BE A FAST THINKERS
&
HAVE A RETENTIVE MEMORY
IN JUST A MONTH
A step comprehensive, walkthrough
guide to be a genius and to know a genius inside you
by having a retentive memory and be a fast thinker.
TED CHESTER
INTRODUCTION
The terms "memory" refers to the faculty by which mind stores and remembers
information.means, whenever you hear,read and see they are stores in the mind and
remember by the mind whenever is being needed.also,refers to Something remembered
from the past i.e retrieval of past event for example,you were told something Nine years
ago,if someone ask you something relating to that particular thing,you will still be
remembering little things about it although,you might not remember everything
because,our memories is a faculty or library in which different things are being stored
so,the latest or new things stored will be absolutely or fluently remember but,that of
long time ago stored will be fadings little by little
TYPES OF MEMORY
There are many theories about the types of memory within the human brain. Most
scientists believe there are at least four general types of memory:
1.working memory
2.sensory memory
3.short-term memory
4.long-term memory
Some researchers suggest these are not distinct types of memory, but rather stages of
memory.
In this view, memory begins in sensory memory, transitions to short-term memory, and
then may move to long-term memory.
A memory a person uses only for a brief time, such as a word they use at the beginning
of a sentence, is a part of working memory and may never move to another part of
memory.
Some brain scientists divide these types of memory into more specific categories.
Sensory memory
Sensory memory holds sensory information for very brief periods of time, usually one second or less. The processing of memories and other information begins in this type of memory.
If a person pays attention to sensory input, then the information may move into short-term and then long-term memory.
Some examples of sensory memory include:
1.registering the sounds a person encounters on a walk
2.briefly acknowledging something in a person's field of vision
3.Sensory memory helps a person piece together a sense of the world based on recent sights, sounds, and other sensory experiences.
When a specific sensory experience becomes relevant, such as the smell of something in the kitchen, it may move to other types of memory.
Otherwise, sensory memories are very short-term, and a person quickly forgets them.
For example, a person will not recall all the specific sounds they heard in the last 30 seconds, 30 minutes, or 30 days unless there is some reason to remember them.
Short-term memory
Short-term memory allows a person to recall a limited string of information for a short period.
These memories disappear quickly, after about 30 secondsTrusted Source.
Short-term memory is not just memory that does not last long. Instead, it is a type of short-lived storage that can only hold a few pieces of information.
Some examples of short-term memory include:
1.remembering a string of 5–7 words and repeating it back
2.remembering a phone number while getting a pen to jot it down
Working memory
Working memory is similar to short-term memory. However, unlike the latter, working memory is where a person manipulates information.
This helps them remember details of their current task. Some behaviorsTrusted Source that use working memory include:
solving a complex math problem where a person must remember several numbers
baking something, which requires a person to recall the ingredients they already added
participating in a debate, during which a person must remember the main arguments and the evidence each side uses
While researchers typically separate working and short-term memory into two different categories, research often findsTrusted Source a significant overlap between the two.
Long-term memory
Long-term memory stores a wide range of memories and experiences.
Most memories that people recall, especially those older than about 30 seconds, are part of long-term memory.
Many researchers divide long-term memory into two subcategories:
implicit and explicit.
***Explicit long-term memory***
Explicit memories are conscious memories of events, autobiographical facts, or things a person learns.
Some types of explicit long-term memory include the following.
1.Episodic memory
These are memories of events or autobiographical facts. Examples of episodic memory include remembering an election, events from childhood, and personal facts, such as if someone is married.
2.Semantic memory
Semantic memories are general knowledge about the world. A person may remember a fact or event that they did not experience because they learned or studied it.
For instance, knowing what the human heart looks like is an example of semantic memory. However, it would be an episodic memory if the person can remember dissecting a pig heart in school.
***Implicit long-term memory***
Implicit memories are memories that influence a person's behavior. However, people do not consciously think about them.
Some types of this memory include the following.
1.Procedural memory
Procedural memory helps a person perform familiar tasks, such as walking or driving.
At first, they might have to learn to do these things and remember specific skills, but eventually, these tasks become an automatic part of procedural memory.
2.Priming
Priming occurs when experiences influenceTrusted Source a person's behavior.
For example, a smoker might crave a cigarette after a meal, or an experimenter might train a person to press a button in response to a photo.
Classical and operan conditioning both prime people or animals to perform specific behaviors in response to certain experiences.
Does memory have a limitless capacity?
