These days, it’s as out-of-fashion as feature phones, which is heartbreaking.
Most people let others do the thinking for them - media pundits, social media ‘influencers’, bosses, elders and so on.
But being a good thinker offers the following benefits: It brings clarity, It makes you better and faster at problem solving, It makes you more creative. All this turn you into the go-to guy when people can’t get
their heads around a situation. Not to mention how much it improves the quality of your life.
Here are some steps through which you can improve your mental sharpeness.
#1 Exercise regularly
Regular exercise has been linked to improved Cognitive Function and a lower risk of cognitive decline in older adults. Exercise increases blood flow to the brain, which delivers oxygen and nutrients necessary for healthy brain function. Additionally, exercise promotes the growth of new brain cells and strengthens connections between existing cells.
To get the most benefits, aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise every day. This could be something as simple as going for a brisk walk or jog, swimming, cycling, or taking a fitness class. Find an activity that you enjoy and make it a regular part of your routine.
#2 Eat a healthy diet
A healthy diet is essential for maintaining good cognitive function. Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein provides your brain with the nutrients it needs to function properly. These foods contain antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that protect your brain from damage and help it function at its best.
On the other hand, processed foods, excessive sugar, and saturated fats can have a negative impact on cognitive function. These types of foods can lead to inflammation in the brain, which can impair cognitive function over time. Therefore, it is important to limit your intake of these types of foods and focus on eating a healthy, balanced diet.
#3 Engage in mental exercises
Mental exercises are a great way to keep your brain sharp. Brain teasers, puzzles, and games that require mental stimulation can help improve cognitive function and memory. These types of activities challenge your brain and help strengthen connections between brain cells.
There are many ways to engage in mental exercises, such as solving crossword puzzles, playing Sudoku, or learning a new language. You can also try brain training apps or games that are designed to improve cognitive function.
#4 Get enough sleep
Sleep is essential for good cognitive function. Lack of sleep can impair cognitive function and decrease productivity. During sleep, your brain consolidates memories and processes information from the day. Additionally, sleep promotes the growth of new brain cells and strengthens connections between existing cells.
To get the most benefits, aim for at least 7-8 hours of sleep every night. Make sure your bedroom is conducive to sleep by keeping it cool, dark, and quiet. Avoid using electronic devices before bedtime as the blue light can disrupt sleep
#5 Reduce stress
Chronic stress can have a negative impact on cognitive function. Stress can cause inflammation in the brain, impair memory, and decrease productivity. Therefore, finding ways to manage stress is essential for maintaining good cognitive function.
There are many ways to reduce stress, such as practicing mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga. Regular exercise can also help reduce stress levels. Additionally, making time for relaxation activities such as reading, listening to music, or spending time in nature can help reduce stress and improve cognitive function.
#6 Stay mentally active
Just like physical exercise, regular mental exercise is essential for keeping your brain sharp. Engage in activities that challenge your brain, such as reading, writing, learning a new skill or language, or taking on new projects at work.
#7 Practice mindfulness
Mindfulness is a type of meditation that involves paying attention to the present moment without judgment. Practicing mindfulness has been shown to improve cognitive function and reduce stress. It can also help improve focus and concentration.
To practice mindfulness, find a quiet place to sit or lie down and focus on your breath. Try to let go of any thoughts or distractions and focus on the sensations in your body. If your mind wanders, gently bring it back to your breath.
#8 Stay socially engaged
Social interaction is essential for maintaining good cognitive function. Staying socially engaged can help reduce stress and depression, which can have a negative impact on cognitive function. It can also provide mental stimulation and help improve memory and cognitive skills.
To stay socially engaged, make an effort to spend time with friends and family, join social groups or clubs, or volunteer in your community.
#9 Challenge yourself
Challenging yourself can help improve cognitive function and increase productivity. Take on new projects or tasks at work or set goals for yourself in your personal life. By challenging yourself, you can help strengthen connections between brain cells and improve mental flexibility.
#10 Avoid unhealthy habits
Unhealthy habits such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and drug use can have a negative impact on cognitive function. These habits can impair memory, decrease productivity, and increase the risk of cognitive decline.
Therefore, it is important to avoid these habits and focus on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. If you are struggling with addiction, seek help from a healthcare professional or support group.
#11 Learn a new skill or hobby
Learning a new skill or hobby can help improve cognitive function by providing mental stimulation and helping to strengthen connections between brain cells. This could be anything from learning a new language, taking up a musical instrument, or trying a new sport.
Not only does learning a new skill or hobby provide mental stimulation, but it can also boost self-confidence, increase creativity, and reduce stress.
#12 Practice time management
Time management is essential for maintaining good cognitive function and increasing productivity. Poor time management can lead to stress, fatigue, and decreased productivity.
To improve time management, set goals for yourself and prioritize tasks. Use a planner or schedule to keep track of appointments and deadlines, and avoid multitasking as it can reduce productivity.
#13 Stay hydrated
Staying hydrated is essential for good cognitive function. Dehydration can cause headaches, fatigue, and impaired cognitive function. Therefore, it is important to drink enough water throughout the day to stay hydrated.
The amount of water you need depends on factors such as your age, weight, and activity level. As a general guideline, aim for at least eight glasses of water per day.
#14 Challenge your brain in new ways
To keep your brain sharp, it is important to challenge it in new ways. This could involve trying a new type of mental exercise, such as a new puzzle or game, or challenging yourself to think creatively.
