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.
