CityView Magazine

40 | January/February 2017 These high frequency low amplitude brain waves are commonly observed while we are awake. These very fast brain waves help us to complete conscious tasks such as: critical thinking, writing, reading, and socialization. They are involved in conscious thought, logical thinking, and tend to have a stimulating affect. Having the right amount of beta waves allows us to focus and complete tasks easily. Having too much beta may lead to us experiencing excessive stress and/or anxiety. • Too much: Adrenaline, anxiety, high arousal, inability to relax, stress • Too little: ADHD, daydreaming, depression, poor cognition • Optimal: Conscious focus, memory, problem solving This frequency range bridges the gap between our conscious thinking and subconscious mind. In other words, alpha is the frequency range between beta and theta. It helps us calm down when necessary and promotes feelings of deep relaxation. If we become stressed, a phenomenon called "alpha blocking" may occur which involves excessive beta activity and very little alpha. Essentially the beta waves "block" out the production of alpha because we become too aroused. • Too much: Daydreaming, inability to focus, too relaxed • Too little: Anxiety, high stress, insomnia, OCD • Optimal: Relaxation This particular frequency range is involved in daydreaming and sleep. Theta waves are connected to deep and raw emotions. Too much theta activity may make people prone to bouts of depression and may make them "highly suggestible" based on the fact that they are in a deeply relaxed, semi-hypnotic state. Theta has its benefits of helping improve our intuition, creativity, and makes us feel more natural. It is also involved in restorative sleep. • Too much: ADHD, depression, hyperactivity, impulsivity, inattentiveness • Too little: Anxiety, poor emotional awareness, stress • Optimal: Creativity, emotional connection, intuition, relaxation These are the slowest recorded brain waves in human beings, found most often in infants as well as young children. They are associated with the deepest levels of relaxation and restorative, healing sleep. Adequate production of delta waves helps us feel completely rejuvenated after we wake up from a good night's sleep. If there is abnormal delta activity, an individual may experience learning disabilities or have difficulties maintaining conscious awareness. • Too much: Brain injuries, learning problems, inability to think, severe ADHD • Too little: Inability to rejuvenate body, inability to revitalize the brain, poor sleep • Optimal: Immune system, natural healing, restorative / deep sleep Image Credit Mindvalley Academy

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