Is your cognitive ability all that it could be? If only it were as easy as taking a pill as they did in the movie Limitless. In reality, we have to improve our cognitive thinking the hard way. We need to practice and train our minds!
In this article, we’ll give you some helpful methods to train your cognitive thinking.
What is cognition?
When you hear the words “cognitive thinking”, what immediately comes to mind? What’s ironic is that you’re using your cognitive ability to answer that question. Our cognition refers to the process of thinking, reading, learning, remembering, and pretty much anything you can think of that the mind needs to comprehend. Summed up, it’s the process we use to comprehend everything around us.
If anything, humans’ superior ability to comprehend and process information and turn it into knowledge that allows us to make informed decisions is one of the qualities that sets us apart from the animal kingdom.
The way our cognitive thinking works is also fascinating. In our brains, neurons fire rapidly, interacting with one another via electrical signals, which, by a chemical process, provide us with thought. In essence, our cognitive ability impacts every part of our lives. It controls how we do at school, what we say when we meet a person we like for the first time, or where to kick a football during a match. So, how can we improve our cognitive ability?
Ways to improve your cognitive thinking:
Good question! Usually, the go-to for most people to train their cognitive ability would be studying, problem-solving activities or puzzles. While those are great ways of sharpening your mind, there are also some other, less engaging ways of keeping your mind sharp and improving your cognitive ability, like:
Get enough sleep
Sleep deprivation can kill your ability to think and your motivation as well. When you get a decent night’s sleep, at least between seven to nine hours a night, your mind will feel fresh and more rejuvenated. As you sleep, toxins that build up during the day are flushed out. It’s also vital for storing memories or ensuring you’re able to concentrate the next day.
When you go to sleep, avoid any beverages with caffeine in them or looking at your phone. Both items have a tendency to activate your mind, which can disrupt your sleep.
Sleep according to a natural sleep cycle.
Engage Socially
Studies show that people are wired to socialise. Engaging with others is a vital aspect of keeping our brains active. When we engage with others, we’re using and developing our cognitive skills. For instance, when a complicated conflict arises, your brain starts processing a solution. If you come up with a good solution, then you’ve learnt something new. That’s a level up!
Now, we’re not saying that you need to fight with people, but simply, everyday social engagement is a great way to keep your brain healthy and active.
Get out of your comfort zone
Getting out of your comfort zone is one of the best ways to improve your cognitive thinking. For one, as soon as you try something for the first time, it’s uncharted territory, you don’t know exactly what to expect so your neurons are firing on all cylinders! As your brain creates a solution for the experience, it’ll make new connections in your brain, keeping it healthy and expanding your knowledge.
Don’t get lazy
With how accessible online entertainment is these days, becoming a couch potato has never been easier. But it doesn’t take much effort to watch TV. Research has proven that physical activity improves your ability to think and your memory. It gets your blood pumping, relieves stress, and lets you get a healthy endorphin fix for the day. So, take a walk, go to the gym, or join a sports team. You’ll be better off for it.
Practise mindfulness
Human emotions have a huge impact on our ability to think clearly. For instance, consider how rational you are r when you’re angry. That’s why we need to practice mindfulness. Now, what is that exactly?
Practising mindfulness simply means that you’re making an effort to consider how you’re feeling. Whether you’re stressed, angry, sad, or feeling anxious. All of these feelings have a way of potentially impairing your cognitive thinking. Being mindful doesn’t mean you have to cross your legs and meditate like a monk, though. Just take some time to do a bit of introspection. Go for a walk in nature or listen to some relaxing music and write in a journal.
Play games
Here’s where the fun starts. Board games are a fantastic way to get your mind working. Whether you’re playing fast games like 30 seconds or 5 seconds or longer, more strategic games like Risk or Catan.
These games are great for getting you to think and socialise with others. And, yes, video games are included in this as they do force you to think on the spot and engage your problem-solving skills, too.
Study
Our last point is that studying is a doorway to expanding the mind! You might want to consider studying further in a topic that you enjoy. For example, if you want to dive deeper into how your cognitive functions work, you could consider doing a graduate certificate in psychology if you already have a degree. Or even study it from scratch. Either way, whatever you study is sure to add to your cognitive improvements.
Why should you improve your cognitive thinking?
Well, why wouldn’t you want to? Sorry, we’re being facetious, but truly, improving your cognitive thinking only has benefits to it. By enhancing your brain’s ability to think and process information, you can react faster, solve problems more effectively and deal with complex situations easier. Overall, investing in your own cognitive improvement is only going to benefit you further down the line.