The brain produces brainwaves that govern your life, whether you are awake or fast asleep. The brain’s ability to produce and transition between different waves plays a role in getting work done, managing stress, and achieving a state of relaxation. In each individual, the following brainwaves can be found – Alpha, Beta, Delta, Gamma, and Theta. Each brainwave affects a specific domain and can be stimulated by different activities.
Alpha Waves
Alpha waves are associated with relaxation while awake, calmness and peace of mind. This is the brainwave associated with creativity and is most dominant with lucid dreaming. It is also associated with the reduction of stress and anxiety. When you are stressed, a phenomenon called ‘alpha blocking’ occurs. This is when you have more Beta (thinking) activity and very little Alpha activity.
During stressful situations, there are activities that can help you produce alpha waves. Simply closing your eyes can produce alpha waves. Next time you are stressed, take a moment to close your eyes and let your mind relax. You can also do something creative, perform a skill that you are good at, or meditate. These activities are known to produce a surge of alpha waves to help you relax and release stress.
Beta Waves
Beta waves govern logical thinking, conscious thought, emotional control, and alertness. This are the high-frequency waves that are produced while you are awake to help you complete your daily tasks. They have a stimulating effect, which is why they are produced during cognitive thinking, speaking, reading, or working.
You can increase your beta waves by learning a new skill, reading, or studying. Beta waves also naturally increase when you consume anything with caffeine or with other stimulants in it.
Delta Waves
Delta waves are associated with deep relaxation. They govern recovery and healing sleep. They are also associated with regulating unconscious body functions like your heartbeat and digestion. When you have an adequate production of delta waves, you enjoy a more restful and healing sleep.
Delta waves are found more in infants and young children. It diminishes as you grow older. Meditation is one of the most effective ways to enhance the production of delta waves. When you need deep relaxation the most, take the time to meditate.
Gamma Waves
Gamma waves are associated with learning, memory, information processing, and perception. They improve speech, learning, and creativity.
Some activities enhance the production of gamma waves. Learning or speaking a different language can produce gamma waves. This is especially true if you are conversing with someone who is more advanced in that language than you. Other ways to increase the production of gamma waves is by conceptualizing ideas, looking at old photos, recalling memories, or practicing deep meditation. Active perception – being very aware of your surroundings and self – also produces gamma waves.
Theta Waves
Theta waves are considered “superwaves” because they are involved in governing many domains of the mind. They are associated with memory, emotions, creativity, and relaxation. They are also involved in daydreaming and sleep. They are commonly found when you are very relaxed and in an open mindstate.
An excess in theta activity may cause the experience of feeling deep and raw emotions. Too much theta activity may cause one to experience bouts of depression.
As long as theta waves are not produced excessively during the waking hours, it can produce an overall personal improvement. It can benefit your creativity, intuition, and relaxation.
You can increase your theta wave production by Zen meditation, playing recall and recognition games, and doing something creative that is also mentally engaging.