Today I have an announcement to make. You probably are seeing all the articles about Brain Fitness in the press and wondering, “What is this all about?”, “Can someone help me navigate through all the programs out there?”, “How is Brain Fitness relevant to me in my personal life or at work?”. Well…we are delivering a series of workshops to companies and organizations combining modules -including scientific overview, the industry trends and key players, fun team-building exercises- that can be tailored to each organization’s specific needs. Sessions last from 1 to 6 hours, depending on the group’s composition and agenda and are delivered either in person or via web conference.

We want to be able to reach more organizations, so please let us know of any ideas!

Some recent examples

1. Managing Stress for Peak Performance (we mentioned some notes on an Accenture session)

New and challenging situations – such as taking on new responsibilities– can trigger reactions in our brain and body that limit or even block our decision-making abilities. These reactions may also harm our long-term brain power and health. Although we cannot avoid change and stressful situations, we can learn how to manage our stress levels to ensure peak performance-even in tough moments. The latest neuroscience research proves that stress management is a trainable “mental muscle.” This is true for any high pressure profession, be it trading, sports, or simply modern life.

2. The Science of Brain Health and Brain Fitness (similar to what I will teach at UC Berkeley OLLI)

Neuroscientists have shown how the human brain retains neuroplasticity (the ability to rewire itself) and neurogenesis (the creation of new neurons) during its full lifetime, leading to a new understanding of what aging means. In this workshop, we will review the science behind some of key concepts in this field and explore their implications on our lifestyles: concepts include neuroplasticity and neurogenesis, the Cognitive Reserve theory for healthy aging, computer-based cognitive training programs, emotional self-regulation, and the 4 pillars for lifelong Brain Health.

3. Exercising Our Brains for Top Health and Productivity (like our session at Cisco Systems)

Neuroscientists have finally shown that, at any age, our mental activity influences the generation of new neurons and their connections, with clear guidelines to follow. We have all heard “Use it or lose it”. In this workshop we will learn how to make the most of the latest research which suggests instead: “Use it and improve it”. We will combine both research and fun group activities to learn how to exercise and improve different areas of our brains: attention, executive functions, language, visual skills, language, memory, emotions, motor coordination.

And what some clients are saying

Cisco Systems: “The SharpBrains workshop was one of the most enlightening and fun team-building activities we have had. I also love the tools that help me apply the stress management skills we were taught” – Vladimir Todorovic, Manager, Cisco Systems.

Accenture: 46 percent of survey respondents strongly agreed they “gained practical skills and knowledge” in the SharpBrains workshop they could “start using immediately.” 69 percent strongly agreed “faculty was knowledgeable and very well informed.” – Survey of participants at Accenture’s International Women’s Day celebration.

SFSU Osher Lifelong Learning Center: “Interactive information, entertaining, amusing, educational, lots of material covered in short time. Good fun! Mr. Fernandez is in his element. Great teacher, witty, his love of his craft is evident.” – Participant in 2007 “Exercising Our Brains” class at SFSU.

Stanford Business School: “I can start seeing the changes in my stress level take place right in front of my eyes,” said Baba Shiv, a neuroscientist and professor at Stanford’s Graduate School of Business, who uses Freeze-Framer 2.0, one of the programs licensed by SharpBrains.” quoted in San Francisco Examiner, 3/19/07.

Traders: “Traders exposed to stressful situations need to manage levels of cognitive and physical arousal for maximum performance. Through structured practice, we can learn to improve our ability to enter and remain in states of calm focus. SharpBrains brings together best practices, insightful information and the tools uniquely marketed to traders.” – Brett Steenbarger, Trader and Published Author on the Psychology of Trading.

If you are interested in learning more, please Contact Us or just leave a comment below. Enjoy the weekend!.