Note: If you enjoy this article, consider reading “Benefits of Alpha and Theta Brain Waves.”

Slower brain waves can keep us healthier: mentally and physically

Utilizing brainwave entrainment consistently can definitely yield many health-related benefits. Using alpha brain waves can result in calmness, peacefulness, and relaxation – which helps block stress from crippling our immune system. Boosting theta brain waves can improve our health by making us feel younger, giving us more energy, and improving our immune system. And finally, delta brain waves allow us to produce anti-aging hormones, they boost our immune system, and allow our body to replenish itself. Each of those “slower brain waves” sound like they can produce wonderful health benefits. It definitely sounds wonderful that these “slower brain waves” are able to do such a phenomenal job at keeping us healthy.

Powerful relaxation and better overall wellbeing

A common benefit to increasing the amount of slow brain waves [i.e. alpha, theta, delta] in your brain is feeling deeply relaxed. Scientists have found that when the brain is in slower brain wave states [like alpha and theta], it produces specific hormones and “neuropeptides.” These hormones and neuropeptides that are produced have been linked to boosted memory, creativity, and ability to learn.

Each time you lower the baseline frequency of your brain waves, the more you will feel the healthy anti-stress, anti-aging hormones and neuropeptides. These naturally boost your overall level of relaxation and wellbeing. What the slower brain waves also do is increase the amount of beneficial neurotransmitters and endorphins in the brain. For example: using alpha and theta brain waves will increase your overall level of relaxation by increasing the production of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is an extremely helpful neurotransmitter that has been linked to both mental and physical relaxation. Also, certain slower brainwave frequencies produce endorphins which make us feel good – like a “natural high.”

For these reasons, virtually any time you utilize brainwave entrainment, neurofeedback, meditation, or even yoga, you are able to feel more relaxed and peaceful. What do all of the mentioned exercises have in common? Though they may all be “different forms” of exercising your brain, in the end, they will all slow down your brain waves.

Why you feel “a natural high” after running

Though you may not know it or remember it, you’ve likely experienced “a natural high” – also known as, your body bein flooded with the production of endorphins. Each time that you go for a run or do any form of hard cardiovascular exercise, endorphins are released. Most people have experienced the benefits of endorphins; whether it be after a long run, basketball game, or other sporting event.

Though you will usually feel very exhausted and were very sweaty after a hard workout, you will also usually feel very good. After working out we naturally feel physically relaxed [and tired], plus – we feel mentally relaxed and calm. Though I highly recommend exercise to increase your overall level of wellbeing, it is not the only activity that will make you feel good by producing endorphins. Any time you utilize brainwave entrainment, neurofeedback, meditation, or yoga, in order to slow your brain waves, you will probably feel the same endorphins ["natural high"] that you did after a strenuous workout.

How endorphins boost our cognition [i.e. memory and learning]

Though you already know that endorphins allow our bodies to feel a natural high, you may not have known that each time we enter an alpha or theta brain wave state, specific endorphins kick-in that actually boost our overall cognition; they improve our memory and ability to learn. Scientific research has proved that in rats that were injected with endorphins had improved memories – they also were able to run through mazes more quickly. Research has also shown that the production of endorphins can actually reverse amnesia – [a condition in which memory is disrupted].

Researchers have also thought that the parts of the brain that are involved in the production of endorphins, are the exact same areas that are involved with memory and learning. One study even proposed that each time we learn – our brain releases endorphins to reward itself and to help us store our memories. This is why memorizing and ability to learn are boosted each time we have increased production of endorphins in our brains.

Increased endorphins in our brain has been linked to theta and alpha brain wave states of consciousness. Think about it: each time we are able to slow our brain waves to the alpha and / or theta range, it is naturally easier for us to drop our old beliefs and literally “learn” new beliefs. This is why you may have heard that slowing your brain waves down to theta and alpha ranges allows you to re-program your beliefs.

How alpha and theta brain waves boost our learning abilities

Catecholamines, acetylcholine, and vasopressin, are three [among many] of the beneficial hormones and other helpful neuropeptides that are produced in slower brain wave frequencies. Studies have shown that acetylcholine is vital for long term memory. They have also found that when acetylcholine production [in the brain] is high, we experience boosts in our long-term memory. More studies have found that when individuals take supplements that boost the production of acetylcholine in the brain, they are better at learning and have improved memories.

Individuals who have lower levels of acetylcholine usually struggle with tasks involving learning and memory. Individuals with the devastating Alzheimer’s disease usually have very low levels of acetylcholine. Theta brain waves have been specifically linked to the production of the neuropeptide vasopressin – a neuropeptide which improves reaction time, ability to learn, and ability to remember. Theta brain waves also have the ability to produce catecholamines which aid once again in our learning process and memory.

Boosted attention and alertness

It is not only our production of neuropeptides that allows us to learn more effectively in slower brainwave patterns. Because theta and alpha brain wave states are linked to relaxation, we experience decreased blood pressure, heart rate, and our entire body feels relaxed. This boosts the overall oxygen level in our brains and maximizes bloodflow to our cortex. This naturally boosts our attention span and level of alertness. Boosted attention and alertness makes it much easier to memorize and learn new things.

Slower brain waves and feeling young again

Are you a person that wishes you could get back some of the same energy you had when you were a kid? Though there are many products on the market to help you: look younger, feel more energetic, happier, and healthier, many do not work. Why? Because they don’t target your brain waves! Research has found that patterns of delta brain waves, theta brain waves, and alpha brain waves, positively affect the production of the hormones: melatonin, DHEA, and cortisol. These three brain wave patterns are able to slow aging, boost relaxation, and increase our overall wellbeing.

In the alpha and theta brain wave ranges, the amount of melatonin and DHEA is significantly boosted in our brains. Research has discovered that DHEA can increase over 50% in certain cases! Even more impressive were the studies on melatonin. Researchers found that slower brain waves boosted the production of melatonin by 300% in some cases! Average melatonin increases were nearly 100%… On top of all the other benefits, the production of cortisol – [a stress hormone usually produced by high-beta brain waves], declined by nearly 50%!

Increase anti-aging hormones

As mentioned earlier, the hormone “cortisol” is a powerful stress hormone that has potential to actually kill brain cells. It has been linked to sped-up aging, health problems, anxiety, and stress. Because of the problems associated with cortisol, it can have a significantly negative impact on our memory, ability to learn, and our overall wellbeing. It is definitely not favorable to have high levels of cortisol floating around in your body.

With that said, DHEA is a hormone that you want to have plenty of in your body. Like cortisol, it is produced by our adrenal glands. Usually, in your twenties, DHEA production will reach its maximum. In your thirties, DHEA production declines and as you age – it continues to decline. Individuals who are over 70 have roughly 1/5th the amount of DHEA as an individual in their twenties. When our DHEA levels drop low, we are more susceptible to developing disease, getting sick, and aging quickly. The higher we keep our levels of DHEA, the less likely we are to get sick, become stressed out, or speed up our aging process.

Lastly, we notice significant improvements with the hormone melatonin. Melatonin has been linked to better, more restful sleep. You already know that sleep is very beneficial for replenishing the brain and body with vital neurotransmitters and hormones. Each time we get a quality night’s sleep, we help ward off the aging process. When we get poor quality sleep, we speed up our aging process. Like DHEA, the amount of melatonin produced in our bodies declines as we get older. For this reason, it is important to lower our brain waves to the alpha and theta rhythms and boost our melatonin levels.

Why slower brain waves release helpful neurotransmitters

Hopefully, you now fully [or better] understand that when you increase your alpha, theta, and delta brain waves [slower brain waves] your brain naturally increases the production of beneficial hormones. This is why many people [including researchers] consider activities such as: brainwave entrainment, meditation, and yoga to be beneficial. Have you ever questioned why the brain produces these helpful hormones and neurotransmitters in the slower brainwave frequencies?

Well, according to scientific research, neurons ["brain cells"] are electrochemically triggered to produce certain neurotransmitters, neuropeptides, and certain hormones at certain brainwave frequencies. Neurons are almost “activated” to produce certain neurochemicals when they are interacting with certain brainwave frequencies. Think of brain waves as communication in the brain. The neurons and the brain communicate by sending specific brainwave frequencies.

This is why each time your brain waves are slowed to the alpha range or theta range, they produce different, more helpful neurochemicals than they would in the beta range. Slowing your brain waves with entrainment is comparable to sending a direct message to your brain cells to start creating helpful neurochemicals. The concept is easy to understand too. Each time you get a quality night’s sleep, your brain shifts to the lower theta and delta ranges.

When you wake up, you usually feel like your energy supply has been replenished… That’s because your energy supply was replenished by the delta and theta brain waves. They produced many helpful, healing hormones and neurotransmitters while you were asleep! Though slower brain waves tend to have a lot of health-related benefits, you should never rule out your beta brain waves. Each brain wave has something helpful to offer / bring to the table.

5 Main Types Of Brainwaves:

1. Beta Brainwaves
2. Alpha Brainwaves
3. Theta Brainwaves
4. Delta Brainwaves
5. Gamma Brainwaves

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Note: If you enjoy this article, consider reading Understanding The “Alpha Brainwave”.

Alpha brain waves are the second fastest in the lineup of basic brain wave frequencies [beta, alpha, theta, delta] – beta waves being the fastest. Alpha brain waves are usually in the range of frequencies between 8 Hz – 12 Hz. Alpha waves are very easy to notice on the E.E.G. – they are very strong, smooth brain waves.

An interesting factoid: alpha brainwaves were the first brainwave group to be researched and the first group to be discovered. The alpha brain wave rhythm is also considered to be the “safest” of the brain wave frequencies to use during brainwave entrainment and neurofeedback. Why? Because out of all four groups of brain waves [beta, alpha, theta, delta], alpha waves usually yield the most benefits via entrainment and rarely produce any unwanted side-effects.

Alpha brainwaves bridge the conscious mind with the subconscious

Alpha brain waves allow you to understand what is going on in your subconscious mind after meditation and after dreaming. Without the presence of alpha waves in your E.E.G. after dreaming, your brain would not be able to transfer subconscious information to the conscious mind. Alpha waves are the connection that allows information to be transfered between subconscious and conscious. Each time you remember a dream that you had, you used alpha brain waves.

Each time that you visualize or go into meditation, your alpha brain waves likely kicked in. Alpha waves are a key part of providing clear, vivid visualization sessions. They allow you to use your imagination, tap your subconscious creativity, and express the creativity through your conscious mind. The alpha waves are usually also at work each time you daydream or use your imagination.

Why alpha brain waves are called “alpha brain waves”

Dr. Hans Berger who was a psychiatrist from Austria first discovered electrical waves in the brain in the year 1908. Berger called these electrical waves “alpha brain waves” due to the fact that they were the first brain wave to be discovered. Another interesting fact about Dr. Hans Berger is the fact that he was the inventor of the E.E.G. machine, better known as an electroencephalograph. The E.E.G. machine is what allows researchers, scientists, and neurofeedback practitioners to understand brainwave activity.

It works by amplifying, recording, and creating graphs of electrical activities in the brain. After using the E.E.G., researchers quickly found other forms of brain activity. Beta waves were discovered next, then delta waves, then theta waves. After all the basic brain waves were discovered, gamma brain waves were found.

Eventually, in the 1950′s, scientists discovered that it was indeed possible for individuals to learn to take full conscious control over their brainwaves. These scientists learned that meditation allowed people to slow their brain waves from the common beta range down to theta and alpha waves.

Know when you access “alpha brain waves”

Each time that you are daydreaming or not fully awake, you are in the alpha brain wave range. The state of mind ‘right-before’ you fall asleep is usually comprised of lots of alpha brain waves. Individuals who lack normal amounts of alpha brain waves usually have insomnia, anxiety, sleep disorders, or high stress. This is why increasing alpha waves for overstressed people can be extremely effective at helping them fall asleep.

I can personally vouch for the use of alpha brain waves to fall asleep. In fact, I used them last night to put me out! I played a 10 Hz alpha brain wave created session and within 10 minutes, I was asleep – I didn’t even know about it. They can be a great tool when utilized effectively! Other times that your brain uses alpha brain waves includes: each time you watch T.V., each time you are relaxing, each mediation session, each time you close your eyes, each time you breathe deeply, or feel completely relaxed during a hot / steamy shower.

For information on how you can increase the production of alpha brain waves in your brain, check out the article 20 Ways To Murder Stress. About 5 of the activities mentioned in that article will do a great job at increasing alpha production. Any time you feel relaxation, your alpha waves are at work! Each time that you feel both mentally and physically relaxed, you are in a state of alpha brain waves.

The first time that I heard about alpha brain waves, I thought that they sounded like a good brain wave range, but I also thought that they would make me drowsy and wanting to sleep, so I stayed away from using them and stuck with beta. When I finally decided to use alpha brain waves, it was an incredible experience.

I found a new state-of-mind that allowed me to remain peaceful, calm, and relaxed – all while maintaining a positive mental state. It really felt great to finally experience alpha waves. Now, I use alpha brain waves a lot more because I know what they can do for me. I use them to help me fall asleep quickly or for some powerful relaxation sessions. Each time when I’ve been stressed out and used alpha brain waves, my relaxation level skyrocketed after about 15 minutes of use. I really didn’t think they could work as effectively as they actually did!

My description of “alpha brain waves”

Think about your entire body and mind being fully relaxed and peaceful. You may feel slightly spaced out, but it actually feels very pleasant. If you’ve every got a very relaxing massage or sat in a hot-tub to the point of relaxation, this is what the alpha brain waves feel like. All of this will usually be followed by inner-calmness, silence, and quietude – as if your entire world was silent and completely still.

It’s still very difficult for you to fully understand alpha brain waves if you haven’t experienced them. In fact, some people NEVER experience the alpha range for most of their lives! Though my description definitely will help you understand alpha brain waves better, it is still recommended to experience them for yourself. Why? Because describing alpha brain waves is comparable to telling you what chocolate tastes like.

I can describe the chocolate by using many different adjectives and descriptors, but in the end, you really must try the chocolate in order to fully understand it and appreciate it. Same rules apply for the alpha brain wave state of consciousness. When you are finally able to fully understand the alpha brain wave range, you will feel liberated and open to an entirely new world!

It really is an amazing experience, but one that you need to experience for yourself. If you are interested in experiencing powerful alpha brain waves, I recommend either Neuro-Programmer 2 Professional or Mind Work Station. These products will get you started and definitely will help you get into the alpha range. I personally use Neuro-Programmer 2 Professional sessions usually at around 10 Hz and they’ve been absolutely phenomenal.

5 Main Types Of Brainwaves:

1. Beta Brainwaves
2. Alpha Brainwaves
3. Theta Brainwaves
4. Delta Brainwaves
5. Gamma Brainwaves

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Note: If you enjoy this article, consider reading Understanding The “Theta Brainwave”.

Theta brain waves typically range from 4 Hz to 8 Hz. Theta brain waves are associated with the “subconscious mind” and are usually produced in the right-hemisphere of the brain – as opposed to beta brain waves, which are produced in the left-hemisphere and are associated with the “conscious mind.” The brain creates theta brain wave rhythms each time you are in “dream sleep.” Also, during R.E.M. [Rapid-Eye Movement] sleep, the brain is full of theta brain wave activity.

Nearly 3/5 of your entire time spent sleeping at night involves the production of theta brain waves in your brain. Many individuals also are able to access theta brain waves when they are: driving for a long stretch on the highway, practicing their meditation routine, using a self-hypnosis recording, or practicing other forms of deep relaxation. When you are able to consciously access the alpha brain waves state, you are just one step away from accessing the depths of theta.

What’s cool about theta brain waves is the fact that they allow you to connect with your “subconscious mind.” The subconscious mind is the place where all experiences, long-term memories, natural creativity, powerful emotions, spiritual connections, and inspiration are all stored. Think of the “subconscious mind” as one big, infinite storage space for “everything” in your life. The theta brain waves are extremely helpful for healing the body of injury and the mind of diseased-states.

Theta brain waves: tap the subconscious

Theta brain waves are such an important pattern of brain waves due to their ability to grant us access to our subconscious mind power. Accessing the theta rhythm allows us to influence and consciously control our “subconscious mind.” How does this happen? Well, each time you are in theta, you are able to pass through your conscious mind. Passing through your “conscious mind” is often a good idea. Why? Because our conscious minds’ beta-brain wave activity usually acts as a “fence” or “gate.”