Working, sensory, and short-term memory have smaller capacities. This is because these types of memories only last for a short period.
With short-term memory, there is usually a specific limit on how much information a person can retain — usually about Trusted Source seven items.
Some people could increase their short-term memory capacity with practice.
The brain is not a computer, and memories do not take up physical space. In theory, there is no specific limit on the capacity of long-term memory Trusted Source.
However, the quality of memories and their details may vary and change with time.
Memories may be unreliable
The brain does not record memories perfectly, so memories may change or disappear with time.
Numerous studies suggest Trusted Source that memories are not reliable, even when a person remembers something very clearly.
Researchers were able in just a few hours to convince innocent people they had committed serious crimes, such as assault with a weapon, in their teenage years.
Can someone have a photographic memory?
Some people have unusually good memories. People with hyperthymesia Trusted Source, an extraordinarily rare condition, may remember all or most autobiographical memories.
Others may practice memory skills to become better at memorizing information or recalling strings of words or numbers.
There is no scientific evidence anyone has a so-called photographic memory. The brain is not a camera and cannot perfectly record information.
Developing mnemonic devices for remembering new information. For example, remembering all the names in a room could involve making up a rhyme or an association for each name.
Doing brain teasers and challenging puzzles.
Developing strong memory associations to help remember things. Talking about recent memories or journaling can help cultivate these associations.
Doing cardiovascular exercise to promote brain health
SUMMARY
The memory is a complex system, not a single organ or process.
A person may improve their memory by adopting a healthful lifestyle and practicing strategies specifically designed to promote recall.
People concerned about their memory should see a doctor, as any unexplained changes could signal a range of medical conditions.
How to improve your memory: 8 technique
-Train your brain
-Exercise
-Meditate
-Sleep
-Sugar
-Calories
-Caffeine
-Chocolate
-Risk factors
Summary
Most people have occasional lapses in memory, such as forgetting a new acquaintance's name or misplacing the car keys.
Most of the time, this is simply a sign that a person is a bit too busy or is preoccupied. On the other hand, having a consistently poor memory can be problematic for someone.
Many factors play a role in memory loss, including genetics, age, and medical conditions that affect the brain. There are also some manageable risk factors for memory loss, such as diet and lifestyle.
While not all memory loss is preventable, people may be able to take measures to protect the brain against cognitive decline as they age.
In this article, learn about eight techniques to try to help improve your memory.
1. Do brain training
There are many brain training activities online that may help improve a person's memory.
In a similar way to muscles, the brain needs regular use to stay healthy. Mental workouts are just as essential to gray matter as other factors, and challenging the mind can help it grow and expand, which may improve memory.
A large trial from the journal PLoS OneTrusted Source found that people who did just 15 minutes of brain training activities at least 5 days a week had improvements in brain function.
The participants' working memory, short term memory, and problem solving skills all significantly improved when researchers compared them to a control group doing crossword puzzles.
The researchers used brain training activities from the website Lumosity. The challenges work on a person's ability to recall details and quickly memorize patterns.
2. Exercise
Physical exercise has a direct impact on brain health. As the author of research in the Journal of Exercise RehabilitationTrusted Source notes, regular exercise reduces the risk of cognitive decline with age and protects the brain against degeneration.
Aerobic exercise can improve memory function in people with early Alzheimer's disease. The control group did nonaerobic stretching and toning.
Aerobic exercise increases a person's heart rate and can include any of these activities:
brisk walking
running
hiking
swimming
dancing
cross-country skiing
3. Meditate
Research suggests that meditation may cause long term changes in the brain that improve memory.
Mindfulness meditation may help improve memory. The researchers note that many studies show meditation improves brain function, reduces markers of brain degeneration, and improves both working memory and long term memory.
The researchers observed the brains of people who regularly practiced meditation and those who did not.
Their results indicated that making a habit of meditating may cause long term changes in the brain, including increasing brain plasticity, which helps keep it healthy.
Learn about a variety of different meditation types and how to do them in this book.
4. Get enough sleep
Sleep is vital for overall brain health. Disrupting the body's natural sleep cycle can lead to cognitive impairments, as this interrupts the processes the brain uses to create memories.
Getting a full night's rest, typically about 7–9 hours Trusted Source a night for an adult, helps the brain create and store long term memories.
5. Reduce sugar intake
Sugary foods can taste delicious and feel rewarding at first, but they may play a role in memory loss. Research in animal models noted that a diet high in sugary drinks has a link to Alzheimer's disease.
