Who doesn’t wish they could be more productive and more successful? Unfortunately, today we’re faced with more distractions than ever before. Everywhere you look, there’s something competing for your attention, whether it’s a social media post, a news article, or another notification on your phone. These things might seem small, but they take a toll on your mental ability.
In fact, these small distractions cost more than you think. Most American workers face a handful of distractions each day, and these are reported to cost businesses an average of $650 billion per year nationally. What can you do about this productivity not only at work but also in your personal life? Try these 5 ways to boost your mental ability naturally.
1. Brain Supplements
Brain supplements might sound like something out of a sci-fi novel, but it’s actually a smart part of any mental wellness routine. Any brain supplement is technically called a “nootropic,” any kind of substance that improves cognitive functions like memory, creativity, or motion.
How do they work? Most are like vitamins you take on a daily basis. They’ll help you feel more focused and ready to start the day without any harsh additives. Supporting brain health is something we can all get behind.
2. Naps and Sleep
One of the most powerful ways to affect your mental ability is also the simplest. We all know that we feel better and more motivated after a good night’s sleep. It’s about recharging your brain’s functions. However, even if you struggle to get enough sleep at night, there are some ways to supercharge your day by catching extra zzz’s.
Some research shows that when kids sleep for an hour in the afternoon, it boosts their learning capabilities and focus levels. Why’s this? When your brain is at rest (or asleep), it essentially “saves” the information from earlier in the day since it’s no longer receiving new information. Try napping for yourself to see if it helps you.
3. Fitness and Exercise
Another way to improve your brain function is to simply break a sweat. Researchers have been talking about the link between exercise and brain function for decades now. When you partake in physical activity, your body releases certain hormones that lead to improving memory. The next time you need to study for a test or prepare for a big day, maybe you should hit the gym.
4. Socialize
Whether you’re an introvert or an extrovert, we can all agree there’s something to be gained when you go out and connect with others. In fact, if you feel lonely, you might trigger a psychological decline in your mental ability. Of course, loneliness won’t help you feel good, but it might also disrupt the way your brain works. Maybe you should make time for that coffee date after all.
5. Reduce Stress
Last but not least, avoid placing yourself under too much stress. Not only is this harmful to your daily routine, but it does damage to your mental abilities. While it might seem like some stress is a good thing that expands your brain abilities, this is simply not the case.
Chronic stress triggers a long-term change in how your brain works. This is especially true for young people who are already prone to feelings of anxiety. Because the stress hormone cortisol changes pathways in the brain, you could be rewiring yourself for less productivity, mood disorders, and learning problems.
Improve Your Mind
Ultimately, there are a number of small ways you can improve your mind just by being a bit more aware of how your actions affect your body. Your brain is a muscle, and you can train it to work harder just like any other part of your body.
What are you doing to ensure your brain is at peak performance? Try these ideas above to see a difference in your daily life.
