While it’s not necessary for most of us to study the in’s an out’s of our brain waves, it is helpful to be aware of how certain frequencies can impact performance. Particularly what we can do to support improved performance.
Most of us know certain wave frequencies are associated with deep/light sleep (Delta, Theta) and others with more problem solving, learning type activity (Beta and Gamma). Then there are the Alpha waves which generate that relaxed state of alertness and act as the bridge between Delta/Theta and
Beta/Gamma.
When we are fearful or highly stressed, brain waves move into what is known as a High Beta frequency, impairing our ability to think rationally. Dr Dawson Church describes this state of excessively High Beta as ‘the signature brain wave of a stressed-out consciousness’.
But if it’s all happening inside the skull, what can we do about it?
Quite a lot as it happens. We can alter brainwave patterns through certain practices, which is something top athletes and people in the military do.
Practices such as, for example, mindfulness, meditation, tapping (EFT) and diaphragmatic breathing. These have all been found to increase Alpha and Theta waves, associated with relaxation, focus and creativity, while at the same time decreasing High Beta waves, linked to stress and anxiety.
When coaching, the response is often that there is no time to engage in such practices or that it’s impossible to sit still and quiet the mind. Granted it can take time to build up the meditation skill but I’m living proof that it’s possible, having gone from not managing even 2-minutes to a regular 20-minute and sometimes 60-minute practice.
As for the time aspect – well practices are flexible and can take very little time. We can be mindful as we walk along. We can meditate for as little as 5-minutes if we want.
However, the ‘doing’ is a deliberate choice, a shift in attitude, which then becomes a daily habit – just part of who we are.
The benefits though to performance, wellbeing and our ability to quiet or shift the mind when neeeded, are profound and well documented. The payback for gifting ourselves the time is enormous.
