Have you ever wondered how and why you do the things you do, feel the way you do, and think the way you do?
Your brain is responsible for almost every single one of your thoughts and actions.
What’s more interesting is that your brain also generates electrical activity based on your current state at any given moment.
It sounds like something from a sci-fi book, right?
Well, believe it or not, the electrical pulses that your brain emanates are very much real, and this article will explain everything there is to know about them.
So, if you are curious about what brainwaves are and their role in your everyday life, keep reading ahead.
What Are Brainwaves?
The human brain is the most complicated tireless machine that controls most processes in our bodies.
Its activity is happening because of the main components of the nervous system - neurons.
When neurons, or essentially neuro cells, want to send signals to each other, this happens in the form of an electrical pulse.
A cycle or repeated rhythm of electrical pulses is called a brainwave.
Why Should You Care?
Now that you know what brainwaves are, you are probably asking yourself what you can do with this information.
Well, understanding what happens in your brain can actually help you in stressful situations, when you need to focus or if you have trouble sleeping.
By figuring out how brainwaves work, you can literally alter your brain state.
First, it’s important to note that all types of waves have different frequencies, ranging from very quick to slow and steady.
Beta Brainwaves
The fastest waves, called beta, are generated at a high frequency - 12 to 38 Hz.
From the moment you are up from bed to the moment your body relaxes and goes into sleep mode, your brain will most likely be in beta.
Beta waves are generated when the brain is highly active and awake, normally during processes like problem-solving or making a decision.
They are a category on their own, as there are three subtypes of beta waves.
Your brain generates Beta1 waves during the completion of idle tasks, Beta2 when it’s busy figuring out a problem, and Beta3 in high anxiety states or when you are very excited.
Alpha Brainwaves
Alpha waves are what you can call the zen state of mind.
With their slower frequency of 8 to 12 Hz, alpha waves are generated when the brain is at rest.
Usually, when you are meditating, or even when you complete a task and take a step back, you are reaching an alpha state.
It is no surprise alpha waves are considered “the power of now” as they represent calmness and rest.
Theta Brainwaves
Theta waves are at an even slower pace - 3 to 8 Hz.
They represent an even deeper state of mental relaxation and are often associated with daydreaming.
Theta waves are mostly fired when you are falling asleep and are feeling drowsy or during states of deep meditation.
Delta Brainwaves
We have passed the theta stage, and your brain is now reaching a point of deep sleep with no dreaming.
This is when it starts generating waves at a very low frequency of 0.5 to 3 Hz, called delta waves.
Delta state is when healing and most regenerative processes are activated, making it essential for good restorative sleep.
Slow Down!
If you know what brainwaves are and how they work, you’ll quickly realize you have the power to manipulate your brain state.
By now, you might have figured out how brainwaves go hand in hand with the day-night cycle.
Beta waves dominate our awake states, then alpha right before bed when we slowly drift off into theta, and lastly, delta - and the cycle repeats in reverse in the morning.
But have you found yourself in a situation where your brain is really alert, and you just need it to slow down?
Whether this is during the day or while you are trying to sleep, your brain is most likely in a beta state.
So what do you do to induce an alpha state and calm down? The answer is simple - deep breaths!
It is no surprise that breathing techniques are the basis of many meditation methods.
You can take control of any situation by being aware of your breathing and actively focusing on a deep calming rhythm.
So what are you waiting for?
Start paying attention to your breathing, and with a bit of practice, you can become the master of your own mind.