This “gate” often can prevent us from manipulating or changing our deep-rooted thought patterns in our subconscious mind. This “gate” can also make it very difficult for us to change our emotional state, thought patterns, limiting beliefs, and attitudes if we don’t know how to pass through it. Another interesting fact is that our “subconscious mind,” accepts any affirmations, incantations, or statements that you feed it. It doesn’t question the statement or think about the statement, it begins to act upon the statement immediately!

For this reason, it is actually quite easy to get rid of any negative emotions or thought patterns if you are able to access this state. You can get rid of these thought patterns by implanting new beliefs into your “subconscious mind.” This is why accessing the subconscious mind via hypnosis can have a powerful effect on a person. The reason hypnosis can be successful is because it allows you to pass through the “gate” and add any desirable affirmations, statements, and beliefs directly inside your subconscious mind.

Access your inner “Zen”

Scientists have known that during deep meditation, the amplitude (strength) of theta brain waves will increase. The deeper you are able to go into meditation, the more powerful your theta brain waves will be. Scientists also have discovered the fact that the emotions for “bliss” and deep internal “peace,” are only felt when theta brain waves are dominant on the E.E.G.

Want to amp up your spiritual life? Well, it has also been noted by researchers that it is theta brain waves that allow individuals to experience their “strongest spiritual connection.” Certain scientists even believe that it is possible to speed-up the process of connecting with the spirit. After this research, many personal development products and practices were created. Many of these personal development products created lots of hype because they seemed like the quickest way to feel “bliss” and “peace” – without spending years meditating.

They claimed to help individuals access their “inner Zen” and also claimed they would experience great health-related benefits. These products included relaxation programs, brainwave CD’s, and self-hypnosis recordings. Many of these will not work to help you access your “inner Zen,” but some definitely do. One product that I frequently use and highly recommend is Neuro-Programmer 2 Professional. Thus far, it has allowed me to have better control of my mind, state of consciousness, and emotions. I highly recommend at least giving the free 30 day trial version a shot if you don’t want to buy it!

Theta brain waves linked to “ah-ha” moments

Though alpha brain waves have been linked to “ah-ha” moments, many individuals have experienced them in the theta brain wave range as well! Since theta brain waves are associated with the creativity, infinite data, and inspiration of the “subconscious mind,” it makes perfect sense that “ah-ha” experiences occur in this brainwave range. For this reason, you can usually hear famous musicians, scientists, writers, actors, and other creative individuals discuss how they “found inspiration.”

Many people assume that researchers only spend all day slaving away in a laboratory with little mice trying to make a breakthrough discovery. What’s interesting though, is the fact that most (if not all) of major scientific breakthroughs and / or inventions have been a result of intuitive guidance via mental imagery, dreams, and hunches that scientists received when their brains’ were in the theta brain wave range and they had some access to their subconscious mind.

These scientists were usually: relaxing, sleeping, driving home from work, and doing non-work related activities! During these “ah-ha” moments that many scientists have had, their brains’ were full of activity in the subconscious mind. The majority of the best scientists are completely aware of how the “subconscious mind” works. Just to name a few geniuses such as: August Kekulé, Thomas Edison, Albert Einstein, have all tapped the power of their subconscious mind to help them make huge breakthroughs.

As you may now understand, your ability to utilize and harness the power of your subconscious mind is an extremely important factor in determining the success of many individuals (i.e. scientists, authors, researchers, musicians, etc.). Are you currently utilizing the power of your subconscious to help you solve problems or stay inspired? If not, just take a second to think about how much more efficient and powerful you could be if you were able to ‘shift’ into theta brain waves when you felt it necessary!

Unfortunately, many people aren’t able to access this theta brain waves state of consciousness due to certain factors such as: stress and disease. For these individuals, Neuro-Programmer 2 Professional will definitely get them on the right track.

Waking up in theta brain waves?

Each time that theta brain waves flood your brain, you are temporarily detached from your body and awareness. This is why each time you wake up when your brain is in the theta phase of your sleep cycle, you won’t remember anything. If you’ve ever laid down to relax, ended up falling asleep, and then woke up long past your normal waking tim, you’ve likely experienced some quality theta brain waves.

Remember, that how you feel and your entire “waking up” experience depends completely on the brainwave pattern of sleep you’re in before awakening! Below is a recap of the basic brain waves that you can awaken from and what you’ll likely feel like in each state.

How you feel when waking – phase of sleep cycle

Each brainwave state it is possible to wake up from:

• Alpha brain waves: You will feel extremely energized, pumped-up, alert, awake, and ready for whatever the day has to bring. When waking in this state, you’ll also be able to completely remember most of your dreams from throughout the night.

• Theta brain waves: You will feel very surprised that so much time has passed while you were asleep. You won’t remember the act of falling asleep. The last thing you’ll remember is laying down on your bed – before you realize it, it’s already the morning! Each time you wake up in the theta brain waves state and your brain doesn’t shift from: theta to alpha before going into the beta brain waves state, you won’t recall any of your dreams.

• Delta brain waves: It is extremely tough for any individual to wake up if their brain is producing mostly delta brainwaves. However, if you do happen to wake up during this phase of sleep, you will feel irritable, unaware, and very tired. It will take a lot of effort to get yourself out of bed! Definitely not a good phase of brain waves to wake up in!

Master your brain with all 4 types of brain waves

Once again, it’s very important for you to understand that though theta brainwaves can be very beneficial and helpful – they are not the most important brainwave pattern. In fact, none of the 4 basic brain wave patterns (beta, alpha, theta, delta) are considered “most beneficial” or “best brainwave.” All brain waves are of equal importance and serve their intended purpose. They all have certain benefits and drawbacks in certain situations.

The key is to cultivate a good combination of each of the 4 brain waves [beta, alpha, theta, delta] in order to take full control of your mind and life. This can be accomplished via meditation or neurofeedback. Both activities allow you to take “conscious” control over your brain wave patterns and consciously “shift” to an optimal brainwave for any given situation. This makes life much easier for us to live because we are able to optimally deal with any situation.

When you are able to incorporate theta brain waves in your life, you may feel peaceful and blissful during a session of meditation, but you may not even be able to remember it! Why? Theta brain waves involve the subconscious mind and if we don’t have any alpha brain wave activity to transfer this “subconscious information” to our conscious mind (beta waves) – you’ll believe that you know something on a deeper level, but aren’t sure what because you cannot remember it!

Accessing alpha, but not being able to tap theta waves will allow you to feel relaxed, more internally aware, but will not have the emotional intensity, creative insights, or the spiritual-connection that can only be accessed through theta waves. This is why being able to tap both the theta brain waves, while also having access to alpha waves, allows our brains to transfer important information, emotions, and insights to our conscious mind [because alpha bridges the gap between the “subconscious mind” (theta waves) and “conscious mind” (beta waves). This allows us to actually use the information that our theta range can provide.

Hopefully that last paragraph helped you understand why all four patterns of brainwaves are needed to master the brain. And in case you were wondering about delta brain waves – just think of them as one stage deeper than theta brain waves. In order to transfer information from the delta brainwave range to your “conscious mind,” you need to utilize “theta” (receives information from delta) – “alpha” (receives information from theta) – and “beta” (receives information from alpha). This allows us to be consciously aware of even the deepest universal knowledge and truths.

As you may have already guessed, mastering your brain waves will allow you to live the life of your dreams and consciously create your reality. However, it takes work – and, most people don’t put in work… Which is why a minority of the population is able to live out their dreams! Anyways, the key is to be sure you’re in an optimal brain wave state for your given situation. For more information on each of the various brainwaves, and understand which brainwave pattern is optimal, check out each of the descriptions posted below!

5 Main Types Of Brainwaves:

1. Beta Brainwaves
2. Alpha Brainwaves
3. Theta Brainwaves
4. Delta Brainwaves
5. Gamma Brainwaves

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Note: If you enjoy this article, consider reading Understanding The “Delta Brainwave”.

Delta brain waves are the slowest of all your brainwaves. They usually fall within the frequency range of 0 – 4 Hz. When your brain waves reach levels below 0.1 Hz, you will literally be “brain dead.” Unlike theta brainwaves, which are commonly associated with the “subconscious mind” – delta brain waves are associated with the “unconscious mind.” Due to delta brainwaves being the least understood amongst brain waves [besides gamma] – I’ve decided to provide you with some quality information and hopefully clear up any misunderstandings.

Delta brain waves have long been linked to stages 3 and 4 of sleep. The delta brainwave range is considered “the lowest brainwave frequency. A decreased sense of awareness, increased empathy, and access to the “unconscious mind” are common. It is extremely rare to have conscious awareness of delta brainwaves. Only certain highly spiritual individuals, gurus, yogis, monks, and avid meditators usually are able to consciously access this brainwave range.

Being in delta is like being in the most deeply relaxing trance or non-physical awareness. Usually, when individuals are asleep in the delta range, their other brainwave patterns shut down and delta takes over. If you’ve ever woken up and felt irritable, unconscious, confused, or disorientated, you likely woke up during your delta stage of sleep.

Boosted intuition and psychic skills

The slower, delta brain wave frequencies have long been linked to boosted intuition and even the cultivation of “psychic skills” in certain individuals. What’s interesting is the fact that in some individuals, delta brain waves are present [show up in the E.E.G.] of people while they are awake – along with the other basic brainwave patterns [beta, alpha, theta]. They will never be found as the only brainwave pattern while someone is awake! There usually needs to be some beta, alpha, and theta if delta is displayed while awake.

Anyways, researchers have found that individuals who usually have an uncanny intuition and possibly psychic abilities, usually have delta brainwaves appearing in their waking E.E.G.’s. Think of delta brain waves as a radar system that helps our intuition sense when any form of danger is lurking. Though we don’t always need to sense danger via “gut instinct” or intuition, delta brain waves can be a great form of help. Delta brain waves are a very indigenous, anamalistic, primal-type brainwave rhythm that give us a deeper sense of “instinct.” Basically, the delta brainwaves allow us to be more aware of information that isn’t available to our conscious, beta-brainwave fueled, brains.

Healing the mind and body

Frequencies in the delta range have been linked to healing the mind and body of a wide-variety of ailments and illnesses. Researchers have even discovered that within the delta brainwave range, some frequencies are even able to produce healthy substances such as: DHEA, melatonin, and H.G.H. (Human Growth Hormone). When the delta rhythms run through our brain, it naturally produces a different set of neurotransmitters and substances. With software like Neuro-Programmer 2 Professional, you can stimulate these delta brainwave frequencies and increase the healing speed of your brain and body.

The melatonin, H.G.H. (human growth hormone), and DHEA that delta brain waves are able to slow and or reverse the effects of aging. Another benefit of increasing the amount of delta brainwaves is the reduced production of the “stress hormone” called “cortisol.” Reducing cortisol is great for the body and brain! Why? Because increased levels of cortisol can and will actually kill brain cells, plus speed up the process of physical and mental aging.

In the book “The High-Performance Mind” [written by Anna Wise], Anna Wise writes that individuals who are therapists, guides, teachers, and those into professions which involve “helping others” tend to have delta brain waves while awake. She also notes that spiritually advanced individuals and healers tend to display plenty of delta brainwaves. It has been said that these “unconscious brain waves” give them more understanding and access to other individuals’ mental and emotional state.

Delta brain waves to “master the brain”?

The rhythms of delta brain waves allow us to tap into “universal knowledge,” or the mind beyond our own. This “universal knowledge” has been referred to as the “collective unconscious” – which is comparable to one large pool of the collective knowledge and understanding all of humanity. The delta brain waves give our minds’ the opportunity to enter the gateway which connects our intuition with the collective unconscious.

How are delta waves compared to theta brain waves? Theta brain waves give us insights from our “subconscious mind” – our deepest being and deepest internal spirituality. Theta brain waves look internally and are much more personally meaningful to each individual. Delta waves provide us with access to external unconscious material.

From theta and delta, we will never be consciously aware of the information we have access to unless it gets transferred through our subconscious via the alpha brain waves. Alpha brainwaves are able to pass insights and messages from the deeper, theta and delta brainwaves. Usually, they add specific pictures and imagery around the messages in order for our “conscious beta-brainwave geared” mind is able to understand the messages. After the messages from the theta brain waves and delta brain waves get transferred through the alpha range to the beta range, they can be understood and acted upon.

It is important to realize that there is no single brainwave pattern that is optimal to have at all times. Each of the four main types of brain waves come with benefits and drawbacks. Beta brain waves are great for communication and thinking logically, while delta brain waves are great for intuition and accessing “universal knowledge.” After reading this article, I hope that you understand that in order to take full control of your mind and maximize your brain power, you must learn to take control of each of the four brain waves!

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Out of all the brainwave patterns, beta brainwaves are most commonly found in awake individuals. They are the fastest brainwave pattern, ranging from 12 Hz to Hz to 38 Hz – [anything beyond 38 Hz is usually classified as the gamma brainwave rhythm]. The left-hemisphere of our brains, involved with the production of beta brainwaves, has been linked to conscious thought and being “fully awake.” Virtually all individuals besides children, and people with A.D.D., are in beta brainwave states upon awakening.

Why do you need beta brainwaves?

Beta brainwaves are what is used by your brain to help you function in society. If you were without any beta brainwaves, you would be unable to function while you are awake. You would basically be an awake, “brain-dead zombie.” As you are reading this article, your brain is generating beta brainwaves. Activities such as: reading, writing, calculations, and work which involves thinking, all require your brain to amp up the production of beta brainwaves.

Other things such as: reasoning, alertness, logical thinking, and critical thinking are all linked to the production of beta brainwaves. Your brain also uses beta brainwaves to memorize things, plan, think deeply, interpret data, and to organize things [including your thoughts].

The older you are, the more beta brainwaves you’ll have.

Beta brainwaves are very common in adults in comparison to children. Therefore, beta brainwaves are considered to be a “grown up” type of brainwave. Scientists have long understood that most children spend most of their waking hours in theta and alpha brainwave states. Researchers have also understood that as children get older and learn to be more “mature” or “grown up,” the amount of their beta brainwaves increase. With very few exceptions, most brains of adults commonly generate lots of the beta rhythm.

Usually, beta brainwaves increase in children when they begin going to school. This makes perfect sense, due to the conscious, left-brain promotion at schools. You are taught to be highly logical and creativity usually isn’t rewarded – except in art or music classes. All of the activities that children do such as: solve math problems, write papers, read books, all increase the production of beta brainwaves and allow the alpha and theta rhythms to slowly dwindle. Nearly every skill that kids learn at school: memorization, planning, logical thinking, and the interpretation of information do a great job at enhancing and promoting the production of beta brainwaves.

Memorization: Beta Brainwaves vs. Alpha Brainwaves

The act of memorizing facts and data is a very different memorization process compared to when an individual is in an alpha brainwaves state. Therefore, I thought it would be helpful to give you a general overview of memorization in both the alpha brainwaves and the beta brainwaves. The most common way for most individuals to memorize something is via “rote learning.” In fact, the whole education system in the United States [and most other countries] is based on “rote-learning.”

Can you remember back to when you were a small child? If you can, think back to when you began to learn multiplication math tables. Likely, you repeated the tables over-and-over again until they were finally embedded into your brain. You probably wrote or vocally repeated the entire multiplication table until it was finally ingrained into your memory.

What’s happening here is that you’re forcing information down your conscious, left-brain and after constant repetition, that information gets transferred to your subconscious. With that said, you are only able to store information into your subconscious mind if you are able to produce alpha brainwave rhythms, not beta brainwaves.

So, by using “rote-learning” for memorizing the multiplication table is like breaking down your front door (beta brainwaves) to get inside your house instead of just using a key (alpha brainwaves). For this reason, you need to sometimes “beat yourself up,” or spend countless hours with “repetition” before you finally memorize the complete multiplication table. This is why most adults can usually benefit greatly from some extra alpha brainwave production.

