In this episode, Gena sits down with Dr. Puja Myles, a public health specialist and certified health and wellness coach, to explore the intersection of stress relief, consciousness, and leadership. Dr. Myles shares her journey from childhood curiosity about consciousness to her work with the Monroe Institute, where she utilises sound-based techniques to help individuals manage stress and enhance focus. KEY TAKEAWAYS Utilising sound frequencies, such as those developed by the Monroe Institute, can help individuals achieve desired states of consciousness, such as relaxation, focus, or deep sleep, through a phenomenon known as the frequency following response. Consistent use of sound-based techniques can promote neuroplasticity, leading to sustainable changes in brain structure and function, which enhance cognitive abilities, learning, and problem-solving skills. Simple sound-based exercises, such as those available on the Monroe Institute's YouTube channel or their app, can be easily integrated into daily routines to help manage stress and improve focus. Leaders in tech should prioritise their own well-being to foster a psychologically safe environment for their teams. By modelling calmness and resilience, they can create a supportive atmosphere that encourages open communication and reduces stress. BEST MOMENTS "The frequency following response means that if there is a dominant frequency in your external environment, our physiology starts following that." "With consistent use of these technologies, there will be changes that happen to your brain structures that can be actually viewed in MRIs." "Sound frequencies can help you a little bit more. They are more precise, so they can help you boost your mood and cognitive performance." "It's important to build resilience and to work on your stress levels before you get into escalating them and before you go into burnout." GUEST CONTACT DETAILS https://www.linkedin.com/in/puja-myles-23035783/ https://www.monroeinstituteuk.org/ https://www.monroeinstitute.org/ https://www.youtube.com/user/MonroeInstitute GUEST BIO Dr. Puja Myles has been interested in consciousness exploration and the use of meditation techniques for performance optimization since childhood. She was introduced to the Monroe Institute in a book about super learning in her childhood and after experiencing her first Monroe residential program in 2013, she returned every year to participate in different residential programs before finally deciding to train as an Outreach Trainer in 2023. Puja is a Public Health Specialist and Epidemiologist with a longstanding interest in health and wellness. She is also a certified health and wellness coach. She has extensive experience of teaching, having taught both dental and medical students and is an active researcher. This is one of the reasons why she has resonated with the scientific approach to consciousness exploration underpinning Monroe programs. Puja heads a real-world data service with over 100 staff including IT specialists and data scientists. HOST BIO Gena Frangina, a seasoned software engineer with over a decade of industry experience, is your trusted host on the "IT Stress Relief" Podcast. Her unique background includes a profound passion for psychology, culminating in the attainment of a Business Psychology MSc. Gena's diverse skill set extends to accreditation as a Hypnotherapist, under the tutelage of Paul McKenna and his renowned team, as well as expertise in wellness coaching. This extensive blend of technical acumen and psychological insight positions Gena as an exceptional host in the IT world. She not only understands the intricacies of the field but also excels in guiding IT professionals towards holistic well-being. Tune in to Gena's podcast for enlightening interviews with IT specialists, and gain access to a wealth of knowledge. https://genafrangina.com/podcast/ https://www.facebook.com/gena.frangina IG: @gena.frangina