Binaural beats are a type of audio technology used to help your mind get to the same state it would during meditation without going through the traditional meditative process.
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Although binaural beats have been the subject of many recent health articles, they were actually discovered in 1839 by a physicist named Heinrich Wilhelm Dove. He found that when sounds of two different frequencies are presented separately to each ear, the brain tries to make up the difference between each phase frequency.
Many people listen to binaural beats when they first wake up to feel more alert, while others depend on them to relax just prior to going to sleep. Besides those two possible uses, binaural beats are also beneficial in improving concentration.
If you find it’s often hard to focus when you are studying or working, binaural beats could help you find a safe solution. Keep reading to learn more about how binaural beats can amp up your concentration.
How The Brain Reacts To Binaural Beats
As mentioned above, the brain tries to make up the difference between the two audible frequencies by “hearing” a third one that bridges the gap. Your brain can respond to the presence of a binaural beat by resonating at the same frequency, which can cause your brainwaves to go into an alternative state.
This phenomenon is known as the “Frequency Following Response,” and it was first studied in the 1970s. Since then, people have used specially created binaural beat recordings that are formulated to change brainwave frequencies to achieve desired effects.
How To Find Binaural Beat Recordings
If you’re ready to try this technology, it’s possible to find the recordings free online. Furthermore, many companies sell them online. So, if you get good results from binaural beats and find that your concentration is improved after using a free audio file, consider purchasing another option.
Recordings intended to boost concentration are usually engineered to put the brain into a high theta/low alpha state. That’s because they put your brain into a state where you feel calm and relaxed, but very attentive. In this condition, the brain is able to handle very detail-oriented work with better than average success.
Getting Started
Unlike meditation, you don’t have to practice for a long time or do a lot to set the mood when you begin listening to binaural beats. However, it is essential to get a good pair of stereo headphones since each ear has to be able to receive the sounds of different frequencies.
For best results, find a quiet place away from things that might distract you. Also, make sure to give your brain enough time to sync up with the beats. That usually takes about seven minutes, so you should plan to listen to the recording for about a half-hour to experience the full benefits.
While listening, you may find it easier to concentrate on the sounds you hear if you keep your eyes closed or focus on a candle flame, especially as a beginner.
Be Patient
Although binaural beats create brainwave frequency changes that encourage different states of being, you shouldn’t think of them as quick fixes. Commit to listening to binaural beats at least once per day for a month or so. After that period, do a self-assessment and see if your concentration level has gotten better.
It’s at least a worthwhile effort, since people have successfully used binaural beats to concentrate better for decades, and they get the results without having to use drugs or other interventions that could have dangerous or unpleasant side effects.
