How can I train my brain to think faster and process thoughts/ideas quickly?

Answered by Raza Imam, writes about mental toughness and focus

Here’s a list of things I do to help me think faster, become more intelligent, and make better decisions:

• Read more (duh!): Reading builds focus and helps you link concepts together. It’s critical to constantly read if you want to become smarter.

• Make more mistakes: Mistakes are the FASTEST way the brain learns. In fact, your brain hones in on the mistake and issues an “alert” to cause you to be more focused.

• Learn from OTHER people’s mistakes: This is an even BETTER way to get smarter. That’s why reading is so important (history, biographies, etc.)

• Learn to control breathing: Your breath delivers oxygen to your blood, which nourishes your brain. If you want a healthy, relaxed brain, breathe deeply, calmly, purposefully.

• Sprint (sharpens body AND brain): Exercise produces a flood of hormones in your body that lower stress, burn fat, and increase muscle growth.

• Visualise your ideal outcome

• Pay attention (focus on the little things): Learn how to listen to what is being said.

• Learn how to program: Computer programming forces you to think logically and methodically.

• Write books, articles, and Quora answers (writing makes you a LOT smarter): The ability to clearly and concisely write it requires a strong understanding of concepts.

• Learn a new language: It opens up an entire world and helps you think quicker.

• Take more naps: Salvador Dali and Albert Einstein were artistic and mathematical geniuses. They both took micro naps and credited their achievements to taking naps.

• Eat less: Eating too much can lead to cognitive impairment.

• Positive self-talk Telling yourself “I’m smart. I love challenges. I love solving problems” is what high-achievers and do. They don’t allow stress and worry to paralyse them.

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