Mental agility is more than just being able to solve equations in your head. It is a variety of different mental qualities such as memory, productivity, decision-making, reading and mental math that all combine to create your overall ability to think quickly and efficiently. If you are looking to improve your mental agility but aren’t sure how here are six tips to get you started.
Drink More Water
One of the most effective ways to improve your overall wellbeing, mental or otherwise, is to stay properly hydrated, but many Americans miss out on drinking the right amount of water every day, which can take a toll on your mental abilities. Aim to drink at least eight cups of water, more if possible. This will help to boost your decision-making, mental health, and mental agility.
Try A Plant-Based Diet
Research has shown many times that eating a plant-based diet free of any animal products, can help to improve productivity, enhance mental well-being, and boost your memory. There are many negative and unwanted side-effects of eating meat and dairy products that can lead to not only physical decline but also mental decline. Eating a plant-based diet has also been shown to prevent the onset of certain mental diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
Meditate
Meditation is the practice of letting go of your thoughts and tuning into the present moment. It gives us some time to reflect on our lives without judgment and can have incredible effects on the mind and body. Research has found that not only does regular meditation reduce anxiety and depression, boost productivity and enhance your memory, but it can also be more effective at doing so than sleeping! It’s easy to start meditating, apps like headspace or calm can help to guide you through short meditative sessions to get your practice started.
Practice, Practice, Practice
As with any skill, the most important thing to do if you want to develop is to practice. Find what areas you struggle with, whether it be memory games, mental arithmetic or reading, and practice as much as you can. If you don’t have a lot of time on your hands, don’t worry, a quick browse through informative websites such as Examined Existence can give your brain the motivational boost it needs in the morning.
Exercise
It may seem odd to suggest physical activity as a way to improve mental agility, but research has shown time and time again that regular physical activity can help to drastically improve mental performance. Waking up early and getting your blood pumping around your body is not only a great way to wake yourself up, but can also help prepare you mentally for the day ahead. It doesn’t have to be strenuous exercise either, even a gentle morning yoga flow can help to wake up your brain.
Start Reading More
Reading is possibly one of the quickest, easiest and most enjoyable ways of bettering yourself and improving your mental stamina. Even reading a few pages of an interesting book a day can help to not only educate you but also to improve your memory and mental agility.