The researchers also found that drinking too many sugary drinks, including fruit juice, may have a connection a lower total brain volume, which is an early sign of Alzheimer's disease.
Avoiding extra sugar may help combat this risk. While naturally sweet foods, such as fruits, are a good addition to a healthful diet, people can avoid drinks sweetened with sugar and foods with added, processed sugars.
6. Avoid high calorie diets
Along with cutting out sources of excess sugar, reducing overall caloric intake may also help protect the brain.
Researchers note that high calorie diets can impair memory and lead to obesity. The effects on memory may be due to how high calorie diets lead to inflammation in particular parts of the brain.
While most research in this area has been with animals, a study from looked at whether restricting calories in humans could improve memory.
Female participants with an average age of 60.5 years reduced their calorie intake by 30%. The researchers found that they had a significant improvement in verbal memory scores and that the benefit was most significant in those who stuck to the diet best.
7. Increase caffeine intake
Caffeine from sources such as coffee or green tea may be helpful for the memory.
The researchers found that consuming caffeine after a memory test boosted how well participants' brain stored memories long term.
People who took 200 milligrams of caffeine scored better on recall tests after 24 hours than people who did not take caffeine.
Caffeine may also boost memory in the short term. A study in Frontiers in PsychologyTrusted Source found that young adults who took caffeine in the morning had improved short term memory.
This insight might be useful for individuals who have to take tests or recall information during a time of day when they may otherwise be tired.
8. Eat dark chocolate
Eating dark chocolate sounds like an indulgence, but it may also improve a person's memory. The results from the researchers suggest that cocoa flavonoids, which are the active compounds in chocolate, help boost brain function.
People who ate dark chocolate performed better on spatial memory tests than those who did not. The researchers noted that cocoa flavonoids improved the blood flow to the brain.
With that said, it is important not to add more sugar to the diet, and so people should aim for at least 72% cacao content in dark chocolate and avoid chocolate with added sugar.
Risk factors for memory impairment
Exercising regularly may help keep the mind sharp.
Some people may be more prone to memory impairment than others due to a range of risk factors.
There are risk factors a person has no control over, such as genetics. Some people may be more predisposed to conditions, such as Alzheimer's, which greatly affect the brain and memory.
In other cases, a person may be able to reduce the risk of memory impairment. Eating a diet high in refined sugar and fats and leading a sedentary lifestyle may increase the risk of memory loss.
Eating a rounded, healthful diet and exercising regularly may contribute to keeping the mind sharp and reduce memory loss.
Summary
Many techniques for improving memory can be beneficial for a person's overall health and well-being. For example, practicing mindfulness meditation may not only make a person less forgetful but can also reduce stress.
Even adding one or two memory boosting practices to a person's daily routine may help them keep their brain healthy and protect it from memory loss.
HOW TO HAVE A RETENTIVE MEMORY
1.Focus Your Attention
Focusing can help improve memory.
Attention is one of the major components of memory. In order for information to move
from your short-term memory into your long-term memory, you need to actively attend to
this information. Try to study in a place free of distractions such as television, music,
and other diversions.
Getting rid of distractions might be a challenge, especially if you are surrounded by
boisterous roommates or noisy children.
Set aside a short period of time to be alone.
Ask your roommates to give you some space or ask your partner to take the kids for an
hour so you can focus on your work.
2.Avoid Cramming
Study regularly to improve memory
Studying materials over a number of sessions gives you the time you need to adequately
process information. Research has continuously shown that students who study
regularly remember the material far better than those who do all of their studying in one
marathon session
3.Structure and Organize
Organize information to improve memory.
Researchers have found that information is organized in memory in related clusters.
You can take advantage of this by structuring and organizing the materials you're
studying. Try grouping similar concepts and terms together, or make an outline of your
notes and textbook readings to help group related concepts.
4.Utilize Mnemonic Devices
Mnemonic devices are a technique often used by students to aid in recall. A mnemonic is
simply a way to remember information. For example, you might associate a term you
need to remember with a common item that you are very familiar with. The best
mnemonics are those that utilize positive imagery, humor, or novelty.
Come up with a rhyme, song, or joke to help remember a specific segment of
information.
5.Elaborate and Rehearsed
Rehearse information to improve memory.
