How to Improve Your Thinking Skills

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Co-authored by Michael Lewis, MD, MPH, MBA, FACPM, FACN

Last Updated: October 9, 2024 Fact Checked

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Having trouble with your thinking skills? Here are some tips to improve your thinking skills.

1

Practice breathing exercises.

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The best way to breathe is through your belly. Take several slow breaths from your belly. Stomach breathing activates your brain, helps you relax, and reduces stress and tension. ^{[1]
X
Research source} This may help improve your thinking skills and memory.
- Deep breathing also increases the oxygen flow to your brain cells. As a result they become more active. ^{[2]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  Greater Good Magazine
  Journal published by UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center, which uses scientific research to promote happier living
  Go to source}

2

Chew gum.

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Studies show that chewing gum may improve your concentration skills. Chewing gum increases the flow of blood to your brain, which can enhance your memory and cognitive performance. ^{[3]
X
Research source} Research also suggests that chewing gum allows you to concentrate for longer and remember new information better. ^{[4]
X
Research source}
- Opt for sugar free gum to avoid any side effects. ^{[5]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  Cleveland Clinic
  Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
  Go to source}

3

Perform arm circles.

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To do an arm circle, extend your arm straight out to the front. Then, swing your arm all the way behind you and back to the front. ^{[6]
X
Research source} Always keep your elbow blocked while performing these exercises. This will increase your heart rate, which is good for your brain.

4

Play brain games.

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According to board certified brain health physician Michael Lewis, MD, MPH, MBA, FACPM, FACN, “keeping your mind active is [important for good brain health].” This includes “crossword puzzles, regular tabletop puzzles, Sudoku, electronic games that test your memory, or chess.”

5

Drink enough water.

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Drink 6 to 8 cups of water each day. Many people are dehydrated all the time and don't realize it, and this can impact your brain function. ^{[7]
X
Trustworthy Source
Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source} Studies show that tension, depression, and confusion scores go down as your water intake increases. ^{[8]
X
Trustworthy Source
US Occupational Safety and Health Administration
U.S. government agency responsible for setting and enforcing workplace safety standards
Go to source} So, make sure you drink enough water throughout the day. ^{[9]
X
Research source}
- Avoid sodas, coffee, or sugary drinks. They can decrease your ability to concentrate and remember things. ^{[10]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  PubMed Central
  Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
  Go to source}

6

Eat healthy, balanced meals.

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Consuming too much fat or sugar can negatively affect your thinking skills. Not eating can make you tired. Therefore, you should strive to eat healthy, balanced meals every day. Include foods that are linked to better brain power, such as fish, vegetables, berries, walnuts, and whole grains. ^{[11]
X
Trustworthy Source
Harvard Medical School
Harvard Medical School's Educational Site for the Public
Go to source}
- Adopt a Mediterranean-style diet, DASH diet, or MIND diet for better brain health. All 3 diets emphasize limiting red meat, focusing on whole foods, and avoiding saturated fats. ^{[12]
  X
  Research source}

7

Use all your senses when studying.

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Stimulate your senses while studying to improve retention. Different parts of your brain store different types of memories. For example, images are stored in one area and sounds in another. Creating a multisensory learning environment while writing an essay or preparing for an exam may potentially improve your recall. ^{[13]
X
Research source}
- For example, you could listen to ambient music to improve your concentration while studying. Or, play with a fidget spinner or stress ball to relieve stress.

8

Set a timer when you learn new information.

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Try to divide the material you need to learn into sections. Maybe you could spend 10 minutes reading, 20 minutes reviewing, and 10 minutes reciting. This will force you to focus because you know that your time is limited. ^{[14]
X
Research source}

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Tips

If you get better sleep you'll be able to think better. ^{[15]
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Trustworthy Source
Health.gov
Online collection of health and fitness standards set by the U.S. Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
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As said before, puzzles can be really helpful. They force you to think of something very deeply. They make your brain work. They bring out all the reasoning ability in you. Try to buy a book of puzzles to have better practice.

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Meditation can be helpful to think better. Start with 5 minutes in the morning and five minutes before bed, every day.

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How to Improve Your Thinking Skills

Steps

Practice breathing exercises.

Chew gum.

Perform arm circles.

Play brain games.

Drink enough water.

Eat healthy, balanced meals.

Use all your senses when studying.

Set a timer when you learn new information.

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