1. Minimize Television Watching – This is a hard
sell. People love vegetating in front of the television.
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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