In order to recall information, you need to encode what you are studying into long-term
memory. One of the most effective encoding techniques is known as elaborative
rehearsal.An example of this technique would be to read the definition of a key term,
study the definition of that term, and then read a more detailed description of what that
term means. After repeating this process a few times, you'll probably notice that recalling
the information is much easier.
6.Visualize Concepts
Use visualization to improve memory
Many people benefit greatly from visualizing the information they study. Pay attention to
the photographs, charts, and other graphics in your textbooks. If you don't have visual
cues to help, try creating your own. Draw charts or figures in the margins of your notes
or use highlighters or pens in different colors to group related ideas in your written study
materials.
Sometimes even just making flashcards of various terms you need to remember can help
cement information in your mind.
7.Relate New Information to Things You Already Know
Relating information can improve memory.
When you're studying unfamiliar material, take the time to think about how this
information relates to what you already know. By establishing relationships between new
ideas and previously existing memories, you can dramatically increase the likelihood of
recalling the recently learned information.
8.Read Out Loud
Teach others to improve your memory.
Research published in 2017 suggests that reading materials out loud significantly
improves your memory of the material.3 Educators and psychologists have also
discovered that having students actually teach new concepts to others enhances
understanding and recall.
Use this approach in your own studies by teaching new concepts and information to a
friend or study partner.
9.Pay Extra Attention to Difficult Information
Focus on difficult information first to improve memory.
Have you ever noticed how it's sometimes easier to remember information at the
beginning or end of a chapter? Researchers have found that the order of information can
play a role in recall, which is known as the serial position effect.4
While recalling middle information can be difficult, you can overcome this problem by
spending extra time rehearsing this information. Another strategy is to try restructuring
what you have learned so it will be easier to remember. When you come across an
especially difficult concept, devote some extra time to memorizing the information.
10.Vary Your Study Routine
Change your routine to improve memory.
Another great way to increase your recall is to occasionally change your study routine. If
you're accustomed to studying in one specific location, try moving to a different spot
during your next study session. If you study in the evening, try spending a few minutes
each morning reviewing the information you studied the previous night.
By adding an element of novelty to your study sessions, you can increase the
effectiveness of your efforts and significantly improve your long-term recall.
11.Get Some Sleep
Sleep can help improve your memory.
Researchers have long known that sleep is important for memory and learning. Research
has shown that taking a nap after you learn something new can actually help you learn
faster and remember better.
In fact, sleeping after learning something new actually leads to physical changes in the
brain. Sleep-deprived mice experienced less dendritic growth following a learning task
than well-rested mice.
So the next time you're struggling to learn new information, consider getting a good night's sleep after you study.
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HOW TO THINK FASTER, MORE EFFICIENTLY AND ACCURATELY
Fast thinking is important, but mental processing speed is often less valuable than accuracy. Learn 14 ways to help you think faster and more efficiently.
Do you often think of the perfect snappy comeback … after it's too late?
Does it take you longer than your colleagues to get your work done?
Do you feel it takes you longer than it should to learn new information or read a book?
Are you the last one in your class to finish an exam?
If so, you'll be interested to know that you can learn how to think faster and better.
BENEFITS OF FAST THINKING
Most people associate fast thinking with higher intelligence.
This is not necessarily true, but there are still many reasons why thinking faster can be desirable.
Faster thinking can help with many aspects of life:
When people are required to think quickly, they report feeling happier, more energetic, more creative, and more self-confident.
Faster thinking can enhance skills critical to success such as planning, goal-setting, problem-solving, and the ability to stay focused on tasks.
When you know you can think fast on your feet, it can make you more comfortable socially, when speaking with customers or clients, or when giving presentations at work.
Additionally, research confirms that people who think fast are seen by others as more charismatic.
Fast thinking can make you a more efficient student who blasts through homework and exams.
If you play sports, faster reaction times can lead to better athletic performance.
Quick thinking can make you a safer driver.
Developing faster thinking can help you stay mentally sharp as you age.
SOME REASONS YOUR THINKING ISN'T AS FAST AS YOU'D LIKE
If your thinking isn't as fast as you'd like, or as fast as it used to be, it may be due to a variety of health and lifestyle factors.
HEALTH AND LIFESTYLE FACTORS
Diabetes, smoking, high blood pressure, and other vascular risk factors can starve the brain of oxygen and glucose, resulting in slower thinking.
Slow thinking can be a lingering side effect of a traumatic brain injury or stroke, or a sign of multiple sclerosis, dementia, or Alzheimer's.
