Before we delve into theta waves, let’s quickly explore the five types of brainwaves. When we perform certain actions the neurons in our brains communicate with each other in an electrical or chemical way. This activity can be measured in the form of frequencies or brainwaves.

5 Types of Brainwaves

Gamma – Concentration, insight, peak focus

Beta – Day-to-day, alert, learning

Alpha – Relaxing, daydreaming, winding down

Theta – Dreaming, flow states, meditation

Delta – Deep sleep, restorative healing sleep

We produce gamma brainwaves at moments of peak performance, or expanded consciousness. Beta brainwaves are what we experience on a daily basis during our normal routine.

Alpha waves occur when we get ready for bed, or wake up in the morning, those moments of drowsiness. Delta waves are linked with the healing processes that come with very deep sleep. So what about theta waves?

What Are Theta Waves?

If you imagine each of our five brainwaves is a gear on a car engine, then delta is the slowest gear and gamma is the highest. However, theta is number 2, so it is still pretty slow. We experience theta waves when our minds wander off, we go on auto-pilot, we fantasize about the future, and when we daydream.

Examples of Theta Waves in Normal Activity

Driving home from work and when you arrive, you cannot remember any details of the journey.

Brushing your hair and you come up with an innovative idea to solve a problem at work.

You are immersed in a task and you feel completely in the moment.

These are all theta waves in action. Theta waves occur in many situations. However, they are most associated with internal focus, relaxation, meditation and attaining a flow state of mind. Now, this is what makes them interesting to psychologists and scientists. Because if we can somehow generate theta waves ourselves, we can tap into all this potential.

Brainwave entertainment is a way of stimulating the brain to enter a certain state by using specific sounds, pulses or beats. When the brain picks up these pulses, it naturally aligns to the same frequency.

“Brainwave training is a relatively new research area, but more and more labs are interested in understanding brainwaves and how they relate to a whole plethora of behaviours—from managing stress to full-blown spiritual awakenings,” Leigh Winters MS neuroscientist, Columbia University’s Spirituality Mind Body Institute

Benefits of Theta Waves

So why would you want to make more theta waves in the first place? Here are ten reasons why theta waves are so beneficial:

They relax the mind and body

Increase creativity

Empower learning skills

Lower the heartbeat

Improve problem-solving

Hone intuition skills

Better emotional connections

Form a connection with our subconscious mind

Program the unconscious mind

Increase our spiritual connection

I’d like to focus on the first three benefits of theta waves.

Relaxation

If you are an anxious person prone to worry and stress, then being able to instantly calm and relax is very appealing. Imagine how it would feel to enter a tranquil state? Or how it would help you slip off to sleep when your thoughts are racing?

People with phobias, those with OCD, eating disorders, you name it. Anyone that feels anxiety or stress, if they had the chance of just feeling a little more relaxed; it could help free them from a restrictive behaviour.