Can a Mind-Reading Headset Teach You To Deal With Stress?

This article originally appeared on Lost at E Minor.

To different people, meditation can mean different things. When some of us hear the ‘m-word’ we think of cross-legged yogis contededly humming to themselves while levitating off the ground, to others with a slightly clearer understanding it signifies an attempt to still the relentless rushing off the mind and to find a sense of peace, however temporary.

In recent years and in the Western world in particular, meditation and meditation-related practices like yoga have become incredibly popular. It’s likely that this is a direct response to the rushing madness and stress-filled days that make up the typical life of a western city-dweller. Everybody has their own way of coping, and for many meditation is a lifeline in a sea of anxiety and stress.

It shouldn’t be surprising therefore, that in our time of wearable technology entrepreneurial companies are producing devices that work towards the same goals as meditation. Introducing the Muse, a lightweight headset that works in a very similar way to EEG machines in hospitals. The main difference is that Muse costs $299 rather than $10,000.

Muse connects to your smartphone or tablet and trains you to calm your mind through the a very simple ‘game’. The headset monitors your brain activity and your phone plays the sounds of gentle waves, giving the impression of a tropical beach when you are in a calm state. The longer you remain calm the more details are added to the soundscape, such as birds singing. If your mind becomes restless and you begin to stress however, then heavy gusts of wind blow across the beach and the soundscape becomes more turbulent to match your mental state.

The purpose of the Muse and its app are to help people learn how to calm their minds, especially in times of stress. It can be used for as little as 3 minutes a day and still have positive effects. Read a more detailed review of Muse and other similar products here.

Whether or not you think this product is for you, there’s little doubt that a big part of the future of wearable technology lies in the ability to monitor and respond to the wearer’s brain activity. Imagine being able to turn on the lights with a thought, or send a text with your mind!

(via Fastcoexist)