If you’ve been on TikTok recently, you’ve probably come across a curious-sounding trend called “brain floss.”
Don’t worry — unlike teeth flossing, brain flossing doesn’t involve making false promises to your healthcare provider.
“Brain flossing is a mental wellbeing phenomenon inspired by the idea of cleansing your mind, much like flossing cleans your teeth,” Uladzimir Seuruk, founder and CEO of the health and wellness firm Cata-Kor, told The Post. “It includes listening to 8D audio — sounds that switch between left and right ears.”
8D audio makes it feel like the music is traveling from one ear to the other or pulsating around your head, creating the sensation that you’re clearing the brain of unwanted gunk.
“8D audio is a form of sound engineering that results in a more immersive listening experience, where sound can be made to feel as though it’s coming from all around you,” Seuruk said.
“The audio appears to travel in space, 360 degrees, around your head. It activates both hemispheres of the brain, generating clarity and relaxation,” he added. “Many call it a ‘reset button’ for the brain, helping to straighten out racing thoughts and relieve the mind.”
Because the experience is meant to fully absorb you, Seuruk recommends using headphones when you brain floss, since “it isolates sounds in each ear and then uses movement and depth to create an illusion.”
The technique can not only help you relax, sleep and unwind, it can also help you study and concentrate — and the health benefits of this type of mental stimulation isn’t purely short-term.
“These benefits can promote cognitive health by minimizing chronic stress, which is an established risk factor for cognitive decline,” Seuruk said. “Also, things that stimulate the brain are known to keep it plastic and resilient for a long time.”
Research shows that giving your brain a bit of a workout — whether by doing a crossword puzzle or learning a new language — can help stave off dementia.
According to Seuruk, some people attest that brain flossing helps them process their emotions or sift through trauma, and many report that they feel refreshed and mentally “lighter” after a session.
It’s also simple, accessible and — more often than not — free. Apps can convert audio to the 8D format, or you can create the effect on your own.
“Brain flossing necessitates just a pair of headphones and a quiet place, so it’s an easy self-care practice,” he said, noting that many people “appreciate the immediate sense of calm it gives, including people with ADHD.”
Brain flossing tips
- For the optimal experience, use good headphones.
- Find a quiet environment — try to eliminate all distractions.
- Start with short sessions (five to 10 minutes), extending the time as you see fit.
- Listen to a variety of tracks to find what works best for you — some people listen to sounds in nature while others prefer songs without lyrics.
- Listen to a moderate sound so you don’t get overstimulated or become uncomfortable.
