What Are Beta Waves?

When an individual experiences a beta state, he is far from calm and relaxed; he may actually feel nervous, anxious, scared or excited. Despite this, beta wave states are considered healthy and normal brain activity for adults. When you are alert and engaged in mental activities, such as solving a problem, your brain generates beta waves. Beta waves operate on a frequency between 18 and 38 hertz, typically generated in the left hemisphere of the brain.

Increase Beta Waves

• Adults generate more beta waves than children and teenagers. As you age, beta rhythms increase. Despite this, however, an individual is typically able to increase beta waves on his own. Brain-wave entertainment such as binaural tones may help an individual increase beta waves. There are also various brain programs, such as "Luminosity Brain Program" (at luminosity.com). Luminosity has plenty of brain training games that increase beta activity naturally and encourage fast thinking. Solving math problems or reading a book will also increase beta waves.

Benefits of Increased Beta Waves

• Increased beta waves allow an individual to think on his toes and come up with new ideas in short periods of time. These active waves also encourage interaction, as beta waves increase during conversation. Because beta waves are generated in the left hemisphere of the brain, an individual may become more goal-oriented, as goal setting is associated with this hemisphere as well. When you are highly focused, you operate on a high beta wave frequency, so it encourages productivity.

Cons of Increased Beta Waves

• While there are many benefits as a result of increased beta waves, there are also risks as well. Too much beta wave activity could result in anxiety, fear, stress or paranoia. Paranoid schizophrenics typically produce more beta waves than those of "normal" brain function. Because beta waves cause reduced movement, you may find that you have tense muscles as well. If you begin to feel stressed out or anxious, aim to increase alpha waves to reduce beta stimulation. This may be done through meditation, yoga, visualizing images with your eyes closed and/or deep breathing exercises. Basically, anything that relaxes you will increase alpha wave activity.

Beta Waves & Parkinson's Disease

• It is theorized that individuals with Parkinson's disease are unable to control the beta waves in the brain. According to BBC News (United Kingdom), Peter Brown, professor of University College London in the UK, performed experiments on beta waves. In these studies, beta stimulation caused participants to move up to 10 percent slower. As a result of this experiment, Brown believes that the information will lead to learning more about movement disorders.