Tips (from users) for getting your mind into focus with alphabeats

We often get the question about whether our app, which expands your mind’s ability to access alpha brainwaves, requires active effort, or if it’s more of a passive experience. The truth is, it's both – and understanding this duality is key to maximizing your focus and mental fitness.

The balance point – HIIT for your brain

We like to think of alphabeats training like High-Intensity Interval Training for your brain. Just as HIIT workouts alternate between intense bursts of activity and periods of lower-intensity exercise or rest, alphabeats provides short, intense focus sessions that build mental strength over time.

Like physical training, improving your focus requires effort and awareness. You wouldn't expect to build muscle by simply sitting on a weight bench, right? Similarly, to excel at focus, you need to actively engage your mind. However, once you establish a baseline of mental fitness, you'll find yourself reaching higher plateaus with less conscious effort.

Consider an experienced weightlifter. When they first started, every rep required intense concentration. Now, they can lift heavier weights with seemingly less effort. This doesn't mean they're not working hard – it means their foundational strength allows them to push even further. 

Your journey with alphabeats follows a similar path.

User tips for finding focus

That said, when you’re just starting out with alphabeats, you may struggle with understanding how to get your favorite tune to sound the way you’re used to, and how to get the alpha-pulse to take the shape you want. (For those unfamiliar, these are two of the techniques we use within our mental training regime.) 

Those familiar with meditation might intuitively focus on your breath or similar techniques (these are also tips we provide to guide you through your work within the app.) However, others have found unique ways to enter the alpha state that are quite specific to the alphabeats experience.  We've gathered a few of those insights to share with you here:

1. Focus on the music, not the memories. Matt Miller of ZDNet is a popular reviewer of cutting edge fitness technology. After using alphabeats, he shared an interesting approach: "I love classic rock and choose it most of the time for the music, but it also brings back many memories. So I tried not to focus on the lyrics and memories but on relaxation and focus." This technique of separating the auditory experience from emotional associations is next level flex, but can be a helpful tool for reaching a clear, focused state.
2. Hone in on a specific instrument. Aaron Leong, writer for Hot Hardware and host of the GearUP with Aaron vlog, adapts his focus technique based on the track. For songs with prominent instruments, he concentrates on those. For familiar tunes that might distract, he focuses on "dat bass," since alphabeats reduces low frequencies during loss of focus. By zeroing in on different parts of the music, Aaron keeps his mind locked in.
3. Connect with the beat. Global Taekwondo champion Aymen Achnine uses a similar technique, but for him it’s all about that beat. He says, "It works best for me to focus again on the sound/music, especially the tone/beat. After doing it, in 2-3 seconds the sound immediately becomes more clear, which suggests that my relaxation is coming back." Aymen even applies this technique outside of the app, focusing on environmental sounds during training or tournaments to regain focus.
4. Use visual cues. Pro kayaker Odette Latenstein van Voorst offered a tip for the visual aspect of alphabeats: "For the visual changes in alphabeats, I focus on one visual particle or on one spot on the screen to get the visuals/music back to calmness." This practice of visual focus can help quiet a busy mind.

Developing your focus muscle

These user tips highlight an important aspect of focus training: it's a skill that can be developed and applied in various contexts. Just as a runner might use techniques learned on the track in their daily life (like controlled breathing when stressed), the focus skills you develop with alphabeats can be applied in your work, studies, or personal life.

Here are some additional tips to enhance your focus practice:

• Start Small: Begin with short sessions and gradually increase the duration as your "focus muscle" grows stronger.
• Be Consistent: Regular practice is key. Try to use alphabeats at the same time each day to build a habit.
• Experiment: Try different music genres, visual settings, or focusing techniques to find what works best for you.
• Mindful Transitions: Before starting a session, take a few deep breaths to transition from your previous activity. This helps set the stage for focus.
• Reflect: After each session, take a moment to notice how you feel and journal about that experience within the app. This awareness can help you track your progress over time.

Remember, improving your focus is a journey. Some days will be easier than others, and that's okay. The key is to keep showing up and putting in the effort. With time and practice, you'll find yourself reaching new levels of focus and mental clarity.

So, whether you're using alphabeats to prepare for a big game or presentation, to unwind after a long day, or simply to sharpen your mind, know that you're engaging in a powerful form of mental training. By actively participating in these focus sessions, you're building a skill that will serve you well in all areas of life.

Keep practicing, stay curious, and watch as your ability to find and maintain focus grows stronger with each session. Your mind will thank you for the workout!