I remember the time when I couldn’t focus on anything for more than a few minutes.
Hey there, Lachlan Brown here. As the founder of Hack Spirit and a psychology enthusiast, I’ve always been intrigued by the human mind.
For years, I struggled with mental sharpness. You know, the ability to concentrate, to think clearly and quickly, to solve problems and make decisions with ease…yeah, I was lacking in all those areas.
I was in my late 20s, working a demanding job, trying to manage my personal life, and feeling mentally drained. My mind seemed foggy most of the time, and I was constantly forgetting things.
But then things changed. I delved into psychology and discovered seven ways to become more mentally sharp in your everyday life.
In this article, I’m going to share these insights with you. I hope they can help you as much as they helped me.
Let’s dive right in.
1) Practice mindfulness
It might sound like a cliché, but the first step towards mental sharpness for me was embracing mindfulness.
As someone who was constantly distracted, either by my to-do list or my own wandering thoughts, the practice of mindfulness was a game-changer.
Psychology suggests that mindfulness, the act of focusing your attention on the present moment, can significantly improve cognitive function.
It helped me to clear the mental fog, to truly engage with what I was doing in each moment, whether it was reading a book, having a conversation, or even just enjoying a cup of coffee.
Mindfulness doesn’t just mean sitting in silence either. You can practice it while doing everyday tasks like washing dishes or walking.
The key is to do them with full awareness and without any judgment.
Start with just 5 minutes each day. Focus on your breath or any other simple task and when your mind wanders, gently bring it back.
This simple yet powerful psychological tool was my stepping stone towards a more mentally sharp life. And it could be yours too.
2) Embrace continuous learning
The second method that made a significant difference in my mental sharpness was embracing continuous learning.
As I dove deeper into the world of psychology, I realized that our minds are like muscles; they need regular exercise to stay sharp. And the best workout? Continuous learning.
I made it a point to learn something new every day.
It could be anything – a new word, a historical fact, or even a cooking technique.
This constant engagement kept my brain stimulated and active.
One day, I stumbled upon a quote by the renowned psychologist, Carl Rogers, that resonated with me: “The only person who is educated is the one who has learned how to learn and change.”
This quote struck a chord with me and reinforced my belief in the power of continuous learning.
It made me realize that learning is not just about accumulating knowledge, but about adapting and growing.
Make it a habit to feed your mind with new information regularly. It will not only make you more knowledgeable but also keep your mind sharp and agile.
3) Get moving
Another strategy I found incredibly helpful was incorporating regular physical activity into my daily routine.
I was never much of a gym fanatic, but I soon discovered that even simple exercises like walking or yoga could do wonders for my mental sharpness.
Back when I was struggling with mental fog, I used to spend most of my day sitting at a desk.
My physical activity was close to zero, and it reflected on my mental state.
Then, one day, I decided to change that. I started with small steps – a brisk walk around the block during lunch breaks, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, and gradually I started feeling more alert and focused.
Research shows that regular physical exercise improves brain function and enhances neuroplasticity.
This means that by getting moving, we can enhance our cognitive abilities and improve our overall mental sharpness.
No matter how busy you are, try to squeeze in at least 30 minutes of physical activity into your daily routine. Trust me, your brain will thank you for it.
4) Cut down on multitasking
The fourth strategy that significantly improved my mental sharpness was cutting down on multitasking.
I used to pride myself on being able to juggle multiple tasks at once – checking emails while on a call, trying to write a report while also browsing social media.
I thought this was making me more productive, but in reality, it was doing the opposite.
Research from Stanford University showed that people who multitask are less productive and have more trouble organizing their thoughts and filtering out irrelevant information.
It also found that multitasking can reduce cognitive function and overall mental sharpness.
After reading this study, I realized that I needed to change my ways.
I started focusing on one task at a time, and soon noticed a significant improvement in my productivity and mental clarity.
If you’re like me and have a habit of juggling multiple tasks, try to focus on one thing at a time.
Not only will this increase your productivity, but it will also enhance your mental sharpness.
5) Prioritize sleep
This one might seem obvious, but the truth is, I used to underestimate the power of a good night’s sleep.
Back in the days of mental fog, I was burning the midnight oil, working late into the night, and surviving on barely a few hours of sleep.
I thought this was a necessary sacrifice for success, but boy was I wrong.
The turning point for me was realizing that lack of sleep was not just making me groggy and lethargic, but it was also significantly affecting my mental sharpness.
Sleep is crucial for cognitive functions like memory, learning, and attention. Without adequate rest, these functions can be impaired.
So, I made it a priority to get at least 7-8 hours of quality sleep every night. And it worked wonders!
I started waking up feeling refreshed and ready to take on the day with a clear mind.
If you want to enhance your mental sharpness, make sure you’re giving your brain the rest it needs.
A well-rested mind is a sharp mind.
6) Practice positive self-talk
Now, this one might seem a little out there, but bear with me. One of the most significant changes I made to my life that improved my mental sharpness was practicing positive self-talk.
I used to be my own worst critic, always doubting my abilities and second-guessing my decisions.
This negative self-talk was not only damaging my self-esteem, but it was also affecting my cognitive abilities.
Then, I came across a quote by the renowned psychologist, Abraham Maslow: “What is necessary to change a person is to change his awareness of himself.”
This quote hit home for me. I realized that the negative narrative I had about myself was not serving me well. So, I decided to change it.
I started practicing positive self-talk. Instead of saying things like “I can’t do this”, I started saying “I can and I will”.
This small shift in mindset made a big difference. It not only boosted my confidence but also improved my problem-solving skills and decision-making abilities.
If you’re in the habit of negative self-talk, try to change the narrative. Be kind to yourself. A positive mind is undoubtedly a sharp mind.
7) Schedule downtime
This final strategy might sound counterintuitive, but one of the best things I did for my mental sharpness was scheduling regular downtime.
In our fast-paced world, we often think that being busy equates to being productive and successful. But the reality is, our brains need time to rest and recharge.
When I was struggling with mental fog, my schedule was packed from morning till night.
I thought this was the key to success, but it was actually draining my mental energy.
I started scheduling regular downtime – periods of the day where I would do nothing related to work.
This could be taking a walk in the park, reading a book, or just sitting quietly with a cup of tea.
This time off allowed my brain to rest and rejuvenate, which surprisingly, made me more productive and mentally sharp when I returned to work.
Don’t underestimate the power of downtime. Take some time off each day to relax and rejuvenate your mind. You might be surprised at how much sharper you become.
Here’s a practical for you: start by scheduling just 15 minutes of downtime each day and gradually increase it as you see fit. Even your brain needs a break sometimes!
Conclusion
Boosting your mental sharpness doesn’t have to be a daunting task.
Start with these seven practical strategies and remember, small consistent changes often lead to big results.
Don’t feel the need to implement all of these at once. Pick one or two that resonate with you and start there. Consistency is key.
And remember, your mind is like a muscle – the more you exercise it, the stronger it gets.
Keep learning, stay curious, and never underestimate the power of a well-rested, positive mind.
You’ve got this!
Did you like my article? Like me on Facebook to see more articles like this in your feed.