The memorization process while you are already in the alpha brainwave state is a completely different experience. Memorizing in alpha, as you may have already guessed, is much easier than shoving information down through your beta brainwaves. Memorizing in beta is like choking down food that you don’t like when eating dinner. Memorizing in an alpha state much more natural. It is like eating a food you really like – it goes down smooth and is easy to retain. This is why affirmations are so much more effective when you are in an alpha or a theta brainwaves state – they are easily implanted into the subconscious brain. In the alpha brainwave state, there’s absolutely no need for “rote-learning;” or constant repetition to memorize.

Next time you are trying to memorize something, try it in the alpha brainwave state

The next time that you have something you need to memorize or learn, slow down your brainwave rhythm from beta to the alpha rhythm. If you’re like most people, you’ll realize that the memorization process takes much less time, is a lot easier, and feels completely natural – because you eliminate the need of constant “cramming” or repetition.

If you are looking for more information on how to increase your alpha brainwaves, I recommend reading my article: “Understanding The Alpha Brainwave,” in which I provide some examples. Another phenomenal and quick way to increase the production of your alpha brainwaves is to utilize the technology of brainwave entrainment. I recommend Neuro-Programmer 2 Professional, due to the high rate of success that many people [including myself] have experienced with the software.

Slower brainwaves linked to being “down to Earth”

Another interesting fact is that individuals who feel connected to nature and are “down to Earth,” usually have slower brainwave patterns in the alpha, and sometimes even the theta brainwave ranges. These “down to Earth” people actually have brainwaves that are much closer to children than most other adults. And this does not reflect their maturity level, it just resembles that they actually show the exact same type of appreciation for nature as children.

The main problem with most highly-mature individuals or adults is that they actually generate too much beta brainwaves in relation to alpha and theta brainwave rhythms. This is why they don’t feel the same energy and youthfulness that many hope to recreate in their lives. It’s funny because recreating this state can be relatively easy with brainwave entrainment or via practicing meditation.

Ever feel stressed out? Blame High-Beta brainwaves

Higher beta brainwaves usually above 18 Hz can result in feelings of: tenseness, anxiety, stress, and nervousness. When your brainwave levels increase above 30 Hz, they’ll interfere with your ability to think clearly and effectively process, and understand your own thoughts. I have personally experienced stress to such a high-degree in the past, that I literally felt as if I had little control over my life due to the constant rapid generation of completely random – sometimes unwanted – thoughts.

High-beta brainwaves and random, stressful thoughts

When your brainwave levels climb the charts, up to the high beta brain wave frequencies, neurons (brain cells) begin firing at random and in an unorganized pattern. This leads to a highly-unfocused, completely disorganized, and confusing state of mind to be in. I can testify for this claim, because I personally have experienced this state. This is another reason that A.D.D. / A.D.H.D. can be experienced in high-beta brainwave states. When your brainwave state remains in high-beta for any extended period of time, you will likely experience a “nervous breakdown.”

Lateralization and high-beta brainwaves

In the majority of people, either the left or right hemisphere is more dominant than the other. This “dominance” by one half of the brain is defined as “brain lateralization.” As your amount of beta brainwaves increase, brainwaves from both sides of your brain can easily get thrown out of sync and “brain lateralization” can be significantly affected.

Slower brainwaves and neural communication

When you allow your brainwave patterns to slow down to the alpha and theta ranges, their is usually much more brain synchronization and communication amongst your neurons. The neurons in your brain begin to efficiently communicate and fire in a healthy, pattern. They aren’t firing at random like they do when you’re in a stressful state of mind.

Say goodbye to all stress and worries

When you do in fact manage to shift down to a theta or alpha brainwaves state, you’ll feel peaceful, calm, refreshed, and natural. Most things that stressed you out in the beta brainwave state may not even bother you anymore. There’s really not many worrisome-type thoughts that ever surface when you’re in an alpha brainwave state.

Are your thoughts becoming a nuisance or self-defeating?

Are you ever excited about beginning a difficult, challenging project? Well, have you ever heard a self-defeating or negative little voice from within that emerges with rapid thoughts telling you that you can’t do it? It’s almost like a voice trained to attack our dreams or any big goals that we have. It may even begin asking questions like: “Do you really think you can do it?” “Isn’t that task a little bit too tough for you?” “How are you possibly going to do that?” All of those questions are asked with hopes that you’ll give in to that little [annoying] voice inside your head and quit your project.

High-beta brainwaves throw away dreams

When you allow your mind to “give in” to this little pestering voice, you actually can talk yourself out of rewarding tasks before you even start! This is terrible. Before long, if you allow this voice to control your life, you satisfy for much less than you know you are capable of doing and accomplishing in this lifetime. Giving in to this voice is like throwing all of your aspirations and dreams out the window and settling for mediocrity. This is incredibly depressing and self-defeating.

High-beta brainwaves make you “sweat the small stuff”

Sometimes, you need to lay down the law and get that voice to shut up! First of all, realize that the bothersome voice is due to an increase of high-beta brainwaves. It’s not really a state you want to be in for any extended period of time. When you allow high-beta brainwaves to overtake your mind, it goes into a rapid-thinking “overdrive” brainwave state. This high-beta brainwave state will make you think deeply about little. Basically, these brainwaves make you “sweat the small stuff.”

Reliving the past or fearing the future

In most cases, high-beta brainwaves cause individuals to either: remember negative events or experiences in the past OR imagine a scary, fearful-type future. This obviously, easily creates states of high-anxiety, self-doubt, and negativity. If you’re like most people, you don’t want to experience depression or anxiety… So, all you really need to do is slow down your high brainwave patterns.

Insomnia and beta brainwaves

Have you ever laid down on your bed with expectations to fall asleep, but you never were able to fall completely asleep? You end up spending most of the nighttime hours tossing, turning, and feel like you need to “try harder” in order to fall asleep. Your body may even be physically tired, but for some frustrating reason, you can’t seem to quiet down your brain. Thoughts flood your mind and no matter what you do, your brain cannot seem to access the lower states of theta and delta brain waves that allow you to sleep.

Missing alpha brainwaves is like driving stick-shift without a gear

This is due to the fact that most people’s brains shift from beta down to the slower alpha brainwaves right before falling asleep. And shorty after accessing alpha, they fall into a deep theta or delta brainwave state of sleep. When your brain is in a prolonged state of high-beta, alpha brainwave production is significantly hindered or diminished.

Because of this, your brain has a difficult time shifting to alpha before sleep and when you finally are able to fall asleep – you inefficiently shift from beta to theta or delta – while skipping alpha. Think of it like driving a stick-shift [manual] vehicle with 3rd gear missing. You need to shift your brainwaves from 4th gear down to 1st, but 3rd is missing. You can bet that you will experience some difficulty and problems like insomnia.

A personal experience with insomnia

I used to have a lot of difficulty dealing with insomnia. I would be thinking about my future, past experiences, stressful experiences, the health of others, my personal health, etc. My brain was flooded with rapid, uncontrollable thoughts that really hurt the quality of my sleep. As a result of this “rapid thinking,” I often times wouldn’t be able to fall asleep until the early morning hours.

Insomniacs should avoid certain substances

At the time, I was completely unaware of beta brainwaves, and had no idea that shifting my brain to a slower pattern like alpha would significantly help with my insomnia dilemma. It really wasn’t until I began using Neuro-Programmer 2 Professional that I was able to consistently get a healthy night’s sleep. The only interference with slowing brainwaves are substances like caffeine, stimulants, or anything increasing beta brainwaves. Substances like stimulants change your brainwave patterns and make is very difficult to sleep after ingesting them.

“Natural leaders” and decision making

You probably know people who usually make terrible decisions when they are stressed out or in a state of panic. People who are born “natural leaders” are almost always able to think clearly, stay calm, cool, and collected even when faced with scary, frustrating, or panic-type events and situations. This is why they are “natural leaders,” they are able to react in a calm manner to any situation – no matter how stressful.

Why beta brainwaves are healthy

With all of the unhealthy effects surrounding “high-beta brainwaves,” it is not at all surprising to me that many individuals come to believe that all “beta brainwaves” are terrible and that other brainwave patterns are always better. However, this could not be further from the truth! There are tons of benefits to having a healthy production of beta brainwaves.

Though high-beta brainwaves are far from optimal, regular (low to medium) beta brainwaves are healthy. Beta brainwaves are the best brainwaves for concentration, critical-thinking, scheduling, planning, and for the interpretation of data. And our entire education system involves learning how to do most tasks in beta brainwave states. Most business operations and companies are carried out by using the logical beta-brainwaves.

With that said, it can be very difficult for some individuals to eliminate stress and quiet their “inner self-defeating voice” – especially when you’ve had negative thought patterns for an extended period of time. The most effective way to slow those high-beta brainwave patterns that’s worked great for me is Neuro-Programmer 2 Professional in combination with activities like meditation, self-hypnosis, and other positive lifestyle changes such as: eating good “brain foods.”

Other than the mentioned activities, there are some great techniques that you can use to help you relax that I’ve written in my article 20 Ways To Murder Stress: Killer Relaxation Tips. So, next time you notice that you’re getting stressed out, you should be able to relax knowing that there are so many solutions towards reducing your high-beta brainwaves to slower, more relaxing ones. You’ll feel great, healthy, and have the necessary technique to remain calm, cool, and collected in even the most intense situations. This control over your beta brainwaves gives you full control over your reality and actually boosts your brain power to make coping with stress much easier.

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1. Expand your horizons: try something new

Trying something new can pertain to any area of your life. Maybe you want to try to add a new healthy habit to your daily routine, shop at an organic store, or even host a block party for the first time. The act of trying something new sounds very easy, but for most people, trying new activities brings out some fear and anxiety. Having courage raises your consciousness and by constantly trying new things, you boost your cognitive ability to adapt and push through any lower states of fear.

Participating in new activities can also be wonderful for boosting your understanding about different traditions, cultures, and values. It can also entail learning new ways to share your purpose. An example of trying something new would be the act of starting a blog to share your message with others through the internet. Beginning blogging meant trying something new for me. I didn’t even learn or understand blogging until around October 2007. I decided to take a risk and start 4 Mind 4 Life. I thought that it would be a fun and beneficial way for me to share my message with others and allow it to make a positive influence in the lives of others. Using blogging as a medium is just one way to share your message with others. Having a neighborhood block party and connecting with many individuals on a more personal level may also be another great way for you to share your purpose.

Trying something new will ultimately benefit your consciousness by replacing fear with a deeper sense of understanding and enhanced levels of courage. Experimenting with new activities can pertain to any area of your life too, which leaves you a lot of conscious choice. You may want to try yoga instead of meditation, a raw food diet instead of vegetarian, or even try something as simple as eating at a new restaurant. All new activities will work to expand your horizons and overall level of awareness. When choosing new activities to try, be conscious about it and preferably choose an activity that is healthy.

2. Face your deepest fears

Are there any fears that you’re holding inside that are prevent you from making conscious advancement? At certain stages along the ladder of consciousness, it can be extremely difficult to face your fears. With that said, facing your fears will provide you with more conscious power. A great exercise for determining what you fear is to simply make a list of every single fear that you currently have. After you’ve made the list, make a conscious commitment to conquer every single item on the list that you fear.

Once when I was engrossed in a deep state of anxiety, I used this exercise as a form of therapy. Though it was difficult to force myself along through my list, I made a commitment with myself to finish this form of exposure therapy. The personal power that resulted was incredible! As you conquer each fear, cross off each item and be consciously aware of the power that you’re feeling from inside. What’s interesting about the process is the concept that though your inner fear may not completely disappear, you will consciously learn how to be courageous when faced with the fearful situation. And, you will be able to face any future fears much easier rather than freeze up and become paralyzed.

Facing your inner fears is not only extremely satisfying, it will give you the much needed momentum to advance consciously. Again, I emphasize the importance to be conscious when listing your fears. Don’t write down something like: “I fear going 100 MPH in a 35 MPH zone while driving,” therefore I need to try it to get it out of my system. It’s obvious that you would be wise not to face something that is against the law. Same goes for “fear of trying illicit substances,” which is obviously not something wise to try. Use common sense and conscious judgment about your list. Healthy fears include: giving a speech, singing in front of others, or throwing a party; this would be a great list of fears to go out and conquer! The choice to face these will help you considerably in your ability to make conscious advances.

3. Use powerful incantations

Incantations are simply words or phrases repeated over and over with emotional intensity for personal or spiritual benefit. They have commonly been used in religious practices to praise certain Gods or deities, but they have also be used for personal development and in the process of becoming more conscious. No matter what way you choose to use incantations, they can be very helpful and a powerful catalyst for helping you become more conscious.

I first heard about using incantations in a Tony Robbins audio program, and have given them a valid shot. In my personal experience, they have been very helpful with the process of changing my core beliefs. After taking personal time to repeat a new belief with emotional intensity and power, it seems as though the use of incantations is a very helpful way to consciously develop. I haven’t yet tried them in a religious manner or in prayer, but I am confident that they are powerful and effective if used correctly.

An example of an incantation that you could use would be: “Every day in every way, I am becoming a more conscious human being.” Say your incantation intensely to yourself in your car, outside on a walk, or at the beginning of a workout. Be sure to connect emotionally with what you’re saying. The use of certain energetic breathing patterns can help with the process. The phrases that you choose for your incantations should have a strong emotional impact and rhythm associated with the practice. In my personal experience, it has been better to stick with one incantation for awhile instead of trying to use several different ones at once. I recommend using one phrase for change until you feel that has been deeply implanted in your conscious and subconscious. Then you can safely attempt another, new incantation. Incantations are great for changing beliefs and boosting your mental functioning.

4. Practice positive affirmations

Affirmations are a bit different than using incantations, though the concepts are very similar. Affirmations are used to change beliefs and thinking patterns. When using affirmations, I like to get myself into a state of relaxation through guided meditation or self-hypnosis and play recorded phrases of myself speaking that I’d like to implant in my subconscious. I have found the most effective way to record my own sessions has been through using Neuro-Programmer 2 Professional software. With NP2 Professional, I am able to record my own affirmations with my computer microphone, then choose to add an introductory relaxation voice, and possibly custom brainwave patterns. When I get deeply relaxed, my recorded beliefs will play, and the affirmation process will take place.

With that said, you can use affirmations in a completely awake state without NP2 Professional and still benefit to a high degree. The idea of using affirmations while awake is to program your mind to believe a certain positive phrase about yourself. The repeating action is supposed to eventually fill your subconscious mind with the new, repeated positive belief and drown the power of the negative thoughts. The use of affirmations for conscious advancement is an interesting concept that has been proven effective. However, like any form of exercise, its effectiveness will be directly related to the effort that you put into it.

Examples of positive affirmations include: “I am healthy,” “I am positive,” and “I am intelligent.” Notice that these examples do not include a focus on what they are trying to get rid of or replace. Putting primary focus on what is distressing only amplifies the difficulty to change. Therefore you shouldn’t write: “I am not negative.” Your subconscious mind will not recognize the “not” in the sentence, but will recognize the word “negative.” Therefore, using “I am not negative” has potential to make you even more negative! Affirmations should also be written in present tense format. Writing them in future tense like: “I will become positive” keeps reinforcing in your subconscious the fact that you haven’t yet reached and possibly haven’t experienced a state of positivity. The basic, yet key idea behind affirmations is to choose positive phrases written in present tense as if they have already been achieved. The goal of using affirmations should be to replace unhealthy beliefs and thought patterns with healthier ones; making it easier to scale the mountain of consciousness.

5. Be aware of your state of consciousness

Unfortunately, many people aren’t aware of their current state of consciousness or what even defines consciousness. You may not even be consciously aware of the many diverse possible states of consciousness due to the fact that you may have only experienced one primary state throughout your lifetime. There is absolutely nothing wrong with not experiencing many different states. However, if you are a person who hasn’t experienced other states or most importantly cannot seem to understand your own state, you are definitely missing out some important aspects and understandings of conscious perception. Certain factors: like brainwave patterns, dietary habits, and ability to deal with life in general all play a role in determining your state of consciousness and awareness of it. On this blog, I have written articles covering basic brainwave patterns that you may want to check out.

Highly conscious individuals are able to shift through all brainwave patterns upon command. This ability to shift, is a form of advanced self-mastery and can be found in many gurus, religious leaders, healers, top athletes, and top business executives. The specific pattern of this special brainwave activity has been displayed on E.E.G. readings and is commonly referred to as an awakened mind. I recommend reading the book The High-Performance Mind by Anna Wise if you are further interested in the “awakened mind” concept. It is a very helpful book for learning the basics.

