A Basic Guide to Brain States (and why they’re useful!)
Learning how to influence brain wave states to induce specific effects isn't just for scientists, mystics, or Stranger Things. It's a practical method for anyone with a desire to manage stress, boost productivity, and optimize cognitive function (basically everyone, yes?). We’re going to break down the basics of this dynamic aspect of the mind, where our brain waves hold the keys for supporting our mental performance and overall sense of well-being.
First, what are brain waves?
Picture your brain as a bustling city, with neurons as its inhabitants. As these neurons interact, they produce a symphony of electrical signals, a lot like the lively buzz of city life. Each of these signals (the brain waves) is associated with various mental states such as focus, relaxation, and sleep.
...And we can intentionally induce specific brain wave states?!
Absolutely! Techniques like breathwork and meditation are like portals to this inner landscape. With practice, you can intentionally regulate these signals to induce a desired effect such as increased focus, relaxation, or creativity. For example, meditation heightens alpha waves for relaxation while dialing down potentially stressful beta waves, a lot like finding a quiet room in a chaotic household. Similarly, breathwork elevates theta waves which are associated with creativity and serenity while also reducing those anxious beta waves.
There are 5 brain waves, each with its own rhythm (or “speed”) and role:
The Active States are associated with heightened mental activities and focus such as complex problem solving.
Gamma waves are the “fastest” and orchestrate cognitive functions, memory, and the brain's multitasking power.
Beta waves are the second fastest after Gamma. This is basically our “normal” brainwave state when we’re active throughout the day.
The Flow States are associated with moments when we feel like we’re “in the zone,” where tasks FLOW easily and naturally, creativity is flowing freely, and time seems to fly by:
Alpha is slightly slower than Beta. These waves are like a bridge between the realms of the conscious and subconscious. Practices like breathwork, meditation, or even taking a relaxing walk in nature can induce Alpha brainwave states. In this state, we’re calm, relaxed, and breathing deeply. This is the “earliest” phase of the flow state.
Theta is an even deeper flow state than Alpha. When we drift into deep relaxation or meditation, Theta waves take center stage, inviting creativity, emotional depth, and intuition to flow.
The Restorative State is associated with deep relaxation, such as during a deep sleep or even deeper meditation:
Delta is the slowest and deepest state and happens when we’re in deep sleep. Delta waves facilitate healing and renewal, and are also associated with astral projection, dreaming, and transcendental meditation.
Tell us, we’d love to hear from you! Have you ever experienced being "in the zone"? What was it like, what were you creating?
✨ Are you curious about using breathwork to induce these different brain wave states? Our breathwork certification training is 12 weeks: www.flowbreathworktraining.com
