understanding Brain Waves

What are Brain Waves
The human brain is an electrochemical organ that uses electric pulses to send messages throughout the body. These pulses are signals that command that particular body part to act in a certain way. These electric signals can be recorded and are called brainwaves. Brainwaves are defined as “rapid fluctuations of voltage between parts of the cerebral cortex that are detectable with an electroencephalograph”.

Types of Brain Waves
There are four major types of brainwaves that are categorized according to their amplitude and frequency. All the brainwaves are present during all states of mind, however, one brainwave dominates each state. These brainwaves govern states that range from state of high of high alert to state of deep dreamless sleep. 

The four brainwaves are termed as beta, alpha and delta brainwaves. The beta brainwave signifies the awakened state, alpha is associated with a relatively relaxed state of mind, theta governs distracted and wandering state of mind and delta wave looks after the sleeping state. They are explained below:

Beta Brainwave
Beta brainwaves are associated with an active mind. When a person is engaged in any work that demands total attention and alertness, then his brain is said to be in beta state. The beta brainwaves are of relatively low amplitude and their frequency ranges from 15 to 40 cycles a second.  They are also the fastest among all brainwaves.

Alpha Brainwave
The Alpha brainwave is totally dissimilar to the bets waves and are relatively slower and of higher amplitude. This brainwave is found during a rested state where a person might be taking a break from any activity. The frequency of alpha waves is from 9 to 14 cycles per second. 

Theta Brainwave
The third brainwave is known as the Theta wave and is present during a state when person is in a even more relaxed state than Alpha. This brainwave is of an amplitude greater than both Alpha and Beta and is therefore of slower frequency. Theta wave has its frequency range from n 5 to 8 cycles per second.  

Delta Brainwave
Delta brainwave denotes an activity stage where the mind has gone into a state of deep relaxation or sleep. While sleeping and dreaming this brainwave governs the mind.

While waking up from sleep, all four stages are invoked in the reverse order. The mind goes from delta to theta to alpha and then finally alpha. However, while this awakening cycle is in motion, a person has a possibility to stay for in the theta state for an extended period. This state is very conducive for having a free flow of ideas that can be an extremely productive.

The knowledge of one’s typical functioning of various brainwave states allows the person to take maximum advantage of these states. S/he can choose to slip into various stages as and when they want to relax, have fresh ideas, focus intently or have a tranquil sleep.

Alternately, people can choose to carry out certain tasks during one of the stages that is most favorable for that task.