By Correspondent:
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.
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.
I’m not saying you need to sit on the floor cross-legged and chant
‘ommm’. Anything that allows a bit of prolonged solitude will do. One of
my personal favorites is taking a solitary walk. Someone famous said,
“All the best ideas occur while walking.” I think he was on to
something. Experiment to find the activity that works best for you.
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