Eat. Sleep. Solve the problem. Repeat. Apparently, this isn't just another mantra of lazy geniuses, but a scientifically proven method. You've probably already realized that you spend most of your day battling various challenges - especially those at work. Ah, work: where the most stubborn problems like to multiply like rabbits.
But let me comfort you, you are not alone. Many of the world's business visionaries, from Sarah Blakely (who we can thank for seamless leggings) to Richard Branson (who we can thank for, well, everything else), attribute their success to this very valuable ability: recognizing problems and finding ingenious solutions while sleeping, just like Einstein.
And if you want to be a little more genius than the rest, I suggest a bold strategy – find the answers in your sleep. Literally. Sounds like an excuse to spend more time in bed? Maybe, but seriously, it's a method called »riding theta brain waves"It's not self-hypnosis, Zen meditation, or a mysterious witchcraft ritual, but simple, elegant, and – believe it or not – proven science.
Let's learn about brain waves (don't worry, it won't be too boring) –
Our brains have four basic types of waves (thanks to scientist Ned Herrmann for this wisdom):
- Beta waves: You surf these waves when you're nervous, hyperactive, and stressed. You're probably creating them right now.
- Alpha waves: When you relax, pour yourself a glass of wine, and enjoy an evening of Netflix, your brain lazily switches into an alpha state.
- Theta waves: The magical, creative, and playful waves you need to effectively solve problems. You experience these waves just before you fall asleep and right after you wake up. (This explains why your most brilliant ideas are always right before your alarm clock goes off.)
- Delta waves: Deep sleep without thoughts, without worries and without solutions.
Theta waves or why the best ideas come in the shower
Have you ever wondered why brilliant ideas often come to you while you're shaving, brushing your teeth, or driving on a boring highway? It's simply because your tasks are routine enough at those times that your brain shifts into theta mode. It's like autopilot for your creativity: your brain finally lets go of the reins and your thoughts can dance freely without guilt or inner criticism.
Herrmann says that's when the best ideas are born, because you're in a state of open-mindedness, when you look at problems without the usual self-censorship. Einstein also believed this.
Einstein, Dalí and Edison: the great masters of the theta state
Still skeptical? Let the geniuses of history convince you. Salvador Dalí regularly practiced the technique of holding a metal object in his hand and dozing off; the first time he slipped into a deeper sleep, the object would fall to the floor, and he would wake up in a theta state and be struck by a flash of inspiration.
Writer Mary Shelley, scientist Albert Einstein, and inventor Thomas Edison all acted similarly. All of these greats knew that the early moments of waking or light sleep are those precious moments when the brain is like freshly loosened soil—ready to receive the seeds of extraordinary ideas.
If it was good enough for Einstein and Edison, maybe it's not bad for you, right?
How to use the theta state in everyday life (without the risk of sleeping through a meeting)
With a few simple steps, you too can become a master of theta waves and come to meetings in the morning equipped with brilliant ideas that will surprise everyone, even your annoying boss.
1. Choose your morning challenge
As you slowly wake up in the morning, eyes still closed but brain slightly awake, think about the challenge or task of the day ahead of you – a difficult meeting, an awkward presentation, or a tedious report. Focus on one thing and let your subconscious ruminate on it.
Don't worry, your brain is already working for you (the best part of this story). You just need to gently push the topic to the forefront of your consciousness, and theta waves will do the rest.
2. Write down all those “geniuses” immediately
The biggest danger of theta state is that great ideas disappear the moment you jump out of bed. So before you turn on the coffee maker and start looking for your lost socks, write down key words, thoughts, or ideas. Phone, notepad, napkin – whatever comes to hand. If you’re particularly romantic or old-school, use paper and pencil so that the screen doesn’t tear you out of your dreamy embrace.
3. Regularly review your theta pearls of wisdom
Take a look at your collected notes from your morning musings from time to time. You might notice patterns, recognize good ideas, and smile at a less brilliant idea (“open a vegan bakery for dogs” – ahem, maybe not).
With regular practice, this approach will become part of your routine, and your creative muscles will become more and more sculpted.
In short: If Einstein could harness the power of theta waves to solve problems, why can’t you? After all, you have nothing to lose—except maybe an excuse to miss another meeting because you were “looking for a creative solution in bed.” But don’t worry, we’ll keep that secret to ourselves. 😉