It's also a common symptom of depression.
MANY PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS CAN SLOW THINKING
Anti-anxiety drugs and antidepressants can impact your ability to think quickly.
One class of drugs known as anticholinergics blocks the activity of acetylcholine, the neurotransmitter associated with memory and learning.
Anticholinergic medications cause brain activity to slow down, leading to memory loss and mental confusion.
" Ironically, there's evidence that taking modafinil, a favorite "smart drug" among students and biohackers, slows down response times for some mental tasks including decision making.
A good clue that a medication is anticholinergic is in its name.
Most anticholinergic drugs start with "anti," such as antihistamines, antidepressants, antipsychotics, antibiotics, antispasmodics, and antihypertensives.
If you suspect that any of your medications are affecting your thinking, look for them on this list of common anticholinergic medications.
AGE AND GENES CAN BE FACTORS
Your thinking speed may also be a factor of your age.
Thinking is slower in childhood, then ramps up during the teens and young adulthood, stabilizes during middle age, and ultimately declines during the senior years.
A clinical study on twins found that genes play a large role in mental processing speed as well.
FAST THINKING VS EFFICIENT, ACCURATE THINKING
Your ability to think fast depends on your brain's processing speed.
Processing speed is defined as the time it takes the brain to take in new information, reach some judgment on it, and then formulate a response.
This input can be visual, auditory, or from any other senses.
For most people, the efficiency and accuracy of thought, rather than speed, are the limiting factors.
"Your brain is probably already functioning almost as fast as is safe. Most of us can push the processing speed a little without risk. Unfortunately, the neural processing speed in our brains is already just a few extra action potentials per second away from a full-blown seizure."
So, perhaps the more important goal is to learn how to think more efficiently and accurately, rather than simply faster.
There's always a push-pull between processing speed and accuracy that psychologists call the "speed-accuracy trade-off."
Your thinking, which may feel slow, may be, in fact, more efficient or more accurate, which is often more important.
Thinking fast isn't very helpful if you aren't thinking clearly, accurately, or logically.
Additionally, there's a potential downside to being a fast thinker.
Fast thinkers are more likely to engage in risky behaviors than those who think more deliberately and slowly.
13 WAYS TO FASTER, MORE EFFICIENT THINKING
So, thinking speed isn't the only factor that determines quality of thought.
Here are some of the best ways to make thinking not just faster, but also more efficient and accurate as well.
1. MAKE MINOR, UNIMPORTANT DECISIONS FAST
The next time you go out to eat, challenge yourself to choose your meal in a minute or less.
Don't worry if you don't choose wisely since the consequences are small.
When you really want to make a decision fast, flip a coin.
You may find yourself inwardly hoping for one outcome over another which will help you know what you really want.
2. PRACTICE DOING THINGS YOU ARE GOOD AT, FASTER
If you play music, learn songs with a faster tempo.
If you do puzzles (like crossword or Sudoku) or play games like chess, set a timer to force yourself to work faster.
See how fast you can do a simple chore like cleaning your desk or preparing a meal.
Don't try this with something you are just learning as you'll only get frustrated.
3. STOP TRYING TO MULTITASK
I say stop trying because, in fact, we don't actually multitask.
The brain can't focus on two tasks at once and, instead, quickly toggles back and forth between tasks.
It's well documented that attempting to multitask can make you less productive and reduces mental performance, attention span, and ability to learn.
Get in the habit of giving one task at a time your undivided attention.
Paying attention to just one thing is key to learning and remembering.
4. GET PLENTY OF SLEEP
Getting adequate quality sleep is one of the most important things to do for optimal brain function.
Lack of sleep negatively impacts both thinking speed and accuracy.
Even moderate sleep loss can affect your mental performance as much as being drunk!
5. STAY COOL
The latest research shows that mental processing speed goes down as the temperature goes up.
The ideal temperature for optimal thinking seems to be around 72 °F (22 °C).
6. MEDITATE
A regular meditation practice builds a more efficient brain by stimulating the formation of new brain cells and neural connections and by increasing brain plasticity.
Meditation strengthens communication between brain cells which, in turn, speeds up mental processing, enhances the capacity to learn, and improves the ability to concentrate.
7. PLAY A MUSICAL INSTRUMENT
Musicians have bigger, better connected, more symmetrical brains.
Related on Be Brain Fit —
Top Brain Exercises to Keep You Sharp (in-depth guide)
Having musical training improves processing speed, cognitive skills, and working memory.
