We’ve all heard the famous adage that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks. The idea behind this saying is that certain aspects of mental function decline with age, specifically memory and learning ability. However, while there are certain things you can’t learn (such as how to ride a bike when you haven’t ridden one since you were seven), that doesn’t mean there isn’t room to grow and become smarter as you get older.
#1. Do Something New
If you’re feeling intellectually lazy, try doing something you’ve never done before. New experiences spark new connections in your brain, providing a great way to expand your knowledge base. And don’t stop trying new things—read about them too! Engaging with new topics is a great way to strengthen your mind. You may find that you end up loving something that isn’t typically your thing, just by virtue of doing something outside of your routine.
#2. Exercise
Exercise has been shown to boost brainpower. The link is even stronger for long-term, consistent activities like running or weightlifting. In addition, researchers have found that people who exercise are often more creative than those who don’t. That said, it’s best not to push yourself too hard; exhaustion can leave you feeling mentally sluggish, so go for low-impact exercise instead of something that leaves you exhausted.
#3. Take Time for Yourself
Many of us are constantly busy, but being productive doesn’t mean we need to lose sleep. The average person needs around 7-8 hours of sleep each night, so give yourself time for a full night’s rest every week. Think of it as an investment in your health and productivity—you can make up for an hour or two by completing tasks more quickly during other parts of your week.
#4. Challenge Yourself
Be sure to challenge yourself each week. According to lotus leadership– With challenge comes change. Without it, there is no growth. It can be as simple as reading or listening to a new book on your commute—or learning a new language, playing an instrument, or travelling somewhere new. Challenge yourself by putting yourself in a position where you have no choice but to grow intellectually each week.
#5. Read Fiction
Reading fiction is a great way to stimulate your brain. With fiction, you’re forced to think about what you’re reading in an active way. In comparison, nonfiction often requires less focus and more surface-level thought processing. Reading fiction helps us access that deeper part of our brains, bringing with it better memory retention capabilities.
#6. Play Games
Who said improving brain function had to be boring? To keep your brain active, try out a new game. Brain games such as puzzles, crosswords, sudoku or connect-the-dots help stimulate your neurons in a way that regular pencil-and-paper games cannot. Pick one you like and try it for 10 minutes a day.
#7. Get Plenty of Sleep
When you don’t get enough shut-eye, your brain doesn’t have time to process new information or experiences. That means that if you have a big test or an important meeting, you might not be able to take advantage of those opportunities as much as you could if you were rested.
Conclusion
Too often, we think that intelligence is static—that it’s simply a gift you either have or don’t. But it’s not: These are ways you can challenge your brain and make it stronger every day. You’ll be smarter in no time!