Should I Meditation Before Or After N-back?

Finding Your Zen: Meditation and N-Back Scheduling

In the hustle and bustle of our day-to-day lives, the quest for mental clarity and peak cognitive function is akin to searching for the Holy Grail. Amidst a myriad of techniques to boost brainpower, two practices have emerged as frontrunners: Meditation and N-back training. But here’s the million-dollar question that’s got everyone scratching their heads – should you engage in meditation before diving into N-back, or is it wiser to flip the order?

Before We Dive Deep, Let’s Get the Basics Down

Meditation: The Ancient Brain-Boosting Practice

Meditation, the age-old practice that could probably teach your grandmother a thing or two about relaxation, is not just about sitting cross-legged and chanting “Om.” It’s a powerhouse for enhancing focus, reducing stress, and elevating overall mental well-being. From mindfulness to transcendental, the array of techniques offers something for every taste and preference.

N-Back: The New Kid on the Cognitive Block

Then there’s N-back, a brain training exercise that sounds like it was cooked up in a Silicon Valley lab. It’s designed to improve working memory and fluid intelligence by challenging you to remember a series of presented stimuli, with the difficulty level cranking up as you get better. It’s like the mental equivalent of lifting weights – but for your brain!

The Order of Operations: A Tactical Decision

Tackling this conundrum requires a tactical approach, so let’s break it down.

Embracing Tranquility: Meditate First

Imagine kickstarting your day (or your N-back session) by meditating. You’re essentially setting the stage for a calmer mind, primed for deep focus. By dialing down the chatter in your brain, you enhance your ability to concentrate, making your N-back session potentially more productive. Think of it as clearing the runway before the plane takes off; meditation might just be the perfect prelude to a fruitful N-back session.

The Wind-Down: Meditation as the Ideal Closure

On the flip side, engaging in N-back first could be likened to sprinting: fast, intense, and demanding. Following this cognitive challenge with a meditation session is akin to a cool-down after a vigorous workout. It allows your brain to relax, assimilate the learning, and integrate the benefits of the training. Consider it the cherry on top of a mentally stimulating sundae.

The Verdict: Tailor It to Fit

Now, let’s not beat around the bush. The ideal sequence between meditation and N-back isn’t set in stone. It swings more than a pendulum, heavily depending on individual preferences, lifestyle, and ultimate goals.

For the Early Birds:

• If you’re someone who hits the ground running, meditating before N-back might give you the serene start needed to tackle cognitive challenges head-on.

For the Night Owls:

• Conversely, wrapping up your day with N-back and then unwinding with meditation could be your ticket to blissful Zs.

In a Nutshell

The meditation-N-back conundrum doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all answer, but it’s got flexibility in spades. Experiment with both orders to see which formula supercharges your brainpower and suits your rhythm best. Remember, whether you meditate before or after N-back, the most crucial thing is that you’re taking strides towards a sharper, calmer mind. And hey, in the grand scheme of things, that’s a pretty solid win.