Enhance Productivity by Harnessing Brainwave States

Human brains are electro-chemical powerhouses. Maybe you’ve heard about brainwave states- Beta, Alpha, Theta & Delta, which represent the electrical output of our brains. Each resonates within a specific frequency range, thus allowing humans access to different aspects of mental activity. Science now reveals that while we shift between these states naturally, we can also stimulate each state by guiding our brainwaves to the respective frequency. This is known as ‘entrainment’, and is gained through external sound and light pulsations or mental calming techniques like meditation. There is both an art and science to making best use of brainwave activity in boosting productivity and performance.

Alpha, slowed to 8-12 hertz is familiar to us as the slightly dreamy waking state, or pre-sleep twilight zone. Alpha state, also achieved through entrainment, meditation, slowed deep breathing or most any activity that takes us deep into concentration, opens us to a state of light relaxation. We are able to access more of our subconscious mind, a storehouse of information and experiences that taps and feeds into our creative potential. In a guided alpha state, mental reprogramming, self-hypnosis and accelerated learning are also more successful. Optimal learning is said to occur in a state of ‘relaxed concentration’, whereby you are mentally focused and alert while simultaneously accessing your subconscious intelligence- effectively combining beta and alpha state. In fact, our subconscious mind doesn’t recognize a difference between our thoughts and so-called objective reality, which is why we can carve new habits for ourselves with repetition when we do it while in an alpha state.With intentional mental focus, creativity and productivity will be enhanced by visiting the alpha state off and on during your day.

Theta state resonates at around 3-8 hertz, and occurs when we are in light sleep, in ‘the zone’ or deep in meditation. This allows extended access to our sub-conscious states, and usually requires specialized training or external assistance to make best use of our creative treasure chest. At a minimum, it helps to be well aware that in Theta, creative free-flow tends to allow ideas to bubble up for our active use if we spot them. Dreaming tends to occur in this state, which some believe is a form of communication from our inner psyche.

Delta, at .2-3 hertz is the slowest of the brainwave states, and occurs when we are in deep, dreamless sleep. During this time, our bodies process everything we encountered during the day, with automatic activities like re-setting our internal clocks, releasing Growth Hormone and sending healing where needed throughout our body. That is why, after a’ good sleep’, we wake up feeling refreshed; and why when sleep is disturbed, we are not only fatigued, but irritable. We are literally not restored to our natural state.

Whether we are aware or not of the brainwave states, they are occurring. The art of riding the wave where brainwaves take us is intuitively sensing what we need to do at what point- do we need a nap, vigorous exercise, a deep drink of water or a shot of protein? As we raise our level of consciousness, likewise, our body senses a need to ratchet up to a higher vibration in order to perform at the new level. Tuning in to our body gives clues to what our brain needs to function at optimal levels, and vice versa.

The craft is to measure, assess, and build in upgrade and remedial activities as needed- both mental and physical. Especially when making the shift to higher consciousness, our bodies and minds are getting rid of toxins as well as attempting to operate at higher levels of functionality at the same time. Being aware of this allows us to compensate appropriately and ride the wave of the upward journey to an enhanced threshold of peak performance and productivity.

Beta, at 12-38 hertz is normal waking state; where most people hang out most of the day. Stimulating Beta activity can improve concentration and attentiveness, increase IQ through mental sharpness, raise energy levels and boost emotional stability. Productivity tends to increase when we are on our Beta game. On the other hand, poor nutrition, lack of sleep and too much stress can affect Beta, causing mental and emotional disorders. It’s the equivalent of running your sports car at high speed in low gear. Ouch!