Your brain needs exercise just like a muscle. If you use it often and
in the right ways, you will become a more skilled thinker and increase
your ability to focus. But if you never use your brain, or abuse it with
harmful chemicals, your ability to think and learn will deteriorate.
Here are 5 simple ways anyone can squeeze a bit more productivity out of the old gray matter.
1. Minimize Television Watching – This is a hard
sell. People love vegetating in front of the television, myself included
more often than I’d like. The problem is watching television doesn’t
use your mental capacity OR allow it to recharge. It’s like having the
energy sapped out of a muscle without the health benefits of exercise.
Don’t you feel drained after a couple hours of TV? Your eyes are sore
and tired from being focused on the light box for so long. You don’t
even have the energy to read a book.
When you feel like relaxing, try reading a book instead. If you’re
too tired, listen to some music. When you’re with your friends or
family, leave the tube off and have a conversation. All of these things
use your mind more than television and allow you to relax.
2. Exercise – I used to think that I’d learn more by
not exercising and using the time to read a book instead. But I
realized that time spent exercising always leads to greater learning
because it improves productivity during the time afterwards. Using your
body clears your head and creates a wave of energy. Afterwards, you feel
invigorated and can concentrate more easily.
3. Read Challenging Books – Many people like to read
popular suspense fiction, but generally these books aren’t mentally
stimulating. If you want to improve your thinking and writing ability
you should read books that make you focus. Reading a classic novel can
change your view of the world and will make you think in more precise,
elegant English. Don’t be afraid to look up a word if you don’t know it,
and don’t be afraid of dense passages. Take your time, re-read when
necessary, and you’ll soon grow accustomed to the author’s style.
Once you get used to reading challenging books, I think you’ll find
that you aren’t tempted to go back to page-turners. The challenge of
learning new ideas is far more exciting than any tacky
suspense-thriller.
4. Early to Bed, Early to Rise – Nothing makes it
harder to concentrate than sleep deprivation. You’ll be most rejuvenated
if you go to bed early and don’t sleep more than 8 hours. If you stay
up late and compensate by sleeping late, you’ll wake up lethargic and
have trouble focusing. In my experience the early morning hours are the
most tranquil and productive. Waking up early gives you more productive
hours and maximizes your mental acuity all day.
If you have the opportunity, take 10-20 minute naps when you are hit
with a wave of drowsiness. Anything longer will make you lethargic, but a
short nap will refresh you.
5. Take Time to Reflect – Often our lives get so
hectic that we become overwhelmed without even realizing it. It becomes
difficult to concentrate because nagging thoughts keep interrupting.
Spending some time alone in reflection gives you a chance organize your
thoughts and prioritize your responsibilities. Afterwards, you’ll have a
better understanding of what’s important and what isn’t. The
unimportant stuff won’t bother you anymore and your mind will feel less
encumbered.
I’m not saying you need to sit on the floor cross-legged and chant
‘ommm’. Anything that allows a bit of prolonged solitude will do. One of
my personal favorites is taking a solitary walk. Someone famous said,
“All the best ideas occur while walking.” I think he was on to
something. Experiment to find the activity that works best for you.
Conclusion – I hope you aren’t disappointed that
none of the techniques I’ve proposed are revolutionary. But simple,
unexciting answers are often the most valid. The challenge is having the
will to adhere to them. If you succeed in following these 5 tips,
you’ll be rewarded with increased mental acuity and retention of
knowledge.
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