You could also try changing your daily routine or taking a different route to work. By challenging your brain in new ways, you can help strengthen connections between brain cells and improve cognitive function.
#15 Take breaks and relax:
Taking breaks and relaxing is essential for maintaining good cognitive function and reducing stress. Regular breaks can help improve productivity and prevent burnout.
To take breaks and relax, try taking short walks during the day, practicing deep breathing exercises, or simply taking a few moments to close your eyes and relax.
#16 Get enough sleep
Getting enough sleep is crucial for good cognitive function. Sleep helps to consolidate memories and improve learning, and lack of sleep can impair cognitive function, attention, and memory.
To improve the quality and duration of your sleep, try to establish a consistent sleep schedule, avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed, and create a relaxing bedtime routine.
#17 Eat a healthy diet:
Eating a healthy diet is important for maintaining good cognitive function. The brain needs a balanced diet to function properly, and a diet high in processed foods and sugar can impair cognitive function.
To improve your diet, try to eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Avoid processed foods, sugary drinks, and foods high in saturated fats.
#18 Practice self-care
Practicing self-care is essential for maintaining good mental health and cognitive function. This could involve anything from taking a relaxing bath to practicing meditation or yoga.
To practice self-care, make time for activities that bring you joy and help you relax. This could be anything from reading a book to taking a nature walk.
#19 Manage stress
Stress can have a negative impact on cognitive function, so it is important to manage stress effectively. This could involve anything from practicing relaxation techniques to seeking professional help.
To manage stress, try to identify the sources of stress in your life and develop coping strategies to deal with them. This could involve talking to a trusted friend or family member, practicing mindfulness, or seeking help from a mental health professional.
#20 Stay physically active
Physical activity is important for maintaining good cognitive function and overall health. Exercise helps to increase blood flow to the brain, improve memory, and reduce the risk of cognitive decline.
To stay physically active, try to incorporate exercise into your daily routine. This could be anything from taking a brisk walk to joining a gym or taking up a new sport.
#21 Connect with others:
Socializing and connecting with others is important for maintaining good mental health and cognitive function. Social isolation can lead to depression and cognitive decline, so it is important to make time for social activities.
To connect with others, try joining a social club or organization, volunteering in your community, or simply reaching out to friends or family members.
#22 Practice gratitude
Practicing gratitude is an effective way to improve mental health and cognitive function. Gratitude helps to shift focus away from negative thoughts and emotions and promotes positive thinking and emotional wellbeing.
To practice gratitude, try keeping a gratitude journal where you write down things you are thankful for each day. You could also try expressing gratitude to others by thanking them for their help or kindness.
#23 Engage in creative activities
Engaging in creative activities can help improve cognitive function and mental health. Creativity helps to promote positive emotions and provides mental stimulation.
To engage in creative activities, try painting, drawing, writing, or playing a musical instrument. You could also try cooking or baking, gardening, or taking up a craft such as knitting .
#24 Learn to manage emotions
Learning to manage emotions effectively is important for maintaining good mental health and cognitive function. Poor emotional regulation can lead to stress, anxiety, and depression, which can impair cognitive function.
To learn to manage emotions effectively, try practicing mindfulness, deep breathing exercises, or talking to a mental health professional. You could also try practicing cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques to identify and challenge negative thoughts and emotions.
#25 Challenge yourself
Challenging yourself is important for maintaining good cognitive function and personal growth. By setting goals and pushing yourself out of your comfort zone, you can help strengthen connections between brain cells and improve cognitive function.
To challenge yourself, try setting a goal that is outside of your comfort zone. This could be anything from running a marathon to learning a new language. By pushing yourself to achieve your goals, you can help improve cognitive function and personal growth.
#26 Practice problem-solving:
Practicing problem-solving is important for maintaining good cognitive function and mental agility. By engaging in activities that require problem-solving, you can help strengthen connections between brain cells and improve cognitive function.
To practice problem-solving, try solving puzzles or playing strategy games such as chess or Sudoku. You could also try brainstorming solutions to problems you encounter in your daily life.
#27 Get enough sleep
Getting enough sleep is crucial for maintaining good cognitive function and mental health. Lack of sleep can lead to impaired attention, memory, and decision-making skills.
To ensure you get enough sleep, try to establish a consistent sleep routine and aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night. Avoid caffeine and electronic devices before bedtime, and create a comfortable sleep environment.
#28 Laugh often
Laughter is an effective way to reduce stress, improve mood, and promote cognitive function. Laughing increases blood flow and oxygenation to the brain, which can help improve mental agility
To laugh often, try watching a funny movie or TV show, reading a humorous book or comic, or spending time with friends who make you laugh.
#29 Stay physically active:
Regular exercise is important for maintaining good cognitive function and mental health. Exercise increases blood flow to the brain and promotes the growth of new brain cells.
To stay physically active, try to engage in at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week. This could include activities such as walking, jogging, swimming, or cycling.
#30 Maintain a healthy diet:
A healthy diet is important for maintaining good cognitive function and mental health. Eating a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein can provide essential nutrients that support brain function.
To maintain a healthy diet, try to eat a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables each day, choose whole grains over refined grains, and limit processed and sugary foods.
#31 Practice self-care
Practicing self-care is important for maintaining good mental and emotional health. By taking care of yourself, you can reduce stress and improve cognitive function.
To practice self-care, try engaging in activities that promote relaxation and stress relief, such as taking a bubble bath, getting a massage, or practicing yoga or meditation. You could also try engaging in hobbies or activities that you enjoy, or spending time with friends and family.
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