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.
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