How to Increase Alpha Brain Waves: A Guide to Enhancing Relaxation and Focus
We all have at least moments most days where we achieve that, "in the zone" type feeling. That which seemed impossible is now plausible. Monotonous tasks seem to be handling themselves. You feel so much like you're on auto pilot in a good way that new ideas are coming to you faster than you can write them down.
Suddenly, your co-worker pops over to your desk, you take out your headphones, he or she asks if you know where the company keeps additional paper for the printer - the printer of all things! - and your mind exits peak efficiency state as you sigh and mumble you don't know and that HR has the answer they seek.
It's frustrating, because getting back into the zone always seems like such a mystery.
But it doesn't have to be. There's science to that state you were in and a way to at least approach replicating it without some sort of magic.
That in the zone or flow state of mind is often associated with alpha brain waves, a frequency of brain activity linked to relaxation, mental clarity, and even enhanced creativity.
We've already ruled out magic as a source to create these brain waves, but both lifestyle changes and supplements can help you more regularly achieve this balanced state.
What Are Alpha Brain Waves?
Alpha brain waves operate in the frequency range of 8-12 Hz and are most prominent when you’re awake but relaxed, such as during meditation, daydreaming, or light sleep.
When your brain is in an alpha state, you’re typically calm yet alert, making it the ideal mental space for creative thinking, learning, and problem-solving. Increased alpha wave activity is also associated with reduced stress, anxiety, and overall better mental health.
Okay stop, let's go back. What's a brain wave?
Ahh okay. It is critical to understand this part. On a very small scale, your brain is electric.
So much so it generates enough wattage to power applicances.
Although the brain constitutes only about 2% of the human body’s weight, it consumes a disproportionately large amount of energy. In fact, your brain generates about 12-25 watts of electrical power, which is enough to power a low-wattage LED light bulb.
The electrical waves the brain produces operate at difference frequencies and serve different purposes. Depending on what task is required - so what stimulus is being presented in any given moment - the brain sends out different types of brain waves best suited for the job.
If you have the desire to re-enter your productivity zone, your flow state, you're looking for a combination of alpha and theta waves. Alpha waves help keep you relaxed, but attentive, while theta waves help with inward focus.
How Can Lifestyle Changes Boost Alpha Brain Waves
If you’re looking to naturally enhance your alpha brain wave activity, incorporating certain lifestyle changes on a day to day basis can make a significant difference.
The key here is the day to day part. Any change in brain waves will require days, weeks and months of dedicated effort to a new lifestyle.
- Meditation Meditation is one of the most powerful ways to increase alpha brain wave activity. Regular meditation practices, such as mindfulness meditation or transcendental meditation, have been shown to boost alpha waves, helping you achieve a state of calm and focused awareness. Even just 10-15 minutes of daily meditation can lead to noticeable improvements in your mental clarity and emotional balance.
- Breathwork Breath-focused practices, such as deep breathing exercises, pranayama, or box breathing, can significantly impact your brain’s activity. By slowing down your breath and focusing on it, you can shift your brain from a beta state (associated with stress and anxiety) to an alpha state. This not only promotes relaxation but also enhances your ability to concentrate.
- Exercise Physical activity, particularly exercises that combine movement with mindfulness, such as yoga or tai chi, can help increase alpha brain waves. These practices reduce stress hormones, promote relaxation, and encourage a balanced state of mind, making it easier for your brain to produce alpha waves.
- Mindfulness Practices Incorporating mindfulness into your daily routine—whether through journaling, spending time in nature, or practicing gratitude—can also enhance alpha brain wave activity. These practices help ground you in the present moment, reducing stress and promoting a relaxed, focused state of mind.
Supplements to Support Alpha Brain Wave Activity
In addition to lifestyle changes, certain supplements can help boost alpha brain wave production.
Now supplements can operate as a bit more of a short cut as far as generating specific types of brain waves goes. If you have deficiencies in your diet or lifestyle, but are still looking for results, that's where supplements can quite literally be of supplemental value to your brain.
- L-Theanine L-theanine, an amino acid found naturally in green tea, is well-known for its ability to promote alpha brain waves. Studies have shown that L-theanine can induce a state of relaxed alertness, helping you stay calm and focused without causing drowsiness. This makes it an excellent supplement for those who want to enhance their mental clarity and reduce anxiety.
- GABA GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in calming the nervous system. By enhancing GABA activity, you can promote relaxation and increase alpha brain wave production. This can help you achieve a more balanced, less anxious state of mind, making it easier to concentrate and think creatively.
Increasing alpha brain waves can be a powerful way to enhance your mental clarity, creativity, and overall well-being.
By incorporating meditation, breathwork, exercise, and mindfulness into your daily routine, and by supporting your brain with supplements like L-theanine and GABA, you can naturally boost your alpha wave activity.
And if you’re looking for an easy and delicious way to support your alpha brain waves, Blossom’s cacao latte mix, turmeric powder latte mix and matcha latte mix are the supplements that can help boost alpha brain waves while satisfying the additional desire for a tasty drink.