8. GIVE YOUR BRAIN A MENTAL WORKOUT
While any intellectually challenging endeavor can help you stay mentally sharp, there's evidence that the right kind of brain training program can specifically help you think faster.
The IMPACT study, led by scientists from Mayo Clinic and the University of Southern California, found that BrainHQ's original brain training program increased auditory processing by 131%.
The Advanced Cognitive Training for Independent and Vital Elderly (ACTIVE) study was the first large-scale trial to show that computerized brain training can improve cognitive function in older adults.
This study concluded that computerized brain training provided long-lasting improvements in memory, reasoning, and processing speed.
Another way to challenge your mental speed is by taking a timed intelligence test, like the Mensa IQ Challenge.
Mensa is a worldwide organization for people with above-average intelligence.
You must score in the top 2% on an approved IQ test to join.
But anyone can exercise their brain with their free Mensa IQ Challenge.
Take this 35-question test when you have a bit of uninterrupted time; it has a 25-minute time limit.
9. BE SOCIALLY ACTIVE
Communicating via your electronic devices gives you time to ruminate over conversations.
Engaging with others face-to-face in real time, rather than digitally, will force you to think faster.
10. GET REGULAR AEROBIC EXERCISE
Physical exercise can help you learn and think faster, focus better, and remember more.
One huge study on over 1 million men found that exercise can actually raise IQ.
All exercise is good for your brain, but aerobic exercises like walking, jogging, swimming, or biking specifically improve processing speed.
11. INCREASE YOUR DOPAMINE LEVEL
If you feel mentally sluggish, you may be low in the brain chemical dopamine.
Dopamine is the neurotransmitter of motivation, productivity, and attention.
[There are both healthy and unhealthy ways to increase dopamine. Learn how to increase dopamine naturally with food, supplements, and healthy lifestyle habits.]
Faster thinking is linked to higher brain levels of dopamine.
12. CHEW GUM
The simple act of chewing gum improves mental accuracy, reaction times, and the ability to focus.
It's believed to work by increasing oxygen levels in regions of the brain responsible for attention.
13. GET YOUR HEARING AND EYESIGHT CHECKED
Most information enters the brain via your eyes and ears.
So, either hearing loss or vision problems can significantly impair your ability to process information quickly.
15 SUPPLEMENTS THAT PROMOTE FASTER THINKING
Another way to promote faster thinking is with the right nutritional supplements.
Here's a look at the supplements that have been shown to improve processing speed, processing accuracy, or both, thus promoting faster, more efficient thinking.
1. Acetyl-L-Carnitine
Acetyl-l-carnitine (ALCAR) is an amino acid that's the precursor of acetylcholine, the neurotransmitter of memory and learning.
It improves processing speed, mental clarity, and memory and also works as a fast-acting natural antidepressant.
2. Bacopa
Bacopa (Bacopa monnieri) is a traditional brain tonic noted for reducing stress and anxiety, boosting mental energy and clarity, and protecting the brain from aging.
Research on Bacognize®, a patented brand of bacopa, has found it to be beneficial for processing speed, focus, short-term memory, and mood.
3. Black Cumin
Black cumin (Nigella sativa) is a culinary spice used in Middle Eastern and Indian cuisine.
When taken as an herbal remedy, it exhibits modest benefits for increasing processing speed.
4. Branched-Chain Amino Acids
Branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) supplements contain a mix of amino acids (leucine, isoleucine, and valine) usually taken to increase muscle mass.
But a little-known benefit is that they can also increase mental accuracy.
5. Caffeine
Caffeine is the most commonly consumed psychoactive substance.
It speeds up cognition in many ways, including improving verbal processing speed, reaction time, and accuracy.
If you use caffeine, be mindful that too much can be counterproductive since it can increase stress, anxiety, and insomnia.
All these states can impair your ability to think clearly.
6. Citicoline
Citicoline is a naturally occurring fat that increases mental energy and protects the brain from damage, toxins, and aging.
Citicoline supplements can increase processing speed, working memory, verbal learning, and verbal memory.
7. Fish Oil
Fish oil is usually taken for heart health, but it is equally important for brain health and function.
Fish oil can improve mood, memory, memory-related learning, and processing accuracy.
8. Ginkgo
Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) is one of the most popular herbal remedies in the world.
It has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine as a brain tonic.
It enhances both processing speed and accuracy.
