Mental Fitness Programs boot camp is emerging as an option for those of us who feel mentally wiped at the start and end of each day.
I’ve had days in which I’ve literally forgotten the reason I entered a room — mid-scroll, mid-thought and, boom — blanked out. And it’s not burnout per se; it’s just … mental static. You get me?
Anyway, that’s when I began exploring these mental fitness things.
If you want to get results without pills or push, mental fitness programs are an intelligent low-effort place to begin.
What Are Mental Fitness Programs and Do You Need One?
Honestly, I thought it was just yet more productivity fluff at first. But really it’s more like:
“how do I get my brain to work better without using caffeine or stress as a crutch?”
Here’s what they usually involve:
Small exercises for the brain (apps, games, things to do for a few minutes)
Meditation or breathwork (and not the kind that feels fake)
Neurofeedback machines or whatever the things are that make your head hum
Coaches — actual, human ones who keep you sane
Some of it feels strange at first. Some is kind of fun. Most of it’s surprisingly helpful.
Benefits I Personally Experienced (Not Theoretical)
After like 2–3 weeks of just messing around with these tools, things started to shift:
I remembered the tiny shit (like where I left my charger)
I could concentrate for longer — not forever, but for long enough to finish things
I wasn’t so irritable
The mornings became a little less foggy — I still hate them tho
Deadlines didn’t feel like panic buttons anymore
So yeah, not a miracle. But real.
The Tools I Tested (The Good, the Bad and the Meh)
No fluff. Here are a few that may have been beneficial or at least not a complete waste of time:
Peak — Clean UI, good games. Good for quick sessions.
Lumosity — Kinda old school but reasonably diverse.
Elevate — If you’re a word stuff-and-logic kind of person, this one slaps.
BrainHQ — Built by scientists. Ugly UI but very real.
Mindvalley (Superbrain) — Not for everyone, but great if you like structure.
CogniFit — More serious workout, a little more clinical.
BrainTap — Some kind of light and sound thing. Weird but relaxing.
Neurable — Brainwave tracking headband. A bit Black Mirror, ngl.
You can try the BrainTap app on Google Play
or App Store
Coaching? Worth It?
I find almost anything that has “coaching” attached to it sounds fake, like a LinkedIn buzzword.
But nah — it turns out that making yourself accountable to someone else really does help.
Here’s how it helped:
They gave me structure
They busted my balls when I didn’t attend
We monitored trends (sleep, stress, focus)
I didn’t feel like I was doing it single-handedly
Would I recommend it? Depends. If you’re self-motivated, maybe not.
But if you roar out the gates and then lose steam (read: me), it very well could be the thing that keeps you from quitting.
How to Pick What Works (Without Overthinking It)
My simple checklist:
Does it fit my routine?
It feels fun, or maybe just not awful?
Can I test it for free first?
Does it actually do something helpful or is it just information gathering?
Is there evidence that it works (studies, testimonials)?
Side Note (Real Talk)
They can be a helpful complement, but they’re not a substitute for therapy.
If you are having trouble with depression, ADHD or burnout that has taken over your life, speak to someone trained.
These tools support your brain. They don’t fix everything.
Common Questions I Get Asked
Do Mental Fitness Programs really work?
→ Some do. Some are trash. Try a few, feel it out.
How frequently do I need to use them?
→ I worked out 10–15 mins, 4 days a week. That was enough.
Is this safe?
→ Unless you screw your head into something experimental, yes.
Are they suited for older people or children?
→ Yup. My uncle loves Peak. My niece loves Elevate.
How fast do you see results?
→ Mood got better in 2 weeks. Focus took 3.
Is coaching too much?
→ Depends on how much cash you have and how much personality you’ve got.
Final Thought
Now, I’m not suggesting that playing a brain training game will surmount you into being the next Einstein.
But if you’re sick of forgetting why you entered a room … or failing to complete a task without tuning out halfway through — maybe it’s time to try something different.
Your brain’s not broken. It’s just overstimulated.
Give it the care it deserves.
You might also enjoy our guide on how to reset your brain with a digital dopamine detox
