Stress Manager
NeU, based on knowledge of brain science and mindfulness, has developed a “Stress Manager” app to support stress reduction while measuring brain activity in real-time.
Monitoring the brain’s Default Mode Network (DMN) *1 with and ultra-compact brain sensor.
The advancement of the information society brings forth an era of augmented stress due to an increase in information and complexity of communication, leading to various social problems such as a rise in the number of employees taking leaves of absence due to mental illnesses*2. Although efforts to reduce stress in the past have included work style reforms, more attention is now given to measure and address internal stress factors through therapeutic techniques such as mindfulness. With this in mind, NeU has developed a “Stress Manager” smartphone app that aims to reduce stress and improve stress tolerance by applying brain science knowledge and sensor technology to measure real-time brain activity in any everyday environment.
Mindfulness is the psychological process of “calming one’s mental state of mind”, which is achieved by focusing one’s conscious awareness on the present moment. Studies*3 have confirmed that mindfulness has positive effects on an individual’s mental state such as stress reductions; and in brain science, calming of the mind is thought to be associated with the relatively reduced activity in the default mode network (DMN), a brain network implicated in self-related thinking and mind wandering. By attaching NeU’s ultra-compact brain sensor (XB-01) to the center of the forehead, together with a dedicated app that supports meditation while monitoring DMN activity levels in real-time, individuals are able to learn, practice and master meditation techniques to help reduce their stress.
NeU also focuses on our knowledge of using the biofeedback method to improve stress tolerances. Conventionally, this method comprised of consciously controlling to raise and lower the heart rate as it is being monitored; however, we have developed a new training method to measure and control not only the heart rate, but also brain activity using an ultra-compact brain sensor which is an integral part of this app. Moreover, a study performed by Tohoku University*4 has confirmed that both stress levels and stress hormone levels are reduced by repeating this new training method and making it a continuous habit.
The “Stress Manager” app also has a weekly self-check function to help individuals recognize their mental condition and any noticeable changes, allowing them to check the effects of the stress reduction program together with daily training logs or records.
Overall visual concept of the App:
This app is supervised by Dr. Ryuta KAWASHIMA, NeU’s CTO and the Director of Tohoku University’s Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer (IDAC), together with Dr. Taishu KAWANO, renowned monk and psychiatrist.
*Please note: above screenshots and contents are subject to change.