To help you know and understand your current brainwave state, you can read through my articles discussing various brainwave patterns and try to self-analyze. Most people are very, very rarely in primarily “gamma brainwave” or “delta brainwave” states, so exclude those patterns from your analysis. To help you out, I’ll tell you that the majority of people, especially adults, are operating in a beta brainwave or high-beta brainwave state. Most relaxed, mellow, chilled-out individuals or individuals who commonly practice meditation or other stress-relieving techniques are likely to be in a primarily alpha brainwave state or a mixed combination of primarily alpha and theta brainwaves. Individuals with P.T.S.D., trauma, A.D.D. and A.D.H.D. are in primarily disorganized theta brainwave states. These individuals also show virtually little to zero beta brainwave activity in their E.E.G. Also, individuals with severe, advanced forms of stress end up in a high-beta, high-theta combination brainwave state, which is also a fairly rare state.

There are certain, unique benefits that are associated with each brainwave pattern. Therefore, becoming more conscious can certainly include developing your ability to shift to whatever brainwave state you feel is most beneficial for your current life situation. Taking control of your brainwaves and being able to shift mental states upon conscious command is a powerful concept that will ultimately make you a more conscious person.

6. Set a positive example for others

Setting a positive example for others can pertain to any area of life and is highly encouraged. Setting a healthy, positive example for others to follow spreads a direct positive image into the lives and minds of others. The way that you choose to express your positivity to set an example for others is completely up to you. Simply going for a run outdoors displays and encourages exercise. Anyone that sees you exercising is being positively advertised and exposed to a healthy habit which has potential to rub off into their consciousness. Other ways to set a positive example include: giving someone a compliment or simply sending a smile to spread your happiness.

Setting a positive example for others to take note of is a win-win situation for both parties. You are expanding your consciousness and encouraging a more conscious state in others though your actions. As you become a more conscious human being, the ways that you will be able to express your purpose and make a positive impact in the lives of others will naturally increase. In lower states of awareness, the example that you may be setting may be poorer due to lack of conscious judgment. In higher states of awareness, determining what is “a positive example” becomes much easier. Trying to consciously set a good example will further enhance your consciousness. Setting a bad example, or unconscious example, will slow, halt, or reverse your conscious development.

7. Guide others interested in raising their consciousness

There are many ways to aid others in the process of raising their awareness, especially if you are a more consciously advanced individual. Chances are good that you’ll need to do some personal work with raising your own consciousness before you can put yourself in an effective position to help others raise their consciousness. What you may want to do, though, is encourage others to practice some items in the raising your consciousness series on 4 Mind 4 Life.

Most items mentioned in these lists will have a profound impact on boosting their level of consciousness. Point your friends, relatives, and other people in the right direction by guiding them towards healthy activities like meditation. Helping others can be an extremely rewarding experience for both you, and all of the people that you are able to help. In my opinion, the easiest people to help with consciousness work are your good friends. Chances are that your current good friends and yourself have a lot in common, so showing them and introducing to them ways to become more conscious may be a fun task to undertake together as friends!

Also, realize that by helping others, you are making a positive impact in the lives of others and setting a healthy example of how to be a more conscious individual. When you share the power of your consciousness, you provide others with the chance to advance to your current conscious position by acting as their guide. After others advance to a state that allows them to reach out to people in their lives and offer guidance, your initial message of helping one friend has amplified. Think of it like this: I reach out to ten of my friends and help them advance to a highly conscious state that provides them with knowledge to teach others how to become more conscious. Let’s further assume that my initial ten friends each reach out to ten of their friends and help them with consciousness work.

Already totaled, 100 individuals plus the initial 10 friends that I taught are in position to help others consciously advance. From there, let’s say that the each of the 100 individuals that were taught, individually reach out and teach 10 of their friends. We now have one-thousand people operating in an advanced state of consciousness that are in position to help others in lower states of awareness! If each of those 1,000 people reach out to 10 of their friends, we now have 10,000 people. From 10,000 to 100,000. From 100,000 to 1,000,000. From 1,000,000 to 10,000,000 and from 10,000,000 to 100,000,000, etc., etc., etc. and from that larger number to the rest of the world. As more people shift towards a higher state of awareness, other people naturally follow as a direct result of the massive change. It could quickly become a global movement if done correctly. It would be very interesting and cool to see a massive change like the one I described. Making yourself and others more conscious is beneficial for yourself, others, and our population as a whole. Do your best to help others that are interested in the process.

8. Share your unique insight and wisdom

Everyone has a different perspective based on their personal experience, purpose, and personality. Therefore, each individual has a unique form of insight that they can share with others. To put it bluntly: everyone is different, therefore everyone will have a different piece of wisdom and different forms of advice to bring to the table of life. What you learn in certain situations and the life lessons that you are learning or have learned are unique to you and your unique personal experience here on Earth. Though you have unique forms of insight and wisdom, there are times when sharing your learned insight with others will greatly help them in a difficult life situation.

There are many ways that you can share your insight with others. Using #7: (helping others raise their conscious awareness) is just one way in which you can choose to share your personal insight. Guiding the consciousness of others is certainly a great way to share your wisdom. However, there are many other activities such as: giving a public speech, starting your own blog, writing a book, writing open letters in your local newspaper, or expressing your message through artwork are all great ways to share your insight. There are endless ways and opportunities for you to express and share your knowledge with others. All that you need to do is take action towards finding a medium most effective for allowing you to share your insight. If you provide enough value to others by the act of sharing your insight, you may be able to turn your message into a profitable career that affects your purpose.

9. Gain wisdom from others

No single person holds all the wisdom of the universe in their brain. For this reason, it is important to study the wisdom of others and try to apply their wisdom to your life. As mentioned earlier, everyone has a unique perspective and knowledge-base to bring to the table. Studying the wisdom of others can be done in many ways. Examples include: meeting face-to-face with a more consciously advanced individual and ask them for life advice, reading positivity and personal development websites from several different sources, or maybe attending different personal development seminars.

It doesn’t matter which medium or mediums that you choose to use to learn through. My personal preference for learning about the wisdom of others is through reading books, blogs, and articles. However, just listening to a Tony Robbins program via my iPod also feels extremely rewarding. No matter if you choose to attend speeches, read articles, or the combination of both, it doesn’t matter. The only thing that matters is that you make an attempt to gain knowledge from others and move forward to develop the most highly-conscious state of functioning that you feel is possible for you to achieve.

10. Keep your ego in check

The more aware you are of your ego, the easier it is to become more conscious. With that said, as your awareness increases, so does your state of consciousness. The reverse also applies: as your consciousness increases, so does your awareness. One key aspect for ourselves to be especially aware of is our ego. It is important to keep the negativity of our ego in check and have the awareness that prevents it from getting out of control. Letting our ego get out of control and take the driver’s seat in our consciousness has potential to quickly lower our state of functioning. Allow yourself to become completely aware of your ego and the unconscious actions that you may be provoked to take.

An example of letting your ego get out of control could be the act of lashing out in a dispute. If someone makes a degrading remark, it is important to be assertive, but lashing out and displaying aggression allows your ego and unconscious to take control. Allowing your ego to take control causes yourself to shift from a conscious polarity towards an unconscious one. Taking full control and responsibility to keep your ego in check when faced with adversity will allow you to consciously advance in a much easier manner.

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1. Meditation

Meditation is an extremely powerful activity that can be used to manipulate and create your own reality. I believe that meditation is the single most powerful way to learn how to take control of your life and to consciously sculpt your own reality. Meditation has a large list of benefits and is one of the best activities for boosting your mental focus.

Experienced meditators are able to shift their brainwaves upon command to a desirable brainwave state (i.e. gamma, beta, alpha, theta, delta). With practice, you’ll learn how take full control of your state of consciousness. The act of meditation allows individuals to cope with, and better accept their emotions. In a more advanced practice, meditation allows individuals to replace states of mental pain with those of pleasure. In the most experienced meditators, a state of awareness that allows the individual to block out physical pain can be achieved!

If you aren’t already practicing meditation and have an interest to consciously create your reality, I highly recommend that you set aside some time each day and get yourself started!

2. Brainwave entrainment

Brainwave entrainment is extremely powerful technology that can easily be used to create your reality. Not only can brainwave entrainment deepen meditation practices, enhance brain function, and improve brain flexibility, it can also shift your brainwaves to a synchronized, optimal state of functioning.

Another cool feature of brainwave entrainment is that you can use the technology to manipulate your own consciousness and emotions. Like I’ve mentioned in all of my brainwave articles, each brainwave has it’s benefits and downfalls. As you read over my articles of brainwaves: gamma, beta, alpha, theta, delta – you’ll a sense of what brainwave state you are currently operating in and whether you would benefit from a brainwave change.
If you choose to experiment with various brainwave patterns and frequencies, you’ll naturally get a better sense of understanding of yourself by learning how you feel and act in various states of consciousness. In my personal experience with brainwave entrainment, I have found it to be worthwhile and mind-expanding. If you are interested, check out my recommended products and give their free trials a shot before you buy. For starters, I recommend trying “Neuro-Programmer 2 Professional” or “Mind Stereo.” Mind Stereo will allow you to listen to your favorite music while practicing brainwave entrainment and Neuro-Programmer 2 Professional is great for customizing sessions and exporting them to an mp3 player or I-Pod.

3. Neurofeedback

Possibly one of the best things you can do to enhance your brain and brainwave flexibility is neurofeedback. Enhanced brainwave flexibility is a key characteristic of creating reality. Neurofeedback largely aids in the process. Helping your brain consciously learn to travel through the outgoing, externally focused beta range, through the deeply powerful, and creative level of the theta brainwave range can work wonders. Neurofeedback will allow you to consciously shift through the various brainwave states.

Though most of the benefits of neurofeedback are the exact same as those associated with meditation, neurofeedback may be much easier and quicker than meditation. In my opinion, it is a great alternative option! The only problem associated with doing neurofeedback (unless you do it yourself), is that it can get quite costly (at least several hundred dollars for one session). Not to mention, some people take 30 + sessions to obtain permanent results. You do the math (30 sessions * $300 = $9,000).

However, for some, the value of a good neurofeedback program definitely outweighs the measly several hundred dollars spent. If you don’t want to pay for neurofeedback, you’ve got alternative options: buy your own unit and teach yourself how to do neurofeedback or teach yourself a good meditation practice. Though many people may not be familiar with neurofeedback, it really is a great way to help improve your brain’s brainwave flexibility.

4. Eating healthy

Eating healthy will not only help you cut body fat and lose weight, it will boost your brain power and aid in the creation of your reality. What types of foods are you ingesting? I don’t believe that foods are totally at fault for mental problems, but they can definitely contribute to the formation of a healthy brain or an unhealthy one.

Some foods naturally enhance blood flow to the brain and give the brain vital nutrients that allow it to successfully carry out it’s executive operations. Eating unhealthy foods could be creating (or at least aiding) in the creation of a negative, unfocused state of reality. If you are currently confused about what types of foods will help you boost your brain power, check out my article: 5 Supercharged Brain Foods. Foods play a powerful role in giving your brain the power and energy to create your own healthy reality.

5. Physical exercise

Though reality is created by our brain’s thoughts, getting involved in a daily physical exercise routine can really help create a relaxed mind, lower stress levels, and boost calming brainwave patterns. Not only does physical exercise boost your brain power and keep you energized, it aids in the prevention of bodily disease.

The brainwave patterns that result from exercise and the psychological benefits that have been associated with having a daily exercise routine can all be powerful influences on our realities. In my opinion, exercise is one of the single most effective ways to naturally boost brain power, strengthen the body, and improve your reality.

6. Affirmations, incantations, and positive self-talk

What kind of self-talk do you constantly use with yourself? Do you praise yourself and always give yourself the benefit of the doubt? Or are you ridiculously hard on yourself or set too high of expectations for yourself?

By using affirmations, incantations, or positive self-talk instead of conditioned negative mental talk is extremely powerful in the shaping of your reality. Positive self-talk and affirmations involve repeating positive, praising ideas to yourself (about yourself) over-and-over until your mind is filled with only positivity or more positivity than negativity.

I have personally experienced great success with affirmations and really enjoy doing them loudly in my car. Though it may be difficult at first to replace all the past negative self-talk that has accumulated in your subconscious throughout your life, you can do it with a little bit of discipline and dedication. At first, you may get frustrated and begin to think that affirmations aren’t working, but keep up the work for a week, then a month, then a year. Make it a daily habit and I truly think that you’ll reap the benefits. Taking time each day for positive self talk has been scientifically studied and associated with beneficial brain changes. Be loud, be strong, and look yourself in the mirror while doing positive talk and affirmations: have fun with them!

7. Self-hypnosis

Self-hypnosis is awesome for implanting powerful beliefs into your mind and shifting your level of consciousness. I have personally experienced the benefits of self-hypnosis. The problem is that most people interested in self-hypnosis believe that either: a) it’s a magical cure OR b) it’s scary and could up your mind. Both “a” and “b” could not be further from the truth.

The activity of self-hypnosis will not “cure you” of a problem, but it will definitely aid in the creation of your reality and will definitely reduce the pain of a certain problem and improve your abilities to cope. On the other side of the spectrum, there are a lot of uneducated people that think self-hypnosis is some sort of scary brain manipulation technique that could potentially ruin their life! During self-hypnosis (and regular hypnosis), you have full control of what suggestions you choose to accept an act on.

All self-hypnosis will do is get your consciousness to a very relaxed, yet extremely focused state of mind: making conscious change easier than it was before. Like meditation, self-hypnosis has many of the same benefits and is nothing to be afraid of!

8. Brainwashing

In reality, we are constantly brainwashing ourselves or allowing others to have direct influence over our personal brainwashing process. The repetition of similar thoughts day-in and day-out is a form of brainwashing. When brainwashing is taken to an extreme, it can have profound and powerful results.

Unfortunately, there are many negative connotations associated with the act of “brainwashing.” With that said, brainwashing can be used in a positive manner to implant positive thoughts and beliefs. Brainwashing can actually enhance a person’s quality of life. The United States ARMY training program is an expert at brainwashing (mostly younger males) to develop discipline and mental strength. You too can create your own brainwashing program that helps you to create whatever you want within your life (i.e. love, peace, abundance, money, etc.).

9. Hypnotherapy

Like self-hypnosis, hypnotherapy (with a licensed hypnotherapist) can be very beneficial. Though factors like susceptibility to suggestion can play a role in determining how effective the hypnosis practice is, hypnotherapy is very healthy and completely safe. In no way, shape, or form will a licensed or unlicensed hypnotherapist be able to gain control over your mind or be able to implant any unwanted beliefs into your mind.

Throughout the entire process, the hypnotherapist will relax your mind and help you learn to enter an extremely relaxed state of focused awareness. Hypnotherapy can be beneficial for many areas of life including: thought-process, performance, relationships, and learning to consciously tap into our lower brainwave frequencies.

Though some hypnotherapists may be somewhat costly, you may have fun trying something new and judging how effective the experience was for you. Some people claim that licensed professionals are way better than doing self-hypnosis sessions, while others feel that both are equally as effective. They both involve the same concept and I feel that they both yield similar results if done correctly. So if you are wary about seeing a hypnotherapist, try some self-hypnosis sessions first!

Either way,hypnotherapy can definitely be effective at allowing you to take better control over your reality!

10. Neuro-Linguistic Programming (N.L.P.)

Though I haven’t personally used Neuro-Linguistic Programming, I do believe that if practiced correctly, it will work positively to help you to create and manipulate your reality. Neuro-Linguistic Programming focuses on the communication aspect of your thoughts in relation to external things. N.L.P. can be used for a wide variety of behavior changes.

An example of using N.L.P. to create success within your reality: To make your reality more successful, you’d examine how “successful people” communicate (verbally, body language, eye movements, etc. Next, you mold your current characteristics to incorporate those of the successful person.

