Is it possible to make yourself smarter and improve your focus and concentration, all the while keeping entertained? Indeed it is, and this article presents different methods which should help any student or professional improve their performance and acuity, while not boring them half to death.
But first, before engaging in any of these activities, you need to create a bit of free time on your busy schedule. A professional paper writer is a great option for students who need free time to try out different things and engage in the activities that they love or that they find pleasure doing. So without much further ado, here are 7 techniques that are not only entertaining but benefit your mind greatly as well.
- Boardgames and Puzzle Pieces
This one is a no-brainer. Board games such as backgammon, chess, monopoly, and puzzles such as crossword and sudoku are a great way to burn extra time, improve your brain functioning, and keep entertained (especially when playing with company). Aside from developing logical thinking and strategic planning which make you focused and smarter, playing these games can reduce one’s probability of developing dementia or Alzheimer’s.
2. Study to Lo-Fi & Electronic Music
Music has powerful effects on the brain. Any music has a relaxing and therapeutic effect, depending on the person’s likes and personality. Scientific studies have particularly shown that classical music such as Mozart, Vivaldi, and Chopin can improve our focus and smarts. Electronic music is more available, familiar, and suited to the tastes of young people. Specific sub-genres of electronic music such as progressive and deep house music have been shown to improve concentration for long periods.
The ambient sound, up-tempo, and rhythmic/repetitive beats, and non-distractive lyrics help to draw one’s mind into a single wavelength. For repetitive tasks or tasks that require more creative intensity, electronic music is the way to go. You can play this over your noise-canceling headphones while in the dorm room and cafeteria and not get distracted by all the commotion around you.
Unless you’ve been living under a rock recently you’ve probably seen or heard of the Lo-Fi craze on YouTube. Lo-Fi could almost be considered as the ‘deep house’ of hip-hop, seeing as there are barely any lyrics to sing along to. The beats are ambient and chill, and while created for avid gamers who found video game soundtracks distracting or even annoying, Lo-Fi is currently one of the best ways for anyone to study or work with concentration.
3. Historical and Scientific Flicks and Docuseries
History is often described as the greatest storyteller, and there is a world and wealth of information lying out there just waiting to be discovered. The good news is that you don’t have to bury yourself under mounds of books and spend countless hours in the library catching up on your history or science (wouldn’t count as entertainment now, would it?) Instead, there are historically and scientifically accurate movies, series, and documentaries that teach and entertain at the same time.
Netflix has a great collection of historical docuseries that could be an educative alternative for binge lovers. These shows will not only entertain you but will also educate you and provide good use of your free time such as over weekends.
4. Aerobics, Dance, and Yoga
Aerobics, dance, and cardio aren’t just meant to exercise and lose that extra belly fat you’ve been stacking over the winter. Coupled with yoga, or done alone, each of these techniques is also useful for improving mindfulness and focus. Besides reducing stress (which is a major reason why most students can’t seem to study), these methods also release feel-good neuroendocrine hormones which make us feel good about ourselves and make us want to improve our performance.
5. Play Video Games
Video games might seem a bit counterproductive given the context of studying, focus, and concentration. Gaming might seem like a tool for the lazy and procrastinators, a waste of time, and some may view them as a means to escape from reality. Scientific studies such as by West et al., have shown gaming to have improved benefits to the hippocampus and cerebellum regions of the brain, which in turn has improved effects on memory, sequencing, strategic planning, and fine motors skills.
Gaming should be approached with a tad of caution. Just like any other thing, even water, too much gaming is dangerous, and extreme binging can have detrimental effects on the mind.
6. Try Meditating in The Great Outdoors
Professionals and students often harbor the potential of sitting inside on their desks all day, whether it’s working, studying, gaming, or binging on the latest shows. The positive effects of the sun and nature on humans are something that most people overlook. Sunlight has positive Vitamin D effects that not only improve our calcium and bone functioning; it also helps us to grow strong which is important for a healthy and focused mind.
Nature has therapeutic effects on our brains, reducing nervousness, anxiety, and stress levels. Deliberately isolating oneself for a few minutes or hours each day or weekly can transform you into a completely different person. If you haven’t tried this before, go out into nature (say a park) in the comfort of the sunrise, with no phone distractions preferably, and try working on your assignment. You’ll feel like you’ve nailed each step while thoroughly being engrossed in nature.
Finally, Try Listening to A Podcast
These days there are a huge number of professionals and commentators who share their opinions about news and facts. Folks such as Joe Rogan and Ben Shapiro are a good way to educate yourself about current trends and themes in an entertaining and non-academic way. Try listening to an educational podcast for example, as you work on an essay on the same topic. You’ll learn faster and feel smarter and entertained.
