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Understanding Theta Brainwaves | Theta Wave Benefits, Frequency, & Self-Management

Theta brainwaves are important for creating and storing memories, dreaming, creativity, and so much more. Learn everything there is to know about theta brainwaves here!

Written by Sarah Hill
October 5th, 2022

Electrical impulses fired off by the cells in your brain are identified as brainwaves. Scientists measure patterns in this electrical activity and classify them into different types of brainwaves based on their range of frequencies.

Different brainwave frequencies are associated with different mood states. Theta brainwaves  in particular are associated with creativity, intuition, and memory & are often most dominant just before falling asleep when the mind is relaxed and drifting. 


In this blog post, we’ll dive deeper into theta brainwaves, explore when they’re most dominant, and explain the best ways to balance the theta wave activity within your own brain. 

 

The Types of Brainwaves

 

Your brain never truly shuts down, even when you’re asleep. At any given moment, your brain is firing off electrical signals that are generally classified under five categories. 

 

Naturally, these categories can be further broken down (and it’s worth mentioning that the frequency ranges for each brainwave can sometimes differ), but at Healium we classify the different types of brainwaves as follows:

 

Delta brainwaves: 0 – 2.75 Hz

– Theta brainwaves: 3.5 – 6.75 Hz

Alpha brainwaves: 7.5 – 11.75 Hz

Beta brainwaves: 13 – 29.75 Hz

Gamma brainwaves: 31 – 49.75 Hz

 

Understanding Theta Brainwaves

 

Theta brainwaves are present in all stages of life, but they are most dominant during childhood.

 

As we age, theta waves become less dominant and are replaced by alpha and beta waves. 

However, theta waves are still dominant in adults during moments of creativity, daydreaming, or when we are in a state of deep relaxation.

 

Theta brainwaves are associated with dreaming, creativity, and intuitive insights and have been linked to several mood states, including the flow state, which is characterized by feeling fully immersed in an activity where everything else seems to fall away from conscious thought. 

 

What Frequency Range Do Theta Brainwaves Live In?

 

Theta brainwaves are frequencies that are between 3.5 – 6.75 Hz. This state is normally only present during sleep or deep meditation. When a person is in the theta state, they are in a very deep state of relaxation. The theta state is associated with dreaming, creativity, and intuitive insights. 

 

The Theta State: When Are Theta Brainwaves Most Dominant?

 

The theta state is one that we commonly experience when we are in a very deep meditative state. This is the state where we can achieve some of the deepest and most profound insights. 

 

Below are other associations of the theta brainwave state:

 

Asleep and Dreaming

The theta state is associated with the feeling of being asleep and dreaming. This is because when we’re in the theta brainwave state, our conscious awareness starts to fade, and we become more relaxed. 

 

During the Day

The theta state is also a state that we can access during the day. This happens when we are in a deeply relaxed state, such as when we are daydreaming, or when we are meditating. 

 

When we are in the theta state, we can be very creative and our imaginations run wild. We can also access this state when doing things like yoga, pilates, or any other type of mindfulness practice.

 

The theta state is also a state that we can access when we’re in the flow state. This is a state where we are completely focused on the task at hand and everything else just falls away. When we are in the flow state, we can achieve some of our best work as all of our energy is focused on the present moment.

 

Creativity

The theta state also helps us to tap into our creative side. This is because the theta brainwave state is very relaxed. 

 

When we are in this state, our minds are free to wander. We can access this state when we are doing things like art or music, as these activities help quiet the mind and allow us to focus on the present moment.

 

Intuition

The theta state is also associated with intuition. This is because when we are in the theta brainwave state, we are more open to new ideas and we can tap into our subconscious mind. 

 

This part of the mind holds all of our memories, experiences, and knowledge. When we are in the theta brainwave state, we can access this part of the mind more easily and we can get in touch with our intuition.

 

Empathy

Lastly, the theta state is also associated with empathy. This is because when we are in the theta brainwave state, we are more open to the emotions of others. We can feel what they are feeling and we can understand their point of view. This can be a very powerful tool for helping us to connect with others on a deeper level.

 

Abnormal Theta Wave Activity

If theta brainwave activity falls outside your range of normalcy, it can lead to problems with memory, concentration, and sleep. 

 

Abnormal theta activity has also been associated with mood disorders such as depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. 

 

Ways To Help Return Theta Brainwaves to Normal Levels

 

There are several ways to help return theta brainwaves to normal levels through self-guided practices. However, if you’re experiencing more severe symptoms, it’s also important to inform your healthcare provider or seek out clinical neurofeedback therapy. 

 

Meditation

 

Meditation is one of the most effective methods of increasing your theta levels if you find that they are too low, as it can help to calm the mind and focus the attention. Specific types of meditation that focus on the breath or on a mantra can be particularly helpful in restoring the balance of theta waves.

 

Meditation is a great way to help the body and mind relax. There are many types of meditation, so find one that works for you. For instance, guided meditation can be helpful if you need someone to lead you through the process. Mindfulness meditation practices involve focusing on the present moment and being aware of your thoughts and emotions without judgment.

 

Yoga

 

Yoga is another great way to help the body and mind relax. Yoga involves physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation. It is a great way to stretch the body and release tension.

 

Pilates

 

Pilates is also a great way to help the body and mind relax. Pilates involves physical exercises, breathing exercises, and meditation. It is a great way to strengthen the body and get rid of tension.

 

Conclusion

 

Theta brainwaves are a normal part of the human experience. They are associated with the flow state, creativity, intuition, and empathy. However, they can also be associated with abnormal activity if they are experienced for prolonged periods or if we are experiencing intense emotions. If you’re experiencing theta brainwaves for prolonged periods or experiencing intense emotions, you can try using Healium.

 

Healium is a mental fitness tool that offers a new and active approach to meditation that’s powered by your body’s electricity. Using real-time data, it makes you more self-aware of your brain patterns and breathing so you can learn to self-manage your anxiety, focus more intently, and sleep better. Healium is not a replacement for psychotropic medication or professional counseling. It’s an exercise that as part of a healthly lifestyle can help you meet your mental wellness goals. The best part is that it only takes a few minutes a day to see results! So, if you’re looking for a way to reduce stress and improve your overall well-being, give Healium a try and immerse yourself in a new reality.

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About the Author

Sarah Hill, a former interactive TV news journalist at NBC, ABC, and CBS affiliates in Missouri, gained recognition for pioneering interactive news broadcasting using Google Hangouts. She is now the CEO of Healium, the world’s first biometrically powered VR/AR channel, helping those with stress, anxiety, insomnia, and other struggles through biofeedback storytelling. With patents, clinical validation, and over seven million views, she has reshaped the landscape of immersive media.

Written by Sarah Hill
October 5th, 2022
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