By modeling their behavior, N.L.P. argues that you can literally “duplicate” their patterns of thinking and thought communication that made the successful individuals successful. The brain can learn healthy patterns and behaviors that bring about positive physical and emotional effects. Do I think Neuro-Linguistic Programming will be the sole shaper of your reality? No way. What N.L.P. will do is act as yet another tool to aid you in the process of creating your reality.

11. Find a supportive life coach

Finding a supportive mentor or life coach can make a world of difference when dealing with certain problems. Though there is never any single activity, person, or thing that will create your entire reality, hiring a life coach can have a huge impact on your ability to deal with certain problems. A life coach can serve as a great line of support to talk to and as a person who will help you learn more about yourself by helping you overcome life’s obstacles.

Though life coaching can be great, it may not be worth it to hire a life coach if he or she isn’t helpful or seems to be more conflicting than harmonizing. Do some research and find someone that has a good reputation or look for a life coach that offers a free trial period of a month or two and that offers a free refund. You don’t want to lose money by paying for a service that you found unhelpful.

Since everyone isn’t perfect in all areas of life, it may be helpful to focus on one area of your reality that you’d like to improve and find a life coach or mentor that can help you with that specific area. For example: if you want to learn how to create financial abundance within your life, it will be extremely helpful to learn from a life coach or mentor that has previously made a fortune.

With that said, life coaches can be great to have because their main goal is to help you with your life. Think of them as a refreshing outside perspective with life experience and insight in certain areas that you may be lacking. You can always use their wisdom for a crutch when you need it. After a few months spent with a good life coach, you’ll naturally acquire their wisdom and have a permanent crutch that consists of information that they taught you.

Life coaches can be great teachers that can help you cope better with certain aspects of reality or create rapid personal change!

12. Social conditioning: be around like-minded individuals

The book Rich Dad, Poor Dad teaches that the six people in which you spend the most time with are the individuals that you’ll most likely emulate. Do the six people that you spend your time with have like-minded interests and goals? If they don’t, they may be completely wasting your time. I understand that it is awesome to try new things and expand your reality, but if you’ve been spending your time with six people who do drugs, drink alcohol, and watch T.V. all the time, you will most likely pick up their same bad habits.

Why even waste time with anyone with terrible habits? It is important to not let social conditioning interfere with your personal ability to create reality. Though six people may be spending time doing illicit drugs and drinking alcohol, it doesn’t mean you need to spend time with them! Find six other people and exercise, play golf, and set some goals or whatever interests you! If you are not spending time with people that do not reflect your interests or life purpose, think of it as a time-killer and reality killer.

13. Use prayer

Prayer has been used for ages as a way to communicate with God and the spiritual side of reality. Though not all people agree that every prayer’s wishes are granted, most people pray because they feel that God or a divine source of energy is listening. Prayer in itself is a very powerful way to create changes in reality.

I pray because I think that my prayers are answered, it feels good to me, and because I believe in God. Depending on the type of prayer used and what is said, powerful emotional changes can result. Some people may be using prayer as a crutch to help them make it through a rough time in their lives. Using prayer to make it through a difficult time or situation may make them feel somewhat relieved and at peace. Other people may be using prayer to give thanks and may feel extreme amounts of joy and happiness after prayer and giving thanks. While others may use prayer as a time to reflect, talk, or ask God for something in their life.

Your emotions and level of change in your reality will largely depend on many prayer factors such as: how connected you feel, how you use prayer, how long you pray, and your state of conscious awareness. Whether you enjoy prayer or don’t pray, most would agree that prayer is a great way to help create and influence reality!

14. Emotional healing

Not everyone is perfect and in this fast-paced world, many people have unintentionally damaged their emotions. People in states of Post-traumatic stress, with high amounts of fear (hypochondria), anger problems, A.D.D., and other mental problems can really throw your emotions out of balance. If emotions get thrown out of line for an extended period of time, some areas of the brain and body are usually temporarily underactive, overactive, or damaged.

It is important to recognize when your emotions are thrown out of line. Too much stress depletes levels of the alpha and theta brainwaves and literally has potential to “shut down” certain areas of the brain, while making other areas hyperactive. The emotional healing process can take anywhere from around a month to over a year. If you realize that you just don’t “feel right,” ask yourself if you are stressed, unfocused, angry, etc.

To start a healthy emotional healing process, it really helps to have someone close to talk to or to see a therapist. In my experience, meditation has helped greatly, along with listening to lower brainwave frequencies. The theta brainwave range serves as a natural “reset button” for the brain when it’s being overworked or overstressed. Through the entire process of emotional healing, it is important to realize that you may recall some painful memories, and that your entire state of awareness will shift and your reality will change. You must be prepared to accept whatever emotions arise and the repressed memories that may come your way.

Most emotional healing will take place in the theta brainwave range, so doing theta brainwave entrainment will definitely speed up the healing process. However, you must realize that immediately after listening to theta everyday for awhile, your brain will not automatically reset itself. You’ve got to give the theta brainwaves a break for a couple weeks and let your brain naturally return to it’s own rhythms. After listening to brainwaves, I’d stop listening to them for awhile and your brain will shift back to it’s natural rhythms and literally “heal itself.”

By healing your emotional body, you free up the ability to use your emotions to help you make decisions in the creation process of your reality!

15. Utilize your power of “free-will”

Every person has the ability to make their own decisions. You have the power to make a choice to “do whatever you want, whenever you want.” It’s very unfortunate to see other people not expressing their power of free-will and scraping by life by conforming to the social norms and social standards.

What everyone should be striving for is the ability to express themselves and share their unique gifts with the world. When creating your own reality, it is extremely important to learn how to utilize your power of free will. Using your power of free will to make healthy or unhealthy decisions will have a direct reflection upon your reality.

Here are a couple of examples of how free-will can be utilized when eating:

1. “My meal was excellent, but I am using my free will to make the decision to stop eating and save some food for later. I’d rather stay at a healthy weight.” – Kayla
2. “My meal was excellent and even though my gut was full halfway through the meal, I made a conscious decision to stuff the rest down. I have my own free will, nobody but myself can stop me!” – Jim

Kayla and Jim were both able to use their power of free-will to make a decision to either stop eating when they felt full (Kayla) or keep eating even though they felt full (Jim). Free-will can be used as a healthy skill for creating reality (Kayla) or it can be used in a more unhealthy manner (Jim).

The power of free-will is somewhat of a complex concept. You can use the power of free-will to identify, recognize, and use your “power of free-will.” Or you may not care about it and may use your power of free-will to avoid using your “power of free-will.” Every decision that you make, you have full power and full control over your life and situation… Even though it may not seem like it at times. Just knowing you have the power of free-will actually gives you a deeper sense of control. Use this power to your advantage when creating your reality!

16. Make conscious decisions

Making conscious decisions is a great way to create your own reality. Making conscious decisions means knowing and understanding why you are making a certain decision. Conscious decisions put you into the driver’s seat of your life and allow you to take full control over the creation process of your reality. Unlike unconscious decisions, making conscious decisions leave you satisfied, express your individuality, and are influenced solely by you.

Unconscious decisions are decisions that are made in a state of fear, anger, desperation, or that have some “uncontrollable” outside influence. If you have ever made a poor decision when under “peer-pressure,” you know what it feels like to make an unconscious decision. If you have ever damaged property, others’ feelings, or yourself when overcome with anger, you know what it feels like to make an unconscious decisions.

Unconscious decisions are ones that you’ll want to stay away from, as they create reality for you without your conscious influence. Always make an effort to “think” and make conscious decisions that reflect your values and life-purpose if you want to successfully create a positive reality!

17. Implant positive thoughts

The act of implanting thoughts can be successfully done by consciously replacing any negative thoughts with more positive ones. A great exercise to do is to write down a list of positive thoughts to incorporate into your thought process instead of any negative thoughts that may arise.

When or if any negative thoughts do arise, replace them with the thoughts written down on your list. If you don’t want to replace negative thoughts, just take the time to consciously integrate positive thoughts into your thought-process. Technically, you can incorporate whatever type of thoughts you want into your state of reality.

You could incorporate funny thoughts if you want to laugh more, relaxing thoughts if you want to feel calm, or exciting thoughts if you’d like to feel more energized!

18. Understand your emotions

Understanding your emotions can be extremely helpful when looking to grow or create your own reality. One way that is commonly used to understand your emotions is meditation. Some people are in a state of depression, while others may feel extremely happy. Both happiness and sadness are great emotions to experience and can teach us more about ourselves.

Emotions are a natural part of being human. Everyone gets both good and bad emotions: some are just better at dealing with emotions than others. People who throw a fit of rage and do damage to others or bury their emotions within, lack emotional control and understanding. Everyone can benefit from learning to deal with, understand, and manage their emotions better. After all, emotions are a very powerful ingredient in the process of creating reality!

19. Evaluate your beliefs

What do you currently believe? Do you carry around beliefs that are self-defeating instead of empowering? Beliefs can play a huge role in the creation of your own reality. Most of us were conditioned with certain beliefs that our parents, teachers, friends, and environment displayed to us. Chances are good that most of us have been influenced with many positive beliefs, but may have never taken the time to weed-out our unhealthy, self-defeating beliefs!

Not being able to identify our negative beliefs is a fairly big problem when most of us are trying to create a positive reality! Do yourself a favor and evaluate your beliefs that may have consciously or unconsciously entered your life. Are you constantly telling yourself: “I’m not good enough?” or “I’m worthless compared to (insert name here)?” Ask yourself why you believe these negative beliefs. Chances are good that you may not even know, they may have been integrated into your thought-process through repetition.

After evaluating your negative beliefs, you’ll realize that many of them sound extremely silly and aren’t what you truly wanted to believe. Negative beliefs hinder the process of change and creation of reality because they “get you stuck” – sometimes too stuck to get out of alone! Identify and replace your negative, limiting beliefs with more empowering and positive ones.

20. Learn from your past

Everyone has something to learn from their past experiences. Past experiences and knowledge gained from them can be successfully utilized to create a better life and easier future. Overcoming a problem in your life is a learning process. As you overcome problems and learn from experiences, your knowledge base increases.

An example would be my struggle with an attention-deficit. Though I personally struggled with A.D.D., I also learned how to overcome my mental handicap though a healthy daily routine. If my A.D.D. ever returned after I stopped my daily routine for awhile, I would know exactly what can be done to successfully deal with this problem.

Everyone should be interested in learning from their past: after all, your past experiences, and knowledge gained from them, play a huge part in shaping your future!

21. Consider taking supplements

There are many great supplements you can take that may have an impact in the process of creating your own reality. I personally am a huge advocate of fish oil because it had a positive influence on my reality.

If your brain is deficient in vitamins, you are feeling depressed, or not mentally sharp, there are definitely some effective supplements on the market for you to take. All I am currently taking right now is a daily dose of fish oil and a daily vitamin supplement. The combination of both seems to be optimal for my overall mental and physical health.

A heads up: Just because a supplement has “all natural ingredients” or is completely “all natural,” does not necessarily mean that the supplement is effective! There are some all-natural supplements that are completely ineffective (a placebo), yet people recommend them. It is important to do a little bit of personal research before splurging on a supplement because it is all-natural and “sounds healthy!”

Be smart if you are going to take supplements and realize that finding a good one can do some good for your reality and boost your brain power!

22. Pharmaceutical medicine

Taking pharmaceutical medicine can have a huge impact on you reality and state of consciousness. Certain medications can make you feel extremely tired, while others may actually hype you up! Everyone reacts differently to pharmaceutical drugs: some may feel positive changes, while others may die from the consumption.

More people die each year from adverse reactions to prescription drugs than illicit drugs. If you don’t have any need to be on prescription drugs and are on them, I recommend getting off them! Prescription drugs can interfere with your conscious control over your reality and state of consciousness. Many psychiatric medications actually make creating your own reality extremely difficult because they have direct influence on certain brain areas and neurotransmitters. Medications that have an effect on the brain and it’s functioning are very powerful and should be avoided by those that do not have a true psychiatric problem.

On the other hand, those who do need psychiatric medication and attention will benefit from taking their medication. Creating their reality will be much easier if people with serious diagnoses like: clinical depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, etc. stay on their medication. Same goes with any type of medication: if you truly need it, taking it is probably doing a lot more help than harm! Choosing to take or not take pharmaceutical medication will have an impact on your reality. Whether it’s a beneficial to your reality largely depends on if you truly needed to be on the medication in the first place!

23. Do purposeful activities

Do activities that align with your soul, interests, and purpose. Why waste time creating a reality that does not resonate with who you are? It makes perfect sense to chose to participate in activities that you enjoy, and those that leave you with feelings of happiness and fulfillment.

No need to allow others to influence your decisions and activities that you choose to pursue! Do activities that force you to lose yourself in the moment and become overcome with a sense of timelessness. You’ll know what activities “feel right” and really touch your soul. If you frequently engage in activities that give your life a deep sense of purpose, you are probably already doing a great job at creating your own reality!

24. Adopt-a-reality

Sometimes when we allow ourselves to be overcome with certain negative emotions like fear, anger, or hate, it may be very difficult and tough to cope with our reality – let alone create it! It is extremely difficult for anyone to be a creator of reality when they find it difficult to cope with life. This is where I like to utilize the concept of “adopting a reality.”

Though it may seem difficult to do, try to leave your state of consciousness by adopting someone else’s. You may choose to adopt your mentor’s state of awareness, your therapist’s, your mother’s, your father’s, your best friend’s, or anyone’s! Adopting a state of consciousness can be very beneficial in the process of creating your reality because it helps you recognize how others’ thoughts and actions may benefit your own life.

Give another person’s reality or thought-process a test-run for awhile and see how you like it and if there is anything you can learn! When it feels like you are consciously stuck, it may help a lot to “adopt-a-reality!”

25. The law of attraction

The “law of attraction” is a fairly new-agey term that seems to be loved and highly touted by “new-age” supporters and denied by others. I personally believe that the concept of the law of attraction works and have experienced results in my own life.

Whether you believe the concept of the law of attraction works or doesn’t, I don’t have a problem. When the concept of the law of attraction is explained in a non “new-agey” way and not given the title “law of attraction,” most people agree that it works. To simply sum up the law of attraction: ask for something, focus on what you want and how to get it (visualize & put in effort), keep working, let time pass, and what you asked for will come into your life.

Don’t be afraid to try something new by experimenting with the law of attraction. Most uneducated people on the topic think that all a person needs to do for the law of attraction to work is meditate and visualize what they want. Anyone with some common sense will know that by only meditating and visualizing, you will probably not get anywhere. With that said, understanding the “law of attraction” and utilizing it’s concept successfully will definitely allow you to cultivate reality!

26. Being open-minded (trying new things)

Nobody with a closed mind wants to make changes. It is extremely important to learn how to always be open minded to certain areas of life. Change occurs when you try something new! If you read this list, but never try anything on this list, you’ll never be able to make a valid opinion as to how effective these 26 ways to create your own reality were in your life!

Years ago, I struggled with keeping an open mind and trying new things. I now choose to always be open-minded and by trying new activities, talking to new people, etc. If your mind is closed in certain areas it may be due to social or family influences and conditioning.

Try something new, keep trying new things, and watch yourself change and grow! In my personal experience, simply being open-minded has opened-up new areas of life in which I would have never experienced. Though making a commitment to be open-minded may be difficult at first, it can easily be overcome. Once you realize all that you were missing out on by keeping your mind closed, you’ll never want to go back.

Being open-minded is the biggest key in the process of creating your own reality!

Have fun with this list and feel free to share (in the comments section) any positive personal changes that you may experience when trying suggestions on this list!

Best wishes,

4 Mind 4 Life

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What are gamma brainwaves?

Gamma brainwaves are considered the brain’s optimal frequency of functioning. Gamma brainwaves are commonly associated with increased levels of compassion, feelings of happiness, and optimal brain functioning. Gamma brainwaves are associated with a conscious awareness of reality and increased mental abilities. Gamma brainwaves range from the frequency of 38 Hz – 70 Hz and have a tiny (virtually unnoticeable) amplitude. Gamma brainwaves can be found in virtually every part of the brain. They serve as a binding mechanism between all parts of the brain and help to improve memory and perception.

Benefits of increasing gamma brainwaves:

• Boosted memory – High amounts of gamma brainwaves have been associated with a boosted memory and ability to recall past events. The 40 Hz gamma frequency has been associated with a well-regulated memory. If you are currently struggling with maintaining a great, healthy memory, consider increasing your 40 Hz gamma brainwave.

