Are you curious about what the Alpha, Beta, Theta and Delta brain waves are? So was I. I did some research and found out what these brain waves and their benefits are, and how you can reach them yourself.
The Alpha, Beta, Theta and Delta brain waves are different electrical frequencies on which our brain can function, i.e. different states of brain activity. Beta is our waking state. Alpha is a state of deep relaxation or light meditation. Theta is a deeper meditative state: the state between waking up and falling asleep. Delta is a state of deep restorative sleep. There are many benefits if you learn how to reach these states.
More recently, a 5th brain wave has been discovered: the Gamma brain wave. This is the fastest brain wave, and comes with a state of very high concentration associated with stress and anxiety but also with peak cognitive performance.
Besides explaining what the Alpha, Beta, Theta and Delta brain waves are and how you can reach them, I will do the same for the Gamma brain wave.
The Beta State Of Mind
What Is The Beta State Of Mind (Beta Brain Waves)
The Beta state of mind is the default state for most people when they are awake. The Beta brain waves have a frequency of 12-40 Hertz. At this frequency, the mind is active and in a state of cognitive reasoning and thinking. In this state, your mind (or inner critic) is continuously judging and commenting on thoughts and situations.
Benefits Of The Beta State Of Mind
The benefits of the Beta state of mind are our ability to use our mind and our rational thinking. This can be very helpful in many cases, but when overdone, it becomes a problem. Our inner critic (the ego) will take over and there is not enough room for our intuition to be heard.
How To Reach The Beta State Of Mind
To reach the Beta state of mind most people don’t have to do anything as this is their natural waking state of being. Only few people have their mind functioning at a lower frequency (Alpha) as their natural state of being (for example people that frequently meditate or are genetically wired that way).
The Alpha State Of Mind
What Is The Alpha State Of Mind (Alpha Brain Waves)
The Alpha state of mind is a state of deep relaxation. The Alpha brain waves have a frequency of 8-12 Hertz. In Alpha, the mind stops its chatter. Your body is relaxed and the mind is calm but present.
This state is in between the states where we do our critical thinking (Beta) and where we connect deeply to our subconscious (Theta). The deeper you get into Alpha, the louder you will be able to hear your subconscious (or inner voice).
Benefits Of The Alpha State Of Mind
The benefits of the Alpha state of mind are the ability to release stress from the body and the ability to reprogram your mind. When you are in the Alpha state of mind, your critical voice is quiet and you increase your mind’s ability to focus, learn, imagine and visualize what you want to manifest in your life.
In Alpha, you can use visualizations or affirmations to reprogram your mind and your inner believes. On this level of mind, you can really start to change your life.
How To Reach The Alpha State Of Mind
To reach the Alpha state of mind you can do a short mediation (see the video below) or a breathing exercise. The more you practise this, the more easily and quickly you will be able to reach the Alpha state of mind.
Do you want to learn how to quickly center your mind in your every day life? Check out the meditation here.
The Theta State Of Mind
What Is The Theta State Of Mind (Theta Brain Waves)
The Theta state of mind is a state of deep meditation or light sleep. Theta brain waves have a frequency between 4-7 Hertz. It is the state where we can source our best ideas because this is where we connect to our inner voice (our subconscious). Theta is also the state between waking and sleeping (and lucid dreaming).
Benefits Of The Theta State Of Mind
The benefits of the Theta state of mind are the deep relaxation of the body and the deep connection to our inner self. Because in Theta we connect with our deepest inner voice (our subconscious), we can source our best creative ideas here and find answers to important questions in our lives.
How To Reach The Theta State Of Mind
To reach the Theta state of mind you can do a meditation that stimulates reaching the Theta brain waves. 432 Hz is known to be a stimulating frequency to reach the Theta state and reduce anxiety. The more often this is practised, the more easily you will be able to go into Theta.
The Delta State Of Mind
What Is The Delta State Of Mind (Delta Brain Waves)
The Delta state of mind is a state of deep restorative sleep. Delta brain waves have a frequency between 0.5-4 Hertz. We do not remember anything from this state when we are awake. Delta is the state that can also be reached during deep transcendental meditation.
Benefits Of The Delta State Of Mind
The benefits of the Delta state of mind are its healing capacities on all levels. In this state, both the body as well as the subconscious are able to heal and process all life events. For this reason, having enough sleep is vital to our health.
How To Reach The Delta State Of Mind
You can reach the Delta state of mind when you fall into a deep sleep or when you are very deep into a transcendental meditation. A meditation can help you get into this state:
The Gamma State Of Mind
What Is The Gamma State Of Mind (Gamma Brain Waves)
The Gamma state of mind is a state of ultra intense focus. Gamma brain waves have a frequency between 40-80 Hertz, that is higher than the Beta brain waves (our waking state). These are the brain waves that are connected to our ability to process information and our memory. It is a state of peak concentration, but can also be linked to a state of high stress and anxiety.
Benefits Of The Gamma State Of Mind
The benefits of the gamma state of mind is the ability for a great cognitive function. People with high Gamma activity have a good memory, can process information quickly and are overall happier and more creative than people with a low Gamma activity. Often very high performers have very high levels of Gamma activity in the brain.
How To Reach The Gamma State Of Mind
To get into the Gamma state of mind you can:
- Breathe and focus on your body to bring yourself into the current moment
- Listen to your favorite music that energizes you
- Do a short meditation to activate the Gamma brain waves:
How Many Types Of Brain Waves Are There?
The most known and researched brain waves are the Alpha, Beta, Theta and Delta brain waves. More recently, also the Gamma brain waves have been discovered.
Scientists have discovered even more brain waves than these 5 types. There is currently a lot of research ongoing in this area. For example: Infra-Low brain waves (lower than 0.5 Hz) have been discovered, but very little is still known about this.
What Is The Best Brain Wave?
What the best brain wave is depends on what you want to achieve. For ultra focus and concentration, you want to get into a Gamma state of mind. For a more relaxed but aware presence in the moment, the Alpha state of mind is necessary. This is also the state where you can reprogram your mind. For lucid dreaming and receiving messages from your inner self, get into Theta. For deep subconscious healing and transcendental practices, you need to get into Delta.
How To Change Your Brain Wave?
To change your brain wave at will it is very beneficial to have a regular meditation practise. The more practised you are at meditation, the easier it is to access other brain waves. Other ways to change your brain wave are: through exercise, listening to music or breathwork.
Can Music Alter Brain Waves?
Music has an effect on brain waves. Listening to music (to binaural beats in particular) can bring relief from stress or feelings of depression. With binaural beats the music is played in two different frequencies in each ear, causing a 3rd frequency to be heard. For example, a person hears 440Hz in one ear and 432Hz in the other ear, they now hear a binaural beat of 8Hz. This can have several effects, such as stress reduction, or help with relaxation and focus.
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