When it comes to studying, many students are looking for ways to enhance their focus and retention of information. One popular method that has gained traction in recent years is using brainwave frequencies to help optimize the learning process. But which brainwave is best for studying?
In this state of mind, because your fight-or-flight mode is activated, you can’t focus on learning and can blank out, making you panic even more. There’s a long and growing body of scientific studies which show the magical effects music has on your brain. Your brain’s amygdalae, which are small, almond-sized nuclei regulating your memory and negative emotions like anxiety, embarrassment, stress and fear, grow in size when you don’t get enough sleep. When you’re experiencing stress, anxiety, fear, or nerves, it disrupts your brain’s ability to learn and create memories effectively.
Alpha Brainwaves
Alpha brainwaves are often associated with a state of relaxed alertness. This frequency range, typically between 8-13 Hz, is thought to be ideal for tasks that require concentration and focus. When in an alpha state, students may find themselves better able to absorb and retain information.
Theta Brainwaves
Theta brainwaves, which fall between 4-7 Hz, are often linked to deep relaxation and creativity. While not typically associated with intense focus, some studies suggest that theta waves can help improve memory and learning. This makes them a potentially useful brainwave frequency for studying.
Studies show environmental factors and activity influence our brain states. Activities or environments with high cognitive demands drive “attentional” brain states (so-called task-induced brain states) with increased connectivity. Examples of task-induced brain states include complex behaviours such as reward anticipation, mood, hunger and so on. “Virtual reality simulations are now an effective part of training in many professions,” said Kourtzi. L-theanine stimulates the production of brain chemicals like dopamine and serotonin, which make you feel focused, motivated and uplifted, reducing feelings of stress and anxiety.
Black and green teas, but especially green teas, contain an amino acid called l-theanine. This amino acid counters the effects of the caffeine in your drink while keeping you alert and calm. A lot of the devices you use, like your laptop, TV, and phone, and many ambient light sources like light bulbs and streetlamps, use blue light. They make sense of this information, connecting it to what they already know and forecasting future events through it.
Gamma Brainwaves
We learnt a lot about brain activity in the 1980s thanks to the advent of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Many tasks, like learning to play a new piece of music, require both kinds of learning, he notes. The divide revealed that the brain engages in two types of learning and memory — explicit and implicit. Scientists believe this is the point in a cycle when neurons are in a state of “high receptivity”.
Gamma brainwaves are the fastest brainwave frequencies, ranging from 30-100 Hz. Although gamma waves are usually associated with higher cognitive functions such as problem-solving and critical thinking, they may also play a role in learning and memory. Some experts believe that gamma waves can help synchronize brain activity, leading to improved mental performance during study sessions.
For thousands of years, instruments such as the aboriginal didgeridoo, Tibetan singing bowl, native American flute, and the tribal drum have been revered as powerful tools of transformation. In the 19th century, the famous psychologist Pierre Janet noticed that when his patients were presented with flickering lights, they had significant reduction in hysteria, depression, and anxiety. From the stars in the sky to the fish in the ocean, endless systems falls under this same principle – including the human brain. As incredible as this technology is, the internet is filled with misinformation, aggressive marketing, and a host of other deceptions around BWE that could lead users down the wrong path.
Conclusion
While there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of which brainwave is best for studying, each frequency range has its own unique benefits that may aid in the learning process. Experimenting with different brainwave frequencies through methods such as binaural beats or meditation can help students determine which works best for them. Ultimately, finding the right brainwave frequency for studying is a personal journey that may require some trial and error.