9. Lions' Mane
Lion's mane (Hericium erinaceus) is both a culinary mushroom and a brain supplement.
It helps to rebuild myelin, a protective coating surrounding nerve fibers that speeds up communication between brain cells.
10. Lutein And Zeaxanthin
Lutein and zeaxanthin are antioxidants found in the eye that promote visual processing speed, an important component in visual learning.
11. Phosphatidylserine
Phosphatidylserine (PS) is a fat-soluble amino acid found in high concentrations in the brain.
It is an integral part of healthy brain cell membranes.
PS normalizes levels of important neurotransmitters and stress hormones and can increase both processing speed and accuracy.
Phosphatidylserine works synergistically with ginkgo, so this is a good combination to take together.
12. Rhodiola Rosea
Rhodiola rosea is a traditional herb used to increase physical stamina, mental vitality, and longevity.
It's considered an adaptogen, a substance that increases tolerance to both psychological and physiological stress.
Research shows that it improves processing accuracy, attention, and reaction time.
13. Vinpocetine
Vinpocetine is a synthetic version of vincamine, a naturally occurring compound found in the periwinkle plant (Vinca minor).
It increases both processing speed and accuracy.
Vinpocetine works by increasing blood flow, protecting against oxidative damage, reducing brain inflammation, and balancing neurotransmitter levels.
14. Vitamin D
Low levels of vitamin D, the sunshine vitamin, have been linked to slower thinking and poorer cognitive function, particularly in seniors.
Since few of us get adequate sun exposure, almost everyone can benefit from supplementation.
15. NT-020
NT-020 is a proprietary formulation of blueberry, carnosine, green tea, vitamin D3, and red grape extract.
This patented nutrient blend is a key ingredient in a few select brain supplements.
It was found to significantly increase processing speed during a 2-month trial period.
FOODS AND SUPPLEMENTS THAT SLOW DOWN THINKING
There are a few substances which often slow down thinking that you should avoid.
The herbal remedy lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), which is often taken for stress, anxiety, or insomnia, acts as a natural sedative and leads to a decrease in processing speed.
Ironically, there's evidence that taking modafinil, a favorite "smart drug" among students and biohackers, slows down response times for some mental tasks including decision making.
Sugar, in excessive amounts, slows down communication between brain cells.
And finally, it should come as no surprise that alcohol slows your reaction time and your thinking.
HOW FAST IS YOUR THINKING? TAKE A MENTAL SPEED TEST
If you are concerned that your slow thinking is due to a health concern or your medications, talk to your doctor.
But if you're just curious as to how fast or slow your thinking speed is, here is a reputable place online where you can check it yourself.
Psychology Today offers a Mental Speed Test that you can take for free in just 5 minutes.
HOW TO THINK FASTER AND MORE EFFICIENTLY: TAKE THE NEXT STEP
Developing faster thinking can benefit your life in many ways, both personally and professionally.
Fast thinking is important, but, in many cases, mental processing speed is not as valuable as accuracy.
There are plenty of techniques to help you think not just faster, but more efficiently.
Additionally, you can experiment with various combinations of supplements that promote faster thinking by helping your brain work better.
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Upgrading brain health is key to making your brain work better.
Improve your mental clarity and focus.
Boost your memory and your ability to learn.
Increase your capacity to think critically, solve problems, and make decisions.
BRAIN EXERCISE
Exercising the brain to improve memory, focus, or daily functionality is a top priority for many people, especially as they get older. That said, people of all ages can benefit from incorporating a few simple brain exercises into their daily life, which we'll explore in more detail in this article.
Research has shown that there are many ways you can hone your mental sharpness and help your brain stay healthy, no matter what age you are. Doing certain brain exercises to help boost your memory, concentration, and focus can make daily tasks quicker and easier to do, and keep your brain sharp as you get older.
Let's take a deeper dive into 13 evidence-based exercises that offer the best brain-boosting benefits.
1. Have fun with a jigsaw puzzle
Whether you're putting together a 1,000-piece image of the Eiffel Tower or joining 100 pieces to make Mickey Mouse, working on a jigsaw puzzle is an excellent way to strengthen your brain.
Researcher has shown that doing jigsaw puzzles recruits multiple cognitive abilities and is a protective factor for visuospatial cognitive aging. In other words, when putting together a jigsaw puzzle, you have to look at different pieces and figure out where they fit within the larger picture. This can be a great way to challenge and exercise your brain.
