Get to Know Your Brainwaves
First of all - what are brain waves, and how can we comprehend them? Brainwaves are produced by synchronized electrical pulses from masses of neurons communicating with each other within the brain. Brain waves are measured by electric activity and the differences between those electrical activities. A healthy balance of brain wave activity is essential to our mental wellbeing, our nervous system, the overall repair of tissue in the body, cell turnover and deep sleep.
Inconsistencies in the function of the brain waves can lead to the rise of issues like: insomnia, anxiety, ADD, OCD, depression, etc. You can see why it’s so important to keep our brains in a state of homeostasis!
Brain wave frequencies correlate to various states of consciousness or arousal. There are five different types of brain waves and each has a different frequency or speed: Gamma, Beta, Alpha, Theta, and Delta. Each brain wave serves a different purpose and helps us to function in specific ways. They are measured in cycles per second or Hertz based on their frequency or speed.
Let’s get to know each brain wave and explore when they are most often activated.
GAMMA - highly attentive, alert and conscious (38-80 Hz)*
The basics: These are the fastest and most subtly detected brain waves. Gamma waves control perception and consciousness.
When they are activated: When we are highly alert and when we are simultaneously processing information from different brain areas. For example: reciting something from memory, performing, taking a test or doing anything that requires extreme focus and concentration.
Too much Gamma- anxiety, high arousal, stress
Too little Gamma- ADHD, depression, learning disabilities
How to strengthen these waves: breathing exercises, reading, memorization
BETA - ranges from active to relaxed (12-38 Hz)*
The basics: These waves range from slow to fast, relating to mood states that range from relaxed to anxious. One is often in an alert state of intellectual activity, engaged in problem solving, judgment, decision making, or focused mental activity.
When they are activated: in conversation, socializing, debating or making a speech. Teachers and talk show hosts often experience beta brainwave activation for example.
Too much Beta: adrenaline, anxiety, high arousal, inability to relax, stress
Too little Beta: ADHD, daydreaming, depression, poor cognition
How to strengthen these waves: enhance your alertness with exercise, green tea and good sleep.
ALPHA - physically relaxed, passive attention (8-12 Hz)”
The basics: associated with a state of relaxation; the brain is in more of an ‘idling gear’, waiting to respond only when necessary.
When they are activated: in meditation, visualizing… relaxing
Too much Alpha: daydreaming, inability to focus, too relaxed
Too little Alpha: anxiety, high stress, insomnia, OCD
How to strengthen these waves: take regular breaks throughout the day to calm your nervous system. Counterintuitively, doing HIIT workouts actually boosts your Alphas with the release of endorphins and higher quality rest afterward. Certain antidepressants may also help.
THETA - deeply relaxed, inward focused (4-8 Hz)*
The basics: focus on the internal self, the next (deeper) level of conscious relaxation
When they are activated: daydreaming, enjoying a massage, napping, the middle zone between waking and sleeping
Too much Theta: ADHD, depression, hyperactivity, impulsivity, inattentiveness
Too little Theta: anxiety, poor emotional awareness, stress
How to strengthen these waves: take short midday naps, do yin yoga, listen to binaural beats
DELTA - asleep (0.5-4 Hz)*
The basics: slowest recorded brain waves in human beings
When they are activated: during restorative, healing sleep or deep dreamless sleep
Too much Delta: brain injuries, learning problems, inability to think, severe ADHD
Too little Delta: inability to rejuvenate body or revitalize the brain, poor sleep
How to strengthen these waves: get 7-8 hours of quality sleep. Without this deep rest, the body is unable to totally rejuvenate. The activation of Delta waves allows the immune system to strengthen and the body to repair.
Three different types of brainwaves are often active simultaneously depending on the activity. The brain responds beautifully to meditation and active relaxation as it reduces stress and brings the brain to a state of homeostasis - in turn, calming the nervous system, and promoting better health holistically. Hypnotherapy is also a fantastic tool for strengthening the mind and calming down the nervous system. Hypnotherapy can also be used to improve sleep.
Have you meditated or enjoyed Hypnosis recently?
*Approximate ranges