What Are Binaural Beats?
A binaural beat is the creation of sound made in the brain when hearing two tones that are slightly different frequencies. They are considered as auditory illusions and in order for them to work optimally you should listen through headphones - This is because there will be one tone played in the right and another in the left ear.
The Health Benefits
Binaural beats can induce similar; if not the same mental states associated with meditation practice, but quicker. Some of the results are:
Reduced anxiety
Increased focus/concentration
lowered stress
promoted creativity
help manage pain
improve mood
The Different Types
There are five brain waves that create binaural beats and affect our state.
Delta: linked to deep sleep, healing and pain relief.
Theta: associated with meditation, deep relaxation and creativity.
Alpha: reduced stress, maintains positive thinking and increases learning capabilities.
Beta: focuses attention, stimulates energy and promotes problem solving
Gamma: helps with memory recall and activates self-awareness
When, Where and How To Listen
It's important to avoid using binaural beats therapy whilst multitasking. Make sure you are sat or laying down in a comfortable space where you wont be disturbed.
Best place to find them? YouTube! There are many creators uploading a plethora of options for you to choose from, which you can listen to for free!
There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to how often or best times to try. Over time you will discover if ten, twenty, thirty minutes or more is your preference. Think about wether you would like to listen in the morning to set you up for the day, or at night to get good sleep.
This is a great self-help tool which you can tailor to your needs. How can you implement it into your life? Maybe you have an upcoming performance and you're feeling nervous about it, you could try listening a few hours before the show and potentially in the days leading up to it!
Tip: Keeping a log book means you can look back at how you felt afterwards and find what works! Dating your sessions including time of day, length, surroundings, type and what you felt prior to listening will help you determine in future the best course of action for your present state.
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