What is 'brain flossing', and can it scientifically reduce stress?
Brain flossing - does the phrase remind you of dental flossing, by any chance? If so, you are quite on the right track, except instead of your teeth, your brain is involved. The trend is taking prevalence on TikTok, and it involves listening to 8D audio or binaural beats to stimulate both brain hemispheres.
Our daily struggles have gone way beyond just physical, it’s more of mental exhaustion that we succumb to. The reasons could be too many - personal or professional – but individuals are having difficulty trying to keep up with mental exhaustion. That’s where brain flossing comes into play.
What is brain flossing?
Just like dental floss gets rid of food stuck between your teeth, brain flossing helps remove lingering worries, distractions, and stress so your mind can function at its best. Think of it as a deep clean for your thoughts - leaving you sharper, more focused, and mentally lighter.
A trending wellness practice that aims to clear mental clutter and promote relaxation involves listening to 8D audio. This music is created to feel multidimensional, creating an immersive listening experience in which the sensation of music or sounds feels like they are moving around your head.
This auditory experience is believed to stimulate both brain hemispheres, leading to reduced stress and enhanced focus.
Several people who have done it claimed they felt refreshed, mentally lighter, and calmer.
How to do it?
Select 8D audio content: You need to choose 8D audio tracks and they are available on platforms like YouTube and Spotify.
Use headphones: For the full effect, you should use headphones. Then, you can experience the directional movement of sounds.
Find a quiet environment: Sit in a comfortable, quiet space where you can relax without interruptions.
Engage in the experience: Close your eyes and focus on the movement of sounds. This will allow your mind to clear and your body to relax.
Practice regularly: You need to incorporate these sessions into your routine, especially during times of stress or when seeking mental clarity.
Does science back it?
While it may be a rage on social media, because why not? If decluttering were just an audio away, who wouldn’t have loved the prospect of it? However, there’s a bit of a let-down because science does not yet back the idea. There’s limited data to prove that this actually works for individuals.
So, what else can you resort to?
Both Aanya Jai, psychologist, writer, and founder of Pro Behave, and Sumalatha Vasudeva, psychologist at Gleneagles BGS Hospital, Kengeri, Bengaluru, agree that practices like journaling, breathwork, and mindfulness can be incredibly effective. These techniques have been scientifically proven to benefit many people, helping them reduce stress, enhance focus, and improve overall well-being.
Other practices that may help people declutter their brains could include:
- Meditation: Initially, meditation can be challenging because we are not used to quieting our minds. However, dedicating 15 to 30 minutes a day to focusing on the breath helps clear the mind. Over time, it reduces excessive thoughts, making individuals feel calmer and more grounded.
- Cognitive games and learning activities: Engaging in puzzles, reading books, and discussing different perspectives stimulates the brain. Playing games is one of the best ways to relieve stress and improve cognitive function. Body movement: Shake out tension to music or stretch gently.
- Physical exercise: Regular physical activity is crucial for both mental and physical well-being. Exercise promotes mental clarity, enhances mood, and reduces stress.
- Digital detox: No phone 30 mins before bed to let your mind rest.
- Cognitive games and learning activities: Engaging in puzzles, reading books, and discussing different perspectives stimulates the brain. Playing games is one of the best ways to relieve stress and improve cognitive function.
- Physical exercise: Regular physical activity is crucial for both mental and physical well-being. Exercise promotes mental clarity, enhances mood, and reduces stress.
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