In today’s fast-paced world, being smart and efficient is a necessary requirement to keep up with the competition. However, not everyone is blessed with a sharp memory and cognitive abilities. Does that mean one can’t become smarter? Absolutely not! By following a few simple steps, one can significantly improve their memory, strengthen their cognitive abilities and become smarter overall.

The first and foremost thing to keep in mind when trying to become smarter is to be mindful. Being mindful means being present in the moment and focusing on what you are doing. It is proven to increase the gray matter in your brain, which allows you to think clearer and remember more. Being mindful is the key to unlocking your brain’s potential and becoming smarter.

The following are six things one can do to start improving their memory, cognition, and overall intelligence:

Maximize Your Sleep Cycle: We spend almost one-third of our life sleeping. During this time, our body goes through a cycle of three stages. Each stage lasts for 30 minutes, and the cycle repeats itself throughout the night. The final stage, known as the REM stage, is the one that repairs our brains. During this stage, your brain categorizes your thoughts and memories. Thus, it is vital to get 7.5 – 9 hours of sleep per day to allow this cycle to occur fully.

Maximize Your Food Intake: You get out what you put in. If you want your body and brain to perform at their best, you need to put in high-quality fuel. Start by cutting down on the amount of food you consume at one time. Our brain works best with 25 grams of glucose at one time. Some foods release dopamine, which makes us feel good. Therefore, eat foods that are high in dopamine, such as cashews.

Write it Down: Writing things down boosts your memory retention. When you physically write things down, your brain cements it into your brain, making it easier to remember. Writing down tomorrow’s activities/responsibilities the night before allows you to release any worry about the next day.

Get Out of Your Comfort Zone: Staying in the same place and doing the same things can cause your brain to go into auto-pilot. When you put yourself in new environments, your brain is forced to perceive things differently. This can allow you to think more creatively and discover new solutions to existing problems.

Exercise: Exercising does not just boost our physical health; it also helps our mental health. Exercise releases endorphins that make us feel good and decreases our stress which eliminates the bad hormone cortisol. Cortisol clouds our thinking and decreases our cognitive ability.

Slow Down: Slowing down and mindfully concentrating on one task at a time will make you more productive. When you give one task 100% of your attention, you will complete it more efficiently and effectively.

In summary, becoming smarter is a process that requires patience, discipline, and being mindful. By following the six steps mentioned above, one can significantly improve their memory, strengthen their cognitive abilities and become smarter overall. Remember, being smart is not a privilege; it’s an opportunity that anyone can grab by putting in the right amount of effort and time!