2. Try your hand at cards
When's the last time you played a game of cards? Researchers who conducted a study on mentally stimulating activities for adults, say a quick card game can lead to greater brain volume in several regions of the brain. The same study also found that a game of cards could improve memory and thinking skills.
Try learning one of these tried-and-true card games:
solitaire
bridge
gin rummy
poker
hearts
crazy eights
3. Build your vocabulary
A rich vocabulary has a way of making you sound smart. But did you know you can also turn a quick vocab lesson into a stimulating brain game?
Research shows that many more regions of the brain are involved in vocabulary tasks, particularly in areas that are important for visual and auditory processing. To test this theory, try this cognitive-boosting activity:
Keep a notebook with you when you read.
Write down one unfamiliar word, then look up the definition.
Try to use that word five times the next day.
4. Dance your heart out
The Centers for Disease Prevention and Control notes that learning new dance moves can increase your brain's processing speed and memory. In other words, bust a move on the dance floor and your brain will thank you.
Want to test it out? Give one of these dance activities a try:
Take a salsa, tap, hip-hop, or contemporary dance class.
Try a Zumba or jazz exercise class.
Watch an online video with fun dance moves you've always wanted to learn.
Grab a partner and learn to ballroom dance.
Gather your friends and go line dancing.
5. Use all your senses
A researchers suggests that using all your senses may help strengthen your brain.
To give your senses and your brain a workout, try doing activities that simultaneously engage all five of your senses. You could try baking a batch of cookies, visiting a farmer's market, or trying a new restaurant while you focus on smelling, touching, tasting, seeing, and hearing all at the same time.
6. Learn a new skill
Learning a new skill is not only fun and interesting, but it may also help strengthen the connections in your brain.
Researchers also shows that learning a new skill can help improve memory function in older adults.
Is there something you've always wanted to learn how to do? Perhaps you'd like to know how to repair your car, use a particular software program, or ride a horse? You now have one more good reason to learn that new skill.
7. Teach a new skill to someone else
One of the best ways to expand your learning is to teach a skill to another person.
After you learn a new skill, you need to practice it. Teaching it to someone else requires you to explain the concept and correct any mistakes you make. For example, learn to swing a golf club, then teach the steps to a friend.
8. Listen to or play music
Do you want an easy way to increase your creative brain power? The answer may lie in turning on some music.
According to a researchers, listening to happy tunes helps generate more innovative solutions compared to being in silence. Which means, cranking up some feel-good music can help boost your creative thinking and brain power.
And if you want to learn how to play music, now is a great time to start because your brain is capable of learning new skills at any point in your life. That's why you're never too old to start playing an instrument like the piano, guitar, or even the drums.
9. Take a new route
Don't get stuck in a rut when it comes to your daily tasks. Instead, be willing to try new ways to do the same things.
Choose a different route to get to work each week or try a different mode of transport, like biking or using public transport instead of driving. Your brain can benefit from this simple change, and you might be surprised by how easy it is to change your thinking.
10. Meditate
Daily meditation can calm your body, slow your breathing, and reduce stress and anxiety.
But did you know that it may also help fine-tune your memory and increase your brain's ability to process information
Find a quiet spot, close your eyes, and spend five minutes meditating each day.
11. Learn a new language
A review has overwhelmingly proven the many cognitive benefits of being able to speak more than one language.
According to numerous studies, bilingualism can contribute to better memory, improved visual-spatial skills, and higher levels of creativity. Being fluent in more than one language may also help you switch more easily between different tasks, and delay the onset of age-related mental decline.
The good news is that it's never too late to reap the rewards of learning a new language. According to researchers, you can boost your memory and improve other mental functions by becoming a student of a new language at any time in your life.
12. Take up tai chi
It's no secret that tai chi can benefit your health in many ways, including your mental health. Plus, it can also help center you when life seems out of balance.
Taking up a regular practice of tai chi can help reduce stress, enhance sleep quality, and improve memory. A researchers found that long-term tai chi practice could induce structural changes in the brain, resulting in an increase in brain volume.
Beginners do best by taking a class to learn the different movements. But once you know the basics, you can practice tai chi anywhere, anytime.
13. Focus on another person
The next time you interact with someone, take note of four things about them. Maybe you observe the color of their shirt or pants. Are they wearing glasses? Do they have a hat on, and if so, what kind of hat? What color is their hair?
Once you decide on four things to remember, make a mental note, and come back to it later in the day. Write down what you remember about those four details.