeurOptimal® training through Serenity Neurofeedback promotes a manageable balance between work and life. Critical workers in high impact positions can achieve improved performance on the front line while reducing negative impacts from the job at home.
Schmalleger, F. (2009). Criminal justice today: An introductory text for the 21st century (10th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc.
City of Fort Worth Workplace Study, https://neuroptimal.com/research/#1528834474220-d668baf5-3338
Gong, A., Nan, W., Yin, E. & Jiang, C. Efficacy, Trainability, and Neuroplasticity of SMR vs. Alpha Rhythm Shooting Performance Neurofeedback Training. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience. (2020) 14(94). DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2020.00094
