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Knowing a little about how your brain works can help you to become a more effective learner.

Brain states

Your brain has four different states, or speeds.

The two slower speeds are Delta (deep sleep) and Theta (meditation and dreaming).

The two faster speeds are Alpha and Beta.

Beta is the brain speed we use most. It's the fastest speed - great for multi-tasking and getting things done.

Alpha is slower than Beta, and it's the best state for ideas and creativity. Repetitive tasks that require focus on one thing (like walking, cooking, or driving) slow the brain down to the Alpha state and occupy the conscious mind. This frees up the subconscious mind to make all sorts of unexpected connections.

So if you need an injection of ideas and creativity, take a walk, do the dishes, mow the lawn, and see what happens!

Adapted from Allan, D, Kingdon, M, Murrin, K and Rudkin, D 1999, '?What If! How to Start a Creative Revolution at Work', Capstone, Oxford.