Having previously told you about some of my favorite BlackBerry smartphone training apps for runners, I also wanted to note that I like to exercise my mind as well as body, and have been known to take advantage of yoga apps from the BlackBerry World storefront. But to reach a state of zen or nirvana, I recently learned of a new technique called brainwave entrainment.

Now, entrainment is more than just entertainment spelled incorrectly; it is a principle of physics. It is defined as the synchronization of two or more rhythmic cycles. Brainwave entrainment is the brain’s electrical response to rhythmic sensory stimulation, like a binaural beat.

When tones of slightly different frequencies are heard separately in the left and right ears, the listener recognizes only a single tone, or binaural beat. If the rhythmic stimulation becomes consistent enough, it can start to resemble the natural rhythm of brainwaves. It is believed that by manipulating brainwaves, different mental states, like sleep, can be reproduced. The concept has also been applied to mental states of concentration, creativity and meditation.

So, let’s get to the fun stuff. Grab your BlackBerry PlayBook tablet or BlackBerry Z10 and try a brainwave entrainment app such as Beats Brainwave Entrainment by Jamie Beach or Beats Brainwave for BlackBerry 10. Beats Brainwave Entrainment can be used for focusing attention, practicing meditation and assisting with relaxation or sleep.

Let us know if you reach your favorite state of mind in the comments below.