Training for a High-Performing Emotional Brain

Emotions play a key and often dominate role in our brain function and cognitive performance. We create emotions anytime we appraise or make judgments on people, events, ideas or other things. Our ability to spot, understand and manage emotions in ourselves and others correlates more strongly to life success than IQ. So-called emotional intelligence is a cornerstone for high performance learning, decision-making, creativity, collaboration and other mental and social processes. So I am also on the lookout for new science-based techniques for training my emotional brain.

For example, take the work on Emotional Brain Training or EBT. It provides a simple way to assess which of five core brain states you are in and then suggests a tool for achieving self-regulation . The five brain states and associated tools are related to your level of stress and include:

Balanced/reward (joy) state use the Sanctuary tool
Balanced state use the Feelings check tool
Verge of stress (mixed) state use the Emotional Housecleaning tool
Stressed (unbalanced) state use the Cycle tool
Full blown stress (underwhelmed) state use the Damage control tool

To get started right away you can download the Emotional Brain Training iPhone app (shown above) or find the equivalent in the Droid market.

If you want to understand more of the theory behind how it works check out the new book, Wired for Joy. Or consider some of the training and coaching offerings from the Institute for Health Solutions.