You and Your Brain 8: Brain Waves Explained 2

Dear Friend,

On the 4th of July, we celebrate Independence Day, which often involves fireworks—big and bold, boisterous and beautiful.

How do you experience a fireworks display?
Do you enjoy them?

Depending on your point of view, fireworks can be inspiring or intimidating. Our individual experience of them is the perfect example of how Gamma and Beta waves work inside our brain.

If watching fireworks inspires a sense of awe, you might go into a state of Gamma, experiencing problem-solving and high concentration. Gamma stimulates imagination, creative ideas, and serotonin production. The tiny electrical currents called Hertz are at their fastest at 35 Hz. It feels like bliss.

A step down is called Beta brain waves. These are a bit slower at 12-35 Hz and feel like stress. This is how many people and pets experience fireworks. They’re too loud, too bright, and too scary. Unfortunately, we spend 90% of our time in the Beta State: busy, overly active, anxious, worried, moody, and angry. It’s not fun. Our cortisol levels are increased, with heightened heart rates and blood pressure.

The most fascinating thing is that the difference between bliss and stress is only one Hertz away!

Alpha State is next. At 8-12 Hertz, Alpha is a relaxed, reflective state of mind. Slowing down, noticing your surroundings, and using all five senses switches your brain into this state.

With breathwork, movement, or mindfulness, you can speed up or slow down your brain waves and impact your sense of peace. Here’s wishing you awe and inspiration—whether you find that in a fireworks display or a quiet night at home.

Happy Independence Day!