Peak Performance

By Joan Ordmandy, MSEd

Biofeedback Works in Virginia, PLLC

More Complementary & Integrative Healthcare Articles

Peak Performance

Many of us have had moments during which we felt in flow. For some of us, those moments happen while playing a sport. We may be able to put everything else aside during the tennis or golf game and totally focus on our game; during these periods, we often feel like we become one with the tennis or golf ball. Others may find their flow experiences at work, when they can totally “get into the zone” of writing software code, being with clients or patients, or doing other work-related activities. Usually, being in flow results in peak performance in our games and work, as well as increased enjoyment of the experience.

Being in flow occurs most often when we are engaged in an activity that is demanding enough to hold our attention but not so demanding that it makes us anxious. If we have never played golf before, for example, the first time on the golf course is unlikely to yield a state of flow. Diligent practice, then (as many of us know), can result in feelings of flow and improved performance.

Practice helps to achieve these results because it reduces the stress and improves focus and attention. However, there are situations for which it is impossible to practice, such as when an athlete faces a particularly stressful situation or opponent or when bank executive must give an important talk immediately after crossing multiple time zones.

In addition, even when one has practiced, decreasing stress responses and increasing focus and attention can have even greater benefits.

Neurofeedback provides one mechanism of reaching these benefits. One of our clients, for example, recently sought neurofeedback treatment in order to control the rages associated with the manic episodes of bipolar disorder. Not only did neurofeedback help control those rages (which improved his relationships with his son and others in his life), but he also experienced many additional benefits.

A software programmer by profession, this client saw a dramatic increase in the amount of code he generated each week, found that his guitar playing abilities improved, and was able to complete a Sunday New York Times crossword puzzle in hours instead of a week. In short, not only did neurofeedback help to treat a clinical disorder, but it was also critical in helping him to perform at peak levels and to better enjoy all aspects of his life.