Quiet brain state Brain waves are measured in cycles per second (Hertz; Hz). Hz also refers to the “frequency” of brain wave activity.
The lower the number of Hz, the slower the brain activity or the slower the frequency of the activity.
Several different types of brain waves, based on
their frequency, have been identified. The following five types are discussed below:
• Delta waves (below 4 hz) occur during sleep • Theta waves (4-7 hz) are associated with sleep, deep
relaxation (like hypnotic relaxation), and visualization • Alpha waves (8-13 hz) occur when we are relaxed and calm
• Beta waves (13-38 hz) occur when we are actively thinking and problem-solving. • Gamma brain waves (39-100 hz) are involved in higher mental activity and consolidation of information.
Operating in a highly stimulated environment
creates a “noisy” or high frequency brain. The brain waves active in this state are constantly firing in order to make sense of its environment. In this stimulated environment Beta waves are active and allow the brain to be aroused. This state of arousal is limiting when we need to generate insights as research has shown that, in order for insights to be generated, the brain needs to have a spike in alpha brain waves before the insight is generated (see figure 1 on page 54).
A deep meditative state has lots of Gamma wave activity. Being in a deep meditative state is not always possible in the workplace.
Practicing the Mindfulness technique is one way of quieting down the brain activity and brings us back to the here and now.
During Mindfulness we are completely in touch with the present moment and through a non-judgmental approach we become aware of our inner thoughts. These thoughts are merely observed and are not judged in a positive or negative manner. Being present in the here and now leads us to the next point which is about being focused on one’s own thinking and making sense of existing mental maps that drive behaviour.
Technology, and being wired all day,
creates a noisy brain that inhibits insights and creative thinking.
December 2011 | Management Today 53
Alpha brain waves are present when the brain is reflecting and not busy with lots of detailed data. The moment an i n s i g h t is generated there is a spike in Gamma wave activity.
This indicates that
different brain regions are communicating with each other and that there is a consolidation of informat ion.
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