The Best Way to Access Your 5 Brain Waves

Many people use the phrase “mental state” to describe their thoughts and feelings. Mental state, though, can also refer to distinct stages of brain waves that play a role in your mental well-being – even if you aren’t aware you’re switching from one wave range to another during your day-to-day reality. Awareness of those mental states empowers you to use them to your best advantage.

How to Utilize Brain Waves for Self–Improvement

Contrary to popular belief, your circumstances do not make up your reality. Your reality, or how you see the world, has much more to do with your thoughts, beliefs, and mindset. For example, you may be a glass-half-full rather than a glass-half-empty kind of person.

It doesn’t take much effort for a glass-half-full person to view the world positively. They interact with their circumstances with optimism. Because of this glass-half-full outlook, they might be open to more opportunities and positivity than people with a glass-half-empty outlook.

If you want to become more of a glass-half-full person, one effective way to do this is to train your subconscious mind to view the world the way you want to view it. By rewiring your deeper consciousness, you can create your own reality. Understanding your different brain wave frequencies is one of the first steps in achieving this new reality.

The 5 Types of Brain Waves

You have five types of brain waves:

• Beta
• Alpha
• Theta
• Delta
• Gamma

Each wave is classified according to different cycles per second (Hz). With each frequency comes a different state of consciousness and level of brain activity.

One study at the University of Madison examined the brain waves of meditating monks. During meditation, the monks showed an intense level of gamma brain waves, which correlate with robust brain function and higher synthesis of brain activity.

The good news is that you don’t have to be a monk to access these brain waves. Through meditation, you can take advantage of each of the five types of brain waves and reap their benefits.

Beta Waves

Beta waves (often known as the consciousness or reasoning frequency at 14-40Hz) correlate with a state of alertness, logic, and critical reasoning.

You need beta brain waves to function properly throughout your day; however, they can also trigger some unpleasant experiences. Stress, restlessness, and anxiety are all associated with beta waves. These waves are, however, necessary for basic cognitive function.

Alpha Waves

If you’ve ever dozed off into a daydream, you’re familiar with alpha brain waves. These brain waves operate on a 7.5-14Hz level and contribute to feelings of deep relaxation.

Alpha brain waves aren’t only present when you’re relaxed, though; these waves are the gateway to your subconscious mind. Because of this, your mind is more open to new positive inputs such as success or positivity when your brain is in this state.

Operating in an alpha brain wave frequency can also heighten your memory, concentration, and imagination.

Pay attention to moments throughout the day when your brain feels relaxed. These are when your alpha brain waves are activated, so be aware of how your subconscious mind might frame the world for you in these moments.

Theta Waves

If your daydreaming has ever caused you to fall asleep, you’ve probably slipped into theta brain wave frequency.

Theta brain waves range between 4 and 7.5Hz, the zone for light mediation and light sleep. This range causes you to dream or reach the REM state. You only spend a brief time in this wave range as you drift from waking consciousness to deep sleep.

Many people consider the theta wave range a state of deep spiritual connection. You can experience your greatest inspiration, creativity, and insight here. It’s also a great frequency at which to make decisions.

Delta Waves

Your awareness becomes fully detached in the delta wave range at 0.5-4Hz. This is known as the deep sleep wave, the slowest frequency. Here you experience deep, dreamless sleep and transcendental meditation.

When your brain operates at the delta frequency, you’re completely in your unconscious mind.

Among many things, deep sleep is important for the healing process — as it’s linked with the daily recovery your body needs to regenerate itself. Hence, neglecting deep sleep can be detrimental to your health in more ways than one.

Gamma Waves

The fastest frequency your brain can access is 40Hz or above. Among researchers who study brain waves, these gamma waves (or insight waves) are their most recent discoveries.

While there is little information about this frequency, initial research shows gamma waves are associated with higher IQs, better concentration, and improved problem-solving abilities. In addition, people who display high levels of gamma waves may be happier and more receptive to new experiences.

Conversely, people who don’t produce enough gamma brain waves may have difficulty learning, recalling information, and concentrating.

Considering the power of gamma waves, it’s even more impressive that the monks were able to access these brain waves through their meditation practices. That same ability to meditate is accessible to everyone if we choose to pursue the power of gamma waves.

The Bottom Line

Understanding your brain waves and how to access them can help you control your reality.

Meditation is a tool that’s accessible to everyone and can help us take advantage of different brain waves. Develop a daily meditation practice to experience a wide range of benefits.