• Enhanced perception of reality – Gamma brainwaves can provide you with an enhanced overall perception of reality and understanding of consciousness. Because gamma brainwaves can be found in virtually every part of the brain, it allows parts of the brain to communicate. Through their communication, your reality and perception is formed.

• Binding of senses – The gamma brainwave is what allows us to experience: smell, touch, vision, taste, and hearing altogether. It allows our brain to process multiple sensations at the same time and allows us to identify environmental forms of stimulation. It also improves our overall perception of our senses by enhancing our levels of focus.

• Increased compassion – Advanced meditation practices and yogic traditions have associated the gamma brainwave frequency range with a pure state of compassion. Richard Davidson hooked long-time meditators up to an E.E.G. at the University of Wisconsin Madison and found that the more meditation experience a person had, a higher amount of gamma brainwave was displayed. Since most people aren’t able to cultivate a pure state of compassion like many monks, they may not ever understand or feel the wonderment of the gamma brainwave range.

• High-level information processing – Gamma brainwaves are associated with high-level information processing in the brain. Basically, the brain is able to operate more efficiently at a higher level. Thoughts are easily processed and the brain is able to easily absorb and understand new information and changes in one’s environment.

• Natural antidepressant – The gamma brainwave is a known natural antidepressant. Not only does it increase our level of compassion for others, it boosts our overall levels of happiness. Many people claim that listening to the gamma brainwave while meditating has proved to be extremely effective at completely eliminating their depression. The gamma brainwave decreases during stress, anxiety, and cases of depression. No wonder that increasing your gamma brainwaves will make you feel much less depressed. In people with depression, the amount of gamma brainwave tends to be much lower than average.

• Advanced learning ability – Since gamma has been associated with a higher level of information processing, quicker thinking, and an enhanced perception of reality, people with high amounts of gamma brainwaves tend to have an advanced learning ability. People with learning disabilities, ADD, and those under a lot of stress, tend to have a significantly smaller amount of the gamma brainwave than others.

• Intelligence (I.Q.) Increase – The gamma brainwave has been associated with higher than average levels of intelligence. People with lower I.Q.’s and learning disabilities tend to have very low amounts of gamma brainwave compared to smarter individuals. Increasing your gamma brainwave, especially 40 Hz, will probably correlate with at least a slight intelligence increase.

• Positive thoughts – Are you a person that always thinks positive and one who has compassion for others? If you already think positively and are relaxed, you probably have high amounts of the gamma brainwave. In people with depression, there is relatively little amounts of the gamma brainwave that can be observed in an E.E.G. If you have depression or are a chronic negative thinker, you may want to really consider naturally increasing your gamma brainwaves.

• Higher energy levels – Higher brainwave frequencies in the beta and gamma brainwave ranges correlate with increased physical and mental energy. Since the gamma brainwave range is among the highest of known brainwave frequencies, it definitely will give your energy level a jolt upwards. If you currently have low amounts of energy, consider increasing your brain’s gamma brainwaves.

• High level of focus – The mind is extremely focused on just one thought while in the gamma brainwave range. It is important to cultivate a high level of focus in order to efficiently complete tasks and succeed in the world. It is very difficult when you have a learning disability or are lacking in focus to be successful. Sustaining a high level of focus can be done easily by increasing the amount of 40 Hz gamma activity in the brain.

• Improved perception / consciousness – Gamma brainwaves have been linked to improved perception of reality and the ability to be aware of one’s consciousness. Gamma brainwaves are very powerful and may feel like quite an awakening to increase if you don’t have much natural gamma activity. Advanced meditators have much more gamma activity than the average person which is why it is easy for them to control and understand their state of consciousness.

Who has high amounts of gamma brainwaves?

• Advanced Meditators – Advanced meditators tend to have a large amount of gamma brainwave activity compared to non-meditators. The amount of gamma brainwave and its amplitude increases as one’s ability to go deeper into meditation increases. Though most meditation practices increase the amount of slow brainwaves in the alpha and theta range, the gamma brainwave frequency increases as well. The gamma brainwave is what allows meditators to distinguish the alpha, and possibly the theta brainwave ranges. As you are able to gain more meditation experience, you’ll learn to naturally boost your gamma brainwave activity. Research has shown that the more experience you have with meditation, the more gamma brainwave activity you’ll display.

• Peak performers – Peak performers tend to have large amounts of gamma brainwave activity compared to others. Though alpha bursts in the left hemisphere has been scientifically proven to be linked to peak performance, gamma brainwave activity is suggested to be essential to performing at an optimal level. If you are interested in manipulating your brainwave patterns to help create a state of peak performance, you may want to try alpha and gamma and be the judge as to which one works better. I’ve heard of several brainwave training regimens that claim it is best to use 10 Hz alpha for visualization several hours before your sporting event, then the gamma brainwave around 30 min. – 1 hour before your event. The combination of alpha, followed by gamma, is supposed to create a state of peak mental preparation and performance.

Just like any of the other brainwave patterns, too much of a dominant rhythm can cause problems. By no means would it be recommended to increase a brainwave that you already have high levels of. Though it is extremely rare, it is possible that the gamma brainwave could cause a couple problems.

Problems associated with too many gamma brainwaves:

• Some anxiety – Though gamma brainwaves are usually not correlated with stress and anxiety, they can be. When a person mostly displays high amounts of beta brainwaves in combination with gamma on an E.E.G., the individual probably has very high levels of anxiety. Though gamma brainwaves usually decrease when we are under stress, the dopamine released from gamma brainwaves can actually cause us to feel overanxious, nervous, or tense. It is best not to increase both gamma and beta brainwaves at the same time. Depending on your current brainwave state, it is important to recognized that though you are usually safe with increasing gamma, overdoing training time or frequency of training may make you feel unpleasantly anxious.

• Clear, conscious perception of reality – Some people are not prepared for the mental awakening that is associated with gamma brainwaves. If you are currently living a fairly unfocused life and happen to begin entraining the gamma brainwave, it may feel like a huge jolt to your consciousness. If I was extremely unfocused, I’d definitely work on entraining the gamma brainwave, but I’d do it slowly and in moderation. Too much gamma entrainment will actually give you a headache! It is important to not become disturbed by your brains initial reactions to an increased gamma brainwave and perception of reality.

Healthy ways to increase gamma brainwaves:

• Brainwave entrainment - As I mention a lot, brainwave entrainment is great for fine tuning your state of consciousness and awareness. If you want to easily and naturally experience gamma brainwaves, I highly recommend trying any of the programs in my “recommended products” section. Brainwave entrainment is an easy process that involves simply listening to a tone (stimulus) and your brainwaves will automatically, naturally shift in order to match the desired frequency associated with the acoustic tone. If you have Neuro-Programmer 2 or Mind Stereo, I recommend creating a customized gamma brainwave session at 40 Hz. Why 40 Hz? 40 Hz is the brainwave of choice and has been linked to the most powerful, positive effects which are currently associated with the gamma brainwave.

• Getting a good night’s sleep – Gamma brainwave activity is present in Rapid-Eye Movement (R.E.M.) Sleep and is sometimes associated with dreaming. Getting a good night’s sleep is important for staying healthy, keeping a healthy, powerful brain. Gamma brainwaves also increase the moment we awaken. Though we are in the theta brainwave for most R.E.M. sleep, the gamma brainwave is present along with the theta. Most non-dream, deep sleep is linked to an increase in delta brainwave activity, whereas dream-sleep is mostly linked to gamma and theta brainwave activity.

• Meditation – The goal of most types of meditation is to lower the brainwaves into the alpha-theta brainwave range. With that said, as you learn to become more aware and increase awareness of your brainwave state, your gamma brainwave activity will naturally increase. A very safe, healthy way to attempt to increase your gamma brainwaves is to make the act of meditation a daily habit or start up a meditation routine. If you are already meditating, great – you’ll naturally increase your awareness. As you increase your awareness, your gamma brainwave will increase.

• Hypnosis / Self-hypnosis – The goal of all hypnosis and self-hypnosis programs is to target the lower brainwave ranges (i.e. alpha and theta) and implant new beliefs. Though you are slowing your brainwaves, your concentration levels are skyrocketing as well. Only having large amounts of alpha and theta without gamma would make self-hypnosis very difficult and an ineffective practice. The more often you participate in self-hypnosis, the more your gamma brainwave amplitude will increase.

• Yoga – Like meditation, yoga is yet another activity that promotes relaxation and wellbeing by shifting your brainwaves and increasing your perception of reality. Brainwaves of yogis have shown that they are able to increase their gamma brainwaves to higher than average amounts. Though there are many different types of yoga, if they are practiced correctly, they can be utilized to increase awareness and gain valuable insight from within.

Unhealthy ways to increase gamma brainwaves?

• There are no known unhealthy activities that increase gamma brainwaves

• Virtually all activities that are detrimental to mental health, decrease the amount of gamma brainwave activity in the brain – Things like general anesthesia, stress, and killing brain cells will decrease your brain’s natural production and amount of gamma brainwave activity. As gamma brainwave activity decreases, susceptibility to depression, stress, and unfocused or impulsive thinking may overtake the brain.

Final evaluation of gamma brainwaves:

I personally think that gamma brainwaves are very invigorating, reality enhancing, and great for everyone to experience. The advanced focus, learning ability, and perception of consciousness is something that everyone should experience. The gamma brainwave is a natural antidepressant and experiencing the power of 40 Hz feels awesome. However, you should be the judge as to whether or not increasing gamma is the brainwave you want to experiment with. If you are already experiencing many of the listed “benefits,” your gamma brainwave could be within it’s healthiest range.

Are you already a very smart, compassionate person? If so, chances are high that your brain could be naturally producing a fair amount of gamma brainwave activity. However, most people do not experience large amounts of the gamma brainwave unless they are in a state of compassion meditation. If you think you are one of the rare people that actually have too much of a conscious perception of reality and are slightly anxious, you may not want to increase your gamma brainwaves.

I highly recommend entraining the 40 Hz gamma brainwave to see how you react. Most people don’t produce large amounts of gamma naturally and most people can benefit. There is not much documented evidence that the gamma brainwave can even be entrained, but most people that I’ve talked to claim that it does have an effect. I have also given the 40 Hz gamma brainwave a shot and have found it to be extremely effective for increasing my focus. If you purchase Neuro-Programmer 2 Professional or any of my recommended brainwave products, you can create a customized 40 Hz gamma brainwave session or use a specialized one that’s already built into the library. The built-in gamma brainwave sessions are supposed to be great. I usually stick to creating my own gamma sessions with custom frequencies. If you are confused about your brainwave pattern, consider giving Neuro-Programmer 2 Professional some experimentation and seeing how your brain reacts and your reality is shifted.

If you’d like to experience Gamma brainwaves:

If you have ever given gamma brainwaves a shot, I’d really like to hear about your experience in the comments section. If you are interested in experiencing some gamma brainwaves or have any questions for me, feel free to send me a message through my contact form. I appreciate when you buy products through my referral ads to help me pay for blog hosting services and the promotion of this blog! Increasing your gamma brainwave pattern is definitely an experience that has potential to boost your brain power and take your brain to a higher level of functioning.

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“Boost Your Brain Power”

Brain Power:

50 Ways To Boost Your Brain Power

50 Things That Kill Brain Cells

Boost Your Brain At Work

Enhance Memory

Tips To Improve Your Memory

Take A Nap To Boost Your Memory

Improve Focus

How To Improve Your Focus

Brainwaves:

5 Main Types Of Brainwaves:

1. Beta Brainwaves
2. Alpha Brainwaves
3. Theta Brainwaves
4. Delta Brainwaves
5. Gamma Brainwaves

Alpha Brainwaves

Why Boost Your Alpha Brainwaves?

Brainwave Entrainment:

Experiments

Beta Brainwave Entrainment: 18 Hz Experiment

Beta Brainwave Test: 15 To 18 Hz Trial

Alpha Brainwave Test: 10 Hz Trial

Brain Happiness

5 Ways To Make Your Brain Happier

5 Ways To Make Your Brain Happier [Part 2]

Diseases & Disorders

30 Ways To Prevent Alzheimer’s Disease

How I Cured My A.D.D. In 5 Daily Steps

Schizophrenia: Symptoms Depend On Brain Activity

Brain Foods / Supplements:

Healthy Brain Foods

5 Supercharged Brain Foods

Brain Foods: List Of “50 Good Brain Foods”

Eat Some Chocolate To Boost Your Brain Power

Unhealthy Brain Foods

Brain Foods: List Of “Bad Brain Foods”
Recommended Supplements

Fish Oil To Boost Your Brain’s Performance

Brain Research:

Addiction

Men Are More Likely To Get Addicted To Playing Video Games

Brain Development

Risky Business: Teenage Brains Are Still Developing

Behavior

Inside The Brain Of A Killer: Help Prevent Violence

Juggling Boosts Brain Power
Diseases / Disorders

Hearing Voices: An Internal Trait

Drugs / Alcohol

Smoking Cannabis While Pregnant Harms Babies Brains

Evolution

The Evolution Of Brain Power – New Synaptic Molecular Theory

Intelligence

Exercise + Music = I.Q. Increase

Miscellaneous

Sniffing Coffee Beans To Boost Alertness

Sexuality

Gay Brains’ Similar To Straight Brains Of Opposite Sex

Sleep

Sleepy Brains Prone To Automatic Shutdown

Meditation:

Benefits & Studies

100 Reasons To Meditate [Without Explanations]

The Benefits Of Meditation

Small Doses Of Meditation Improves Concentration

Miscellaneous:

Geniuses

List Of Geniuses: Top 50 Most Incredible Brains

Reality / Consciousness:

26 Ways To Create Your Own Reality

Raising Your Consciousness: 10 X 10 Series:

100 Ways To Become More Conscious: How To Raise Your Consciousness (Full-Compilation)

1. 10X10 Ways To Become More Conscious (Part 1)
2. 10X10 Ways To Become More Conscious (Part 2)
3. 10X10 Ways To Become More Conscious (Part 3)
4. 10X10 Ways To Become More Conscious (Part 4)
5. 10X10 Ways To Become More Conscious (Part 5)
6. 10X10 Ways To Become More Conscious (Part 6)
7. 10X10 Ways To Become More Conscious (Part 7)
8. 10X10 Ways To Become More Conscious (Part 8)
9. 10X10 Ways To Become More Conscious (Part 9)
10. 10X10 Ways To Become More Conscious (Part 10)

Self-Improvement:

20 Ways To Murder Stress: Killer Relaxation Tips

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Though most would agree that there is no cure for A.D.D. [attention-deficit disorder] or A.D.H.D. [attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder], I have been able to reduce mine so significantly that I consider it cured. It no longer bothers me, I no longer consider myself a person with A.D.D. I can now easily focus, and accomplish things. The progress that I’ve seen in my personal development has been huge.

It hasn’t been easy, believe me, it’s tough to stay dedicated and focused on a regimen, when A.D.D. keeps me unfocused. I really have felt a huge shift in perception and my entire state of consciousness has improved for the better. So do you want to try to cure your A.D.D. or help someone work towards reducing their symptoms? Then continue reading this article!

First of all, I want to get a few things straight. I am not anti-medication at all. I think that everyone is different and some cases of A.D.D. and A.D.H.D. are more significant than others. What I do think is that anyone that can commit to improving their mental condition on a daily basis, will be able to significantly lower or cure their A.D.D. I consider my case of A.D.D. to be average: it didn’t affect me to the point where I couldn’t get anything done, but it was definitely an impairment in life.

The method that I’m about to describe requires discipline and constant motivation. In no way has it been easy to cure my A.D.D. and unfocused thinking. In fact, it has taken around 10 months to reach the point that I’m at! If you want to change yourself for the better, it does take hard work and dedication.

The fact is, the hard work and dedication that I’ve put in has paid off immensely. Though it was extremely difficult to get into a strict daily regimen, it has improved every aspect of me. Within this article, you will find out: my personality before my regimen / experiment, my personality after 10 months (today), and why I consider my A.D.D. cured!

How did I feel before the 10 month daily regimen?

