Tame Your Beta Waves to Stop Racing Thoughts

Learn to calm down your beta waves

Help! My brain is too busy to think straight

There can be many reasons for experiencing racing thoughts, or just a "crowded" brain muddling things up.  One reason is that we are operating under the influence of beta waves for too long periods of time.

What are beta waves?

Science recognizes 5 brainwave states; some are slower, some faster. They all have their unique function, and we should be using all of them at optimal times and for optimal lengths of time throughout the day. Beta waves are considered faster and dominate when we engage in activities such as:

• Quick thinking and mental processing,
• Socializing,
• Goal-setting because of increased energy,
• Thinking positively, and
• Writing quickly and easily.

The problem with beta wave overload

In our fast, fast society, it is easy to SO get caught up in these types of activites that your brain never gets a chance to slow down. This is when your brain gets too busy to think straight.  In addition, you may experience:

• Increased anxiety
• Increased muscle tension
• Increased stress
• Insomnia
• Other health problems

Tips for slowing your beta waves down

Here are some tips for slowing things down, or not letting things get too wired to begin with:

• Take a break every 90 minutes when engaged in lengthy, mentally challenging tasks.
• Don't spend the first or last hour of your day on the computer—this will definitely get or keep your brain galloping when you don't need it to be.
• Spend some time doodling or day-dreaming out the window (tell your boss science says it's good for the brain).
• Lie flat on the floor or ground for 10 minutes (this will truly help you get "grounded" again) and do some deep-breathing exercises or think about some favorite natural place you like to visit.
• Go do some semi-routine task like washing dishes—this is a natural for allowing your brain to wander.
• Become more aware of natural rhthms in life and try to honor them more fully.

I wish you well. I'm getting off the computer now, my brain needs a break.