How Can You Affect Your Brain Waves?

It is possible to consciously affect ​our brain wave patterns. Each brain wave has a different frequency and communicates with different parts of the brain. The external world has rhythms  with each sunrise and sunset. The brain picks up on the frequencies of light and sound and then starts to pace with these patterns. Have you ever walked into a restaurant and the music stirs a rhythm inside you causing a unconscious tapping of your foot to the beat. This is a very similar process that takes place with brain wave patterns.

There are five different types of brain wave patterns, each with their own individual functions:

The slowest is the delta wave- occurring while you sleep at half to four cycles per second. Slower paced music or quiet time and dim lights help create this wave pattern.

The theta wave is made predominantly from the middle brain and is the self-awareness frequency. This pattern creates a more lucid  or a meditative state at four to eight cycles per second.

The alpha wave creates more of an awareness of the world and is predominantly from the right side of the brain. This wave pattern has a frequency of about 9-14 cycles per second. It tends to be the more creative and emotional side of the brain. The alpha frequency can be elicited more by closing your eyes and taking deep diaphragmatic breaths.

The beta wave production is at 14-28 cycles per second and is predominantly left brain activity. This is the frequency made most when you are focused on your work or activities.

The gamma wave integrates several parts of the nervous system and is high processing at about 25-100 cycles per second.

Brain waves are the bodies electrical frequencies that are made by the brain nerve cells. The more these brain cells are communicating at the same frequency our brain is in a better balance. It is best for our overall health to get a good nights rest and start they day in a low frequency delta. Ease into the theta and alpha states to prepare for a active beta wave at work. At the end of the day start to slow down the activity of the brain with less light and sound stimulation to prepare for rest.

Better Brain Tip

Imagine a piano recital that starts out with just a few notes and a slow pace. Start adding more notes and then pick up the tempo playing faster with more chords. As the tempo builds you can feel your brain pacing the tempo. Now imagine the tempo begins to slow down to a series of simple chords ending with holding a single note.

In your mind you can create this same affect on your brain wave activity. Start designing your day with this pattern and it will reduce that fight or flight response reducing tour stress on your health.