Lack of focus – Before my 10 month commitment, I really could not maintain a specific focus. I would try something new one week, then switch to a different activity the following week. Lack of focus is the primary symptom of A.D.D.

Negative thoughts – I was thinking about myself and the world in a negative light. It gets really tough to improve your situation in life when all you are able to do is think negatively. Negative thoughts lead to frustration, anger, and hate. I am so glad I was able to get out of this state.

Low self-esteem - Low self-esteem and negative thinking goes hand-in-hand. I don’t know which one came first, but am glad I was able to eliminate both! Low-self esteem lead me to become depressed.

Depressing emotions - Depressing emotions make perfect sense for a person with A.D.D. to have because most people with A.D.D. are in the “theta brainwave” state. Theta waves are linked to: creativity, spirituality, emotions, and depression.

Rapid thoughts - When you get uncontrollable rapid thoughts in your mind, it is really tough to know what you want, let alone make good decisions. Rapid thoughts around others made it extremely difficult for me to stay focused and perform well in school and work.

Zoned-out - I usually felt “zoned-out” or “blankness” in my mind at times throughout the day. This zoned-out feeling made it difficult for me to even think. It seemed as though I just “acted” and “reacted” instead of thinking through my decisions.

What were the 5 steps that cured my A.D.D.?

Listen, I’ve got commitments such as work and school like everyone else. I forced myself and my friends encouraged me to stay disciplined. If you are serious about doing this routine, then by all means: go all out and do it! If you think it will cure you in a few days, you are only fooling yourself.

To be honest, most people will commit to this as most people commit to New Years Resolutions: start a new healthy habit for a few weeks, then revert right back to the old ways. With this plan, you’ve really got to be dedicated and disciplined: 2 things that are extremely difficult for an A.D.D.’er. I don’t know which of these things were most effective, but they all have research behind them that backs their claim.

Step 1 – Daily meditation

Daily mediation seems really easy, that is, until you actually do it! I committed myself to observing thoughts in my mind for 20 minutes everyday immediately upon wake-up. I chose to do a type of meditation that involves me observing my thoughts. I chose to focus on the picture of a baseball for some reason.

Every day, I’d wake up, sit down, and focus on observing my thoughts. I didn’t react to any of the thoughts, just accepted them and let my mind flow. All that really matters when meditating is knowing what you’re doing and not reacting to your thoughts.  For more information about the positive changes associated with meditation, check out my article discussing the benefits of meditation and my other article about meditation improving concentration.

Step 2 – Aerobic exercise

After doing a little bit of research about the benefits of aerobic exercise and finding that it increases brain power, improves blood flow, and can even increase I.Q., I decided that it is a must-add to my daily A.D.D. regimen. Everyday after the meditation, I ran for at least 1 mile. I kept it short and sweet at first: just 1 mile.

It was very easy, and seemed to be a very effective tactic in the process. Committing everyday to aerobic exercise is extremely difficult, but once you get past the first 2 months, it really seems to be a habit on autopilot. Now, I try to run at least 1 mile daily, sometimes I run over 1 mile.

Step 3 – Fish oil & multivitamin

I had read about fish oil and was experiencing some benefits prior to adding it to my regimen. I decided that I’d continue taking fish oil, but up the dosage to 3 capsules of 1200 mg — one at each meal. Therefore, I was getting over 3 grams daily of fish oil. For those of you that don’t know, fish oil has been linked to improved concentration, focus, and has great brain boosting potential.

I figured since I’m taking fish oil, I should also have some sort of multivitamin in the mix. I had read that A.D.D. brains are usually deficient in certain levels of vitamins. I figured that just taking 1 daily multivitamin couldn’t hurt, so I added that to the mix. Overall, I think the fish oil did a lot more than the multivitamin, but whose to say that they both didn’t help!?

Step 4 – Brainwave entrainment

Brainwave entrainment is definitely a touchy subject. It should not be done if you are pregnant epileptic or under 18 without doctor approval. It has been proven to be very safe, but there are certain regulations that you should follow before engaging in brainwave entrainment. I actually did a lot of experimentation, because I had read that everyone’s brain is different.

What was really effective for me was doing some 40 Hz gamma entrainment and some beta SMR (12 – 15 Hz). 40 Hz has been linked to increased intelligence, improved thinking skills, and a number of positive changes. I have also read in the book “Getting Started With Neurofeedback,” that most people with A.D.D. had relatively high amounts of theta activity and virtually ZERO beta SMR (12 – 15 Hz).

I stuck with gamma daily for 30 minutes while I was listening to music. A really cool program called “mind stereo” allowed me to get the effect of brainwave entrainment without hearing annoying tones and only hearing my music. It has been proven to work and I could definitely feel a change after doing this! After doing 40 Hz for a few weeks, I decided to try some beta SMR.

The beta SMR made me calm, quiet, and helped with clearer thinking. I personally have had good experiences with both. I still experiment with the software programs to change my brainwaves on a weekly basis now. For the first three months, I was doing them daily! Looking back at my progress, brainwave entrainment was definitely a key to my success!

Step 5 – Waking up at the same time everyday

Yes, I always tried to get a good amount of sleep. The best tactic though, for reducing my A.D.D. symptoms was waking up at the same time everyday! I tried Steve Pavlina’s technique to become an early riser. I always used to sleep in and be running late for work and school. It was important for me to wake up earlier each day, eat a good breakfast, and take my time in the morning.

Waking up early and at the same time, greatly helped me stay more organized, and really did help out a lot by improving my alertness! As soon as I’d awaken each morning, I’d go right into 20 minutes of meditation and from the meditation into an aerobic workout if I had time. If I wasn’t able to do my aerobic workout in the morning, I’d fit it in after work or school.

How do I feel today after 10 months of disciplined commitment?

Improved focus – I can now focus extremely well in any area of life.

Increased awareness – I am now much more aware of myself and my actions as well as others.

Increased self-esteem – I feel better about myself and am not as fearful of new situations.

Clear thinking – I now notice that I can focus on each individual thought in my mind, rather than having to deal with extreme racing thoughts or pure “blankness.”

Better memory – I don’t know what caused this, but I never used to remember things in my long-term memory much. Now, I can recall events that happened long-ago and relate them to the present.

Positive thinking – No I don’t think positively all the time, but I’m human. Everyone gets mad or upset from time-to-time. The great thing is, I am not constantly thinking negative thoughts about myself and others! I feel good about myself and am able to make a conscious effort to stay positive.

Can everyone cure their A.D.D. with these 5 daily steps?

I could elaborate on each item in my regimen and claim that they will cure your A.D.D., but I don’t know you, how severe your A.D.D. is, or what you’re capable of! And to be completely honest, I don’t think everyone can cure their A.D.D. Some people will never be committed enough to a specific set of rules to live by.

Some friends that I know have A.D.D. and take medications as needed. I let them know about what worked for me. Most of them tried it for a few days and couldn’t continue. Though most did say that while they were doing the regimen, they did notice slight improvements in focus…

Basically, the experience is different for everyone. If you want something new to try to help your A.D.D., I highly recommend trying my daily commitment and evaluating your personal change. Not only is this a great routine to have for people with A.D.D., it’s a great routine for anyone to try to improve their mind and their life!

13 Comments »

1) Get Some Exercise

Exercise always makes people feel better. Aerobic exercise boosts the body’s circulation, creativity, and the comprehension of new information! Research has proven that chronic exercisers are more creative and have a significantly better memory than non-exercisers. Exercise will make you more creative and boost your overall productivity & cognitive performance while “on the job.”

2) Ditch The Distractions

In more than 80 clinical trials, Dr. Glenn Wilson, a psychiatrist at King’s College London University found that workers distracted by phone calls, e-mails, and text messages suffered a greater loss of I.Q. than if they’d just smoked marijuana! The I.Q. of people distracted with technology while at work fell by an average of 10 points. This I.Q. loss is equivalent to that of missing an entire night’s sleep, falling 10 points. A 10 point drop is more than double the I.Q. loss seen after smoking pot. For some reason, the intelligence drop was even more significant in men. To keep your intelligence at it’s peak, don’t check your messages until you have a break!

3) Get Proper Nutrition

Many studies show that getting enough Antioxidants in your diet can have a significant affect on overall cognitive function. It is recommended to eat a high-protein breakfast to raise serotonin levels, which produce hormones that make you feel alert. If you are feeling a bit sluggish mid-day through work, eat an energy bar or some rich fruits to give you a boost! Keep that water bottle by your desk and stay well hydrated throughout the day. It is important to stay well hydrated to help prevent headaches and keep your body at an optimal overall level of functioning.

4) Exercise Your Brain

We all know that physical exercise makes us feel good, but what about mental exercise? Using your brain in new ways like learning a new language, doing a Sudoku, or engaging in a debate strengthens neural-pathways and neuronal synapses between nerve cells in the brain. Other ways to strengthen overall brain function include: word-puzzles, reading challenging vocabulary, brain training games (i.e. brain age), and doing activities with your non-dominant hand (i.e. eating with your left hand if you are a righty). By giving your brain a good hard work-out, it will strengthen new neural-pathways that involve problem-solving and intelligence.

5) Always Think Positive

Leading neuroscientist Richard Davidson conducted over a decade of research @ the W.M. Keck Laboratory for Functional Brain Imaging and Behavior. The research results showed that consciously choosing specific thoughts and emotions can change the structure and working of the brain. When participants practiced feeling “love and compassion,” their brains showed much more high-frequency 40 Hz gamma activity in the prefrontal cortex than the average person. Their brains went into action and literally “built” new connections and neural-pathways. Richard Davidson concluded that positive emotions are linked to increased intelligence. He also found that taking only 10 minutes of personal time each day to focus on positive, happy thoughts correlated with increased intelligence and a happy mood! This will help you feel positive throughout the workday and put you into a state of “flow” where time goes by quicker because you are happier, having more fun, and thinking positively!

6) Go To Sleep At Night

We all know that taking a short nap can significantly boost brain function, but so can getting a good night’s sleep. Experts recommend getting at least 8 hours of sleep in order to maintain peak-brain functioning throughout the workday. A National Sleep Foundation study found that half of U.S. workers say that lack of sleep “interferes with the amount of work they get done.” Twenty-percent (20%) of U.S. workers say that not getting enough sleep causes them to make more mistakes. Dr. William C. Dement, a sleep expert, says that “we all need to get at least 1 hour of sleep for every 2 hours we’re awake!” If you keep sleeping “one hour less each day,” you will acquire a “sleep debt.” This sleep debt can take a heavy toll on your emotions, I.Q., cognition, and overall mental abilities. Now that you have access to such great work-tips, I recommend that you utilize them to keep your brain and life on the right track! Recommend these to anyone that you think could benefit!

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A few months ago, I decided to buy and try out the program Neuro-Programmer 2 Professional. My primary intention when using the product was to create sessions to reduce my anxiety and improve my focus. The program Neuro-Programmer 2 works by changing your brainwaves — patterns of electrical activity in the brain. There are 5 primary types of brainwaves that have been researched:

• Gamma Brainwaves (40 Hz +) — The 40 Hz gamma brainwave is found in advanced sensory processing, heightened focus, and coordinates simultaneous processing of information throughout the brain. Increased gamma activity is associated with a good-memory. Lack of the 40 Hz brainwave is found in people with learning disabilities.

• Beta Brainwaves (12 – 40 Hz A.K.A cycles per second in your brain) — these are associated with external focus and being consciously alert. When we feel afraid, agitated, or tense we are high in beta. People with anxiety disorders are found to have too much high beta activity. Some calming to the alpha brainwave may help.

• Alpha Brainwaves (8 – 10 Hz) — the alpha rhythm is associated with feelings of calm, pleasant relaxation, and daydreaming activity. Extroverts are found to naturally have more baseline alpha activity, while introverts naturally have more baseline beta activity. The 10 Hz brainwave is associated with serotonin release, feelings of “flow”, “superlearning”, positive thinking, and creativity.

• Theta Brainwaves (4 – 7 Hz) — Are very slow brainwaves that the brain produces while we are asleep. Theta activity is usually high in children, people with A.D.D., depression, and learning disorders. The theta rhythm is associated with being extremely relaxed, emotional, unfocused thoughts, paranormal experiences, and enhanced creativity. When most people wake up, theta activity quickly decreases and our brains shift through alpha and to the beta range where we remain most of the day. In people with A.D.D., the theta wave increases when they wake up and when they try to focus, which is why they find it very difficult to focus.

• Delta Brainwaves (1 – 4 Hz) — These are the slowest brainwaves. If you are in this brainwave state, you are in the deepest form of sleep (dreamless sleep) and completely unconscious. Delta brainwaves are very restorative and help to naturally release Human Growth Hormone, DHEA, and melatonin, which all slow the aging process.

Something you all should know is that everyone’s brain produces a combination of all brainwaves all the time. There are only increases in certain brainwaves depending on the activities that are being done. For example: during deep delta activity, there are still traces of beta activity. The traces of beta are extremely small, but they are there.

The opposite is true as well: when there’s high beta activity, there are still traces of delta, but they are extremely tiny. There’s something else that you should know about called brainwave amplitude. Brainwave amplitude increases when there are lower brainwave ranges present (i.e. alpha, theta and delta) and the amplitude decreases with higher frequency ranges (i.e. gamma and beta). If you are entrained to a specific frequency, the amplitude of that frequency increases.

The B.A.T. Triad

Research has been done to find out problems associated with brainwaves. The BAT Triad is a general rule of thumb to follow when training. It says that there should be: increased higher frequency activity in the brain’s left hemisphere (gamma & beta) than the right hemisphere and there should be increased slow wave activity in the right hemisphere and decreased slow wave activity (alpha & theta) in the left hemisphere.

Basically, if there is too much beta activity in the right hemisphere of the brain, the result is anxiety. If there is too much slow wave activity in the left hemisphere (i.e. theta), depression follows. It is generally optimal to have beta in the left hemisphere and alpha & theta in the right.

For more information on brainwaves, I recommend reading the book “Getting Started With Neurofeedback” by John Demos. This book contains a shrine of information about brainwaves… It gets a bit complicated in parts, but it will really help enhance your overall understanding in brainwaves.

How Brain Wave[s] Technology Works

“When the brain is given a stimulus, through the ears, eyes or other senses, it emits an electrical charge in response.” So basically, if I use an isochronic tone, (the most effective tone for brainwave entrainment) set the tone to 10 Hz and play it, I will get an evoked alpha response. If I play the isochronic tone in both ears or through my speakers without headphones, my brainwaves will become synchronized.

Brainwave synchronization is usually healthy and fine, but it doesn’t work out for everyone, which is whytransparent corporation offers individualized hemisphere entrainment via isochronic tones. Other forms of entrainment include binaural beats and monaural beats. Binaural beats, which include 2 tones, require that you wear headphones for them to be effective. The idea of binaural beats is that 2 different tones are applied to each ear, then the difference between the 2 tones evokes a cortical brainwave response.

An example: a beat of 110 hz is applied to the right ear and a beat of 100 hz is applied to the right ear. The difference (110 – 100) = a 10 hz entrainment response. Monaural beats are similar to isochronic tones in the fact that they can be used for entrainment without headphones, but they just aren’t as effective as the isochronic tones.

After buying a package deal of their Neuro-Programmer 2 Professional with the program Mind Sound Stereo, I read up on the different types of brainwaves to see what I thought would be healthy to use. I came across a lot of good articles and research pertaining the “10 Hz Alpha Brainwave.” Since alpha activity correlated with reduction of anxiety, relaxation, calmness, and focus, I felt that I had nothing to lose.

My Experience With 10 Hz Alpha

When I began my journey with alpha, I initially felt highly unfocused, day-dreamy, relaxed, pleasant, and didn’t care what anyone said or thought about me if it was negative. I thought this was very cool. Initially, my overall energy levels decreased and I felt that my thoughts were way too unfocused. Though I felt very weird coming down from an extremely high beta brainwave pattern, it was worth it.

I went through a very tough period of about 2 months wondering if I would ever feel normal again. I woke up each day and my consciousness was different than the day before. I also was able to, for the first time in my life, not wake up in the mornings to eat breakfast. This period lasted for about a month, I would hear my alarm clock and unintentionally drift back to sleep until about 10 minutes before I needed to leave each morning.

