23/11/2025
The 6 Brain wave states and the Connection with Flow State.
It’s important to understand that all humans possess six different types of electric patterns, also called “brain waves” across the cortex. It can be observed with an electroencephalograph or EEG. EEG is a tool that allows researchers to note brain wave patterns. While most of us focus on looking at our emotions to become happier, our brain waves and our subconscious mind also play a key part to become satisfied.
In this article, I am going to explain the six brain waves, the frequencies, and how they affect our state of mind and will be explaining where Flow State takes place. Its connection and importance with the state of flow.
What are Brain Waves?
Brain waves are produced by synchronized electrical pulses from masses of neurons communicating with each other. The 5 brainwaves are Gamma, Beta, Alpha, Theta, Delta and Epsilon are arranged from fastest to slowest brain waves. Brainwave speed is measured in Hertz (cycles per second). The first brain waves ever detected were the Alpha Brain Waves which was discovered by Hans Berger in the year 1929.
GAMMA BRAIN WAVE STATE
Gamma waves are typically of a high frequency and amplitude. Gamma brain waves are one of the fastest waves that reach all parts of the brain. The frequency is normally 40 Hz and more. It has already been observed that people can produce gamma waves that have an amplitude of 100 Hz! These are called "Hypergamma brain waves" and are a subtype of Gamma Brain Waves.
They occur when millions of neurons are active at the same time and "fire" these electrical impulses simultaneously.
Normally, people do not produce these brain waves under normal circumstances. These brain waves were mostly found in geniuses, for example, in a professor of physics. I like to call them "the genius brain waves". They were also observed in meditators who were practicing the loving kindness meditation. As it seems, gamma waves either occur in very intelligent people or in those people who experience unconditional love. It has been observed that Buddhist monks who started to practice the loving kindness meditation almost immediately at will produced gamma brain waves.
High gamma activity also corresponds to a state of peak performance.
Elite athletes, top-notch musicians and high achievers in all fields produce far more gamma waves than average.
Beta Brain Wave STATE
Beta Brain Waves are functioning in a fairly wide spectrum lower that our Audible ability but can manifest itself in a myriad of symptoms that are heightened from several sources. They are involved in conscious thought, logical thinking, and tend to have a stimulating affect. Having the right amount of beta waves allows us to focus and complete school or work-based tasks easily. Having too much beta may lead to us experiencing excessive stress and/or anxiety. The higher beta frequencies are associated with high levels of arousal. When you drink caffeine or have another stimulant, your beta activity will naturally increase. Think of these as being very fast brain waves that most people exhibit throughout the day in order to complete conscious tasks such as: critical thinking, writing, reading, and socialization.
• Frequency range: 13 Hz to 31 Hz
• Too much: Adrenaline, anxiety, high arousal, inability to relax, stress and emotional outbursts.
• Too little: ADHD, daydreaming, depression, poor cognition/balance/comprehension.
• Optimal: Conscious focus, memory, problem solving and integration with mind, heart, control
• Increase beta waves: Drink Coffee, energy drinks, various stimulants like running, sports and risky behaviors (outside comfort zone of experience). Adrenaline high is not positive.
What most of us will experiencing in our always-on society are Beta Brain Waves. The upside is that they allow us to concentrate hard on tasks at hand—and they’re critical when we read, write, and socialize, (It’s the frequency of the hustle, intensity, presentation) The downside of beta waves is that they can zap our energy and reduce emotional awareness and creativity.