I had virtually no time to just brush my teeth, and get ready. When I arrived at work, I felt very pleasant, but unfocused and almost too relaxed. Though I felt this way, I still kept up the entrainment. It was about the 3rd month of my alpha entrainment experimentation and I was not doing daily training. I would do it once about every other week. Eventually I came to a state of focus, relaxation, and what I believe to be a happy, normal state.

I really never thought I would reach this point. Now, I notice that the alpha brainwave kicks in and is stronger than it used to be at various times throughout the day. It seems that my brain is able to shift between alpha and beta throughout the day.  I don’t consciously shift between the 2 (as I would be able to if I was an experienced meditator or did neurofeedback), but my brain automatically shifts to alpha when I am involved in a calm activity where less brainwave activity is required like watching T.V. and falling asleep. Overall, this has been a success story! I will continue experimenting with various brainwaves for set time periods to study their effects on my emotions and state of consciousness.

3 Comments »

Meditation is known to have been around for over 5,000 years. Meditation involves turning the attention inwards with focus. It is well known by researchers that people who meditate experience tremendous benefits. Is meditation really worth your time? Probably. The person practicing meditation doesn’t need to meditate 24/7 to receive all of the benefits. A simple 20 minute daily meditation session will have profound impact on health and longevity if continued for awhile. What does meditation do?

Meditation allows you to cultivate powerful focus, get in touch with yourself (know yourself better), become more aware of the world, helps promote relaxation and has tons of health benefits. It is probably the single best exercise that anyone could do for their mind and body. Meditation can also deepen your religious connections and make you more spiritual. In the context of this article I will discuss many benefits of meditation and explain why meditation is such a great thing to do.

The profound health benefits

There have been an insane number of documented health benefits that are induced though meditation. Today, no matter what religion or denomination, many people include meditation as part of their lifestyle because they would like to be healthier. Meditation literally “supercharges” the immune system and increases the baseline activity level of natural “killer cells” which help destroy cancer cells and bacteria. By practicing meditation, your body will be able to fight off viruses faster than the average person and you just won’t be as prone to getting sick as the average person! (It even helps to alleviate allergies!)

Another great benefit from meditation is a happier mood! Meditation has been known to help balance mood and make people more emotionally stable. It increases the amount of the neurotransmitter “serotonin” which is involved in relaxation and happiness. By increasing the amount of serotonin, you will be less prone to insomnia, anxiety, and depression!

If you want to lower your high blood pressure, meditation is the answer. Meditation is great for people with high blood pressure because it quickly brings it back down to a normal level. It also slows heart rate and increases the amount of oxygen in the blood and brain.

Brainwaves prove that meditation is healthy

Meditation shifts brainwaves from the right (stress-promoting) hemisphere to the calmer, happy, left-hemisphere. A study was done by the University Of Massachusetts Medical School where they went to a high-tech business firm in Madison, Wisconsin.

They found stressed out employees and split them into two groups: 25 people that were required to learn and practice meditation over an eight week period, and 16 people that served as a control group. Researchers found that the brains from the meditation group showed increased activity in the left frontal lobe – an area of the brain that promotes positive emotion and calmness.

The people involved in meditation were found to be calmer and happier than before and more able to deal with stressful situations. Meditation increases overall activity in the prefrontal cortex, which is involved in higher thought, focus, and helps us control our responses to anxiety and anger. Another cool thing is that even if you meditate for awhile, then stop meditating, the increased activity in the left-hemisphere lingers, which will keep you calmer than most even though you stopped meditating.

The amount of gamma brainwave activity significantly increases in the prefrontal region of the brain. Gamma activity is involved in higher thought, problem solving, and advanced brain functioning. This brainwave helps improve focus and planning in a major way! Relaxation is increased throughout the body and mind by increased Alpha activity.

Alpha waves are found in calm, relaxed people. Alpha waves increase when a person drinks alcohol or smokes marijuana, which is a large reason as to why alcoholics and potheads keep doing it; they enjoy the relaxation. If they only knew that meditation would be healthier for them in the long-run and have profound relaxation effects without the dizziness, puking, or hallucinations.

Build a bigger brain

People who meditate grow bigger brains than people who don’t. Researchers at Harvard, Yale, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have found the first evidence that meditation can alter the physical structure of our brains. Brain scans they conducted reveal that experienced meditators boasted increased thickness in parts of the brain that deal with attention and processing sensory input.

The gray matter in older, more experienced meditators is thicker than younger meditators and remains thick even in old age. Non-meditators’ gray matter normally gets thinner as ageing occurs. It has also been found that people who meditate have greater plasticity throughout their brains. What is plasticity? Plasticity is the ability of the brain to reorganize neural pathways after new experiences. By meditating, new neural pathways are formed and old neural connections are strengthened.

Enhance your self-control

By increasing activity in the left hemisphere and prefrontal cortex, meditation will give you greater self-control. With some practice, you will be able to regulate your thoughts, emotions, and have complete control over your impulsive actions. The problem is, most people that get involved with meditation, already have high amounts of self-control.

Tell your friends about meditation and get them involved. Maybe go meditate together so you can both enjoy the increased amount of self-control. You will have more control over yourself and be more inclined to notice and control unconscious urges like eating candy or drinking soda.

Explore the depths of consciousness

Meditation is a great way to explore your consciousness and help your brain be more aware of different brainwave patterns. Most people are constantly in the brainwave state of “BETA” which is involved in outward focus, fear, anxiety and stress. By practicing meditation, you can learn the ability to consciously access the “ALPHA” brainwave state.

The alpha brainwave state enhances relaxation, makes it easier to absorb information passively, and helps promote calmness. After enough practice, you may even be able to consciously access the “THETA” brainwave state. In the “THETA” state of mind, strong emotions will arise and some people report having profound religious experiences. The “THETA” brainwave is involved in tapping the unconscious mind. Through meditation, you can become aware of the unconscious with enough practice.

By accessing the unconscious, your intuition will improve, visualization will be enhanced and your creativity be intensely boosted. The lowest brainwave state is “DELTA” and most people are never able to access this state consciously in their lifetime. Delta is involved in deep sleep, healing, and restoration of the body. I have read reports and studies where a few extremely advanced meditators have been able to consciously access this state, but it is extremely difficult.

Improve your spiritual life

Meditation is also a great way to improve your spiritual life. In fact, people sometimes have their most profound spiritual experiences, sometimes referred to as “awakenings,” through meditation. People report feeling more connected with “God” or their religion. They also learn more about their spiritual life than they ever imagined. Meditation is a tool that helps people to discover insights about life that would remain unknown to them if they had never meditated.

Meditation helps you to understand your “purpose” here on Earth and be more connected with your spirit. You don’t need to belong to a certain religion to connect religiously through meditation. Christians meditate, Hindus meditate, Muslims meditate, it doesn’t matter what religion one belongs to. You don’t even need to belong to a religion to have an enhanced spiritual life through meditation!

How to meditate

You can meditate anywhere at anytime, however, it helps to be in a quiet place without distractions and external stimuli. Next, you need to have a type of meditation in mind. There are many different types of meditation. Google “types of meditation” and pick one that you find interesting. Stick with it for awhile and you will begin to learn a lot about yourself and be able to enjoy the infinite amount of benefits. Below, I will describe three common types of meditation that you can start practicing.

Three well-known types of meditation

Concentration Meditation – this type of meditation involves focusing your attention on your breathing, a specific mental image, or a mantra (a specific repeated sound). The point of this type of meditation is to quiet the thoughts and the mind by allowing greater awareness and focus to emerge. The easiest way to do this type of meditation is to sit quietly and focus on your breathing.

There is a direct relationship between breathing and the state of consciousness that you are in. Breathing is usually quick and shallow when a person is stressed out. When breathing is slow and deep, the person enjoys a nice warm, relaxed, focused state of mind. Let yourself primarily focus on inhaling and exhaling. By just focusing on your inhalation and exhalation pattern, your mind will become more relaxed and focused.

Transcendental Meditation – This is a Hindu form of meditation. This type of meditation is supposed to promote relaxation through the usage of a “mantra.” A mantra can be any sound that you choose that will be effective in meditation. It is used to promote relaxation, with some focus. A mantra is basically a sound repeated over with the idea of connecting with your soul and freeing your mind.

Mindfulness Meditation – This type of meditation works by heightening your attention to become aware of your sensations, feelings, thoughts, etc. Begin this type of meditation by sitting quietly. Just observe everything that goes through your mind without judging it.

The whole idea is to just witness whatever goes through your mind without reacting. By not reacting, you are training your mind to be more peaceful. By practicing this type of meditation, your ability to think logically and not be influenced by emotion will increase. By training yourself to not become as emotionally affected and attached, your problem solving abilities will be greatly enhanced as well as your ability to make good decisions.

Deepen Meditation With Binaural Beats?

There are programs out like Holosync and Hemi-Sync that use binaural beats, isochronic tones, or monaural beats to supposedly “deepen” the meditation experience. I recommend checking into these programs and experiencing them for yourself if you are interested.

I personally find that my customized sessions that I make in Neuro-Programmer 2 Professional help deepen my meditation so I have no need for Holosync. I have tried a Holosync sample program that was free to sign up for on their website. They sent me a CD with a couple of sample tracks on it and explained the program via some intense marketing.

I liked the sample disc, thought that it helped, and that it sounded nice. Why didn’t I continue and buy the program? Neuro-Programmer 2 Professional allows me to design my own custom sessions with whatever background noise I choose. Bill Harris is the founder of the Holosync program and really hypes up his program.

I’ve read cases where people really enjoy and think the program helps, while other people don’t think that it has much effect. I think that since the program is so expensive, it is better to just use Neuro-Programmer 2 Professional or not use any beats / tones at all. If you are going to use this technology or already have, please share your experience with others.

Start meditating

After reading this article, I hope that you now will include meditation as part of your daily routine (if it isn’t already). Just plan that at some time throughout the day, you will take 20 minutes to find a quiet place to meditate. Everyone has 20 minutes to spare. You may even like meditation so much that you will set aside 30 minutes of your day to meditate.

The great thing about meditation is that you will become healthier, get to enjoy all the benefits of slowed aging, and you will learn a lot about yourself! I highly recommend that you try meditating everyday for at least a month. If you like it, naturally you will want to continue, and if you don’t, well at least you can say you gave it a valid chance. Meditation is free! Can you really afford not to meditate?

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After reading this entry, you will learn how to take your focus to a new level, keep it there, and keep increasing your focus power for the rest of your life without much effort at all. Whether your life is full of stress, have clouded thinking, or have always had ADD / ADHD, you can concentrate at a higher level than you ever imagined.

Though it will take a little time out of your day, it will work if you give it a shot and stick with it. You do not need to do all the techniques that I will recommend, just applying one successfully will definitely improve your focus. But, the more options you choose to apply, the quicker your focus will improve.

#1 Exercise – Meditation

By taking 5 to 10 minutes out of the day to sit down, eyes closed while focusing on one thought or image, focusing power will begin to build. Just stay relaxed and don’t worry if it is very difficult at first. It will become very easy in a hurry. While sitting, eyes closed, just notice whenever the focus drifts away from the main object of focus, just realize this is going to happen and bring the main object of focus back into the mind.

Studies have been done where meditators EEG’s have been recorded. What these studies found was that meditation increased brain activity in the prefrontal cortex of the brain. They also found high frequency gamma brainwaves which are important in cognition and advanced thinking. The prefrontal cortex is linked to higher thought process, acute focus, planning, reasoning, and problem solving.

The nice thing is that it doesn’t take much time out of the day for this to be effective. By giving this a shot for awhile, focus will skyrocket. The nice thing about meditation is that it can be done anytime, anywhere, and it’s free!

#2 Exercise – Neurofeedback

This technique has been used to create lasting changes in the CNS (Central Nervous System) by consciously controlling brainwaves. Neurofeedback involves electrodes being put on top of the head in certain areas depending on the type of training. Neurofeedback is used for a number of mental problems such as: anxiety, depression, ADD, ADHD, and peak performance.

If you are considering taking this route, I highly recommend reading a couple books on the topic so you can fully understand what takes place. The principle is simple, electrodes from a neurofeedback unit (machine) are placed on top of the client’s head, and the neurofeedback machine is hooked up to a computer. The computer has a software program such as Bio Explorer installed which allows the neurofeedback practitioner and client to see the realtime brainwaves of the client on the computer screen.

Then the practitioner sets a protocol for the client. Basically, a protocol is set in the range of brainwaves chosen by the practitioner, then a training program begins. The training program may be a simple game like pac-man. The pac-man character will move faster and be more successful when the clients brainwaves are in the desired range of brainwaves, but when they fall out of the range the pac-man will move slower.

After several sessions, the client will be able to consciously facilitate the desired mental brainwave state outside the neurofeedback office. Once a brainwave state is “learned,” the client will have the ability to access it at will, which is very cool.

The drawback. The downfall to this approach is that it can be fairly costly at around $100-$200 per session. None of this should be considered medical advice, but you may want to consider buying your own machine if you know you are intelligent enough. How do you know if you’re intelligent enough? Well, if you had to ask that question you’re not. You can get a machine within the range of about $600 (Mink Peak Products) to several thousand dollars (Brain Master Products).

Transparent Corporation also sells what appears to be a good neurofeedback unit for a very competitive price. If I didn’t scare you away and you are still considering this, the book that I personally recommend to get started is, “Getting Started With Neurofeedback” by John N. Demos. It covers many topics, some advanced and you may need to re-read parts a few times to fully understand it.

Understand that neurofeedback is very effective at creating long lasting positive change and a great way to improve focus, but getting started can be very costly. Meditation helps promote conscious control of brainwaves as well, which is why meditation remains my number one strategy.

#3 Exercise – Take Some Fish Oil

Without doing anything by popping the undisputed supplement of the century (Fish Oil) down the hatch, the ability of the brains focusing power increases. I can personally vouch for this one. After dealing with stress, ADHD, depression, and anxiety, I had to find a way to focus. I began taking fish oil.

I can go about the day able to focus on anything I want to for as long as I want to and I am attributing a lot of that to the fish oil. For me it took awhile to “kick-in” (about a month), but after it did I noticed my concentration just kept improving and it still is! I also read at this website that a methamphetamine addict was brought into rehab, was unknowingly given high fish oil doses and the fish oil completely reversed his brain damage.

#4 Exercise – Brainwave Entrainment

Brainwave entrainment involves a stimulus, usually a tone, that that has influence on the listeners brainwaves, which changes the listeners mindstate. There are 4 main categories of brainwaves: Gamma, Beta, Alpha, Theta & Delta. The main one’s for increasing focus that I will explain in this entry are Gamma & Beta.

I’ve read a lot about brainwave entrainment and currently own Neuro-Programmer 2 Professional. This site also explains a lot about the brainwave entrainment process. They have a free trial download as well, which let’s you experiment with it for a few days. The frequencies that improve focus are gamma and beta.

Basically, this program has a lot of “sessions” built in that you can choose from to help you improve your focus. What brainwave entrainment does is create new neuronal connections to support different patterns of brainwaves and flexibility. It does not necessarily allow one to consciously control their brainwaves like meditation. It does, however, greatly help by creating the neural connections linked to focus.

#5 Exercise – Give Your Brain A Workout

Puzzles, word finds, Sudoku’s, and games like Brain Age and Big Brain Academy for the Nintendo DS are a very fun way to increase focus and concentration. I really enjoy playing these games and have definitely noticed that my ability to focus and think fast has been enhanced after playing these games. I personally find Big Brain Academy to be the most challenging and fun, but Brain Age 2 is definitely pretty cool too. Brain games are a great way to slow brain ageing, increase focusing ability, and have fun at the same time!

#6 Exercise – Daily Physical Exercise

Getting a good quality workout is not only healthy, but it improves the brains ability to concentrate. Exercise helps create increased white matter and connections between neurons. Exercise also allows for neurogenesis – the creation of new neurons by the brain. This is awesome, just go for a jog and create some new neurons, and everyday notice the increased focus levels.

More Techniques

There are more ways than the ones that I suggested to increase your ability to powerfully concentrate. The ones I listed, I think are the most powerful and effective techniques available to create long-lasting unshakable focus. Don’t make any lame excuses, just pick a method above and start focusing!

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