How to Develop Common Sense

22 authors | 51 revisions | Last updated: May 30, 2012

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Smart people always do not do smart things; sometimes smart people can do
confoundedly, irrational things like gambling away all their money on the stock market,
or forgetting to take adequate clothing for a back country hike in the middle of very
changeable weather. Whatever your background, training, Intellectual Quotient, or
experience, common sense can be learned and applied in everyday situations.
[1]
And
while it may seem provocative suggesting that smart people don't use common sense,
this deliberate association is merely to highlight that everyone has lapses in common
sense. The more we're trained to think one way (by our workplace, family, culture, etc.),
the greater the chance that sometimes we allow sloppy or auto-pilot thinking to take the
place of common sense. Common sense isn't a one-stop-destination; it's a way of
thinking that needs constant nourishing and application, and this article provides one
way of looking at developing your common sense a little further.
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EditSteps
1. 1

Familiarize yourself with the purpose and meaning of common sense.
Familiarize yourself with the purpose and meaning of common sense. According to
Merriam Webster, common sense is about exercising "sound and prudent judgment
based on a simple perception of the situation or facts".
[2]
This definition suggests that
common sense depends on not over-complicating the situation (simple), applying
experience and general knowledge to the situation (sound and prudent judgment), and
implicit in this is self-trust that your considered experience is valid for future situations.
Karl Albrecht calls common sense practical intelligence. He defines it as "the mental
ability to cope with the challenges and opportunities of life".
[3]
He explains that common
sense is situational, dependent on context, and that your common sense in one aspect
of your life might be excellent while failing abysmally in another aspect of your life. As to
the purpose of common sense, it is basically thinking that prevents you from
makingirrational mistakes or decisions, a thinking approach that may open your eyes to
the possibility that insisting on being right prevents you from seeing the bigger picture.
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o Common sense can also serve the purpose of removing you from being hidebound to
rules, theories, ideas, and guidelines that would hamper or stifle the best decision in a
particular situation. In other words, just because something says so, or just because it
has always been done that way, is not a reason to abandon common sense about
present needs and changed circumstances.
2. 2

Understand the ease with which the human mind is convinced that an idea is right contrary
to indicators clearly demonstrating otherwise.
Understand the ease with which the human mind is convinced that an idea is
right contrary to indicators clearly demonstrating otherwise. We're human; we're
fallible. And our brains work in certain ways as a means of providing shortcuts to ensure
survival in a world where being chased by predators could end your life. In a modern
world where caves and saber toothed tigers are no longer a constant companion, some
of that reactive, split second judging can land us in hot water as we react instead of
reflecting, assume instead of teasing apart the realities, and follow habit instead of
challenging its continued utility. Some of the things our amazing mind is capable of
doing to override common sense include:
o Maintaining our own sense of reality out of proportion with identifiable reality. While
each of us creates a reality out of our own experiences and makes sense of our world
through this personal lens, for the most part, we understand that our sense of realityis
only a small portion of a much larger picture. For some people, however, their sense of
reality becomes the only sense of reality and they believe that they canmanipulate or
magically transform situations to turn out the way they want them to be. In steps
irrational behavior for some, and insanity for the less fortunate.
o Reflex or associative thinking. This is reactive thinking that is based simply on what
we've learned through life, reenacting learned models and applying them to each new
situation as it appears, without modifying the thought processes being applied. This type
of thinking leads to errors in thinking because we refuse to push beyond standard
associations formed in our mind about how things "should be". When we apply what we
know to a present situation by reference to a similar past situation by merely applying
our mind's template without adjusting for the context, we're overriding common sense.
Even where this template is a bad fit, the insistent or biased mind just ignores the parts
of the template that don't fit by trimming them off mentally and only seeing the parts that
"match". Hence, we have our problem solved without thinking it through. This type of
thinking tends to make us easily swayed by current popular theories and fads, such as
the current tendency in some societies to control social opinion through inflating fears of
germs, criminals and terrorists, and job unavailability.
o Invoking absolute certainty. Absolutist black and white thinking about the world and
others in it in a way that never allows space for doubt is often a cause for forgetting to
apply common sense. For such a thinker, the "one true way" is the only way and
therefore seems like common sense even though it isn't.
o Pigheadedness. A simple unwillingness to be wrong. Ever. Founded on any number of
reasons including insecurities, fear, incomprehension, anger, and fear of ridicule,
pigheadedness is the cause of many an irrational and unjustifiable decision or action.
3. 3

Divorce yourself from reality.
Divorce yourself from reality. This isn't an invitation to insanity. This is a request to
consider that your sense of reality isn't real. What you see is what you've programmed
your brain to see. And once you start down the slippery slope of self-confirmation that
reality is only ever what you see it as, you're open to the possibilities of
bigotry,selfishness, intolerance, and prejudice because you'll constantly seek to make
everyone and everything else conform to your standard of reality, and your standard of
"what's right".
[4]
By divorcing yourself from this one-sided reality, and learning as much
as you can about how other people perceive the world and our place in it, you begin to
make room for common sense to grow because your sense is built on "common"
experiences, not just your own.
o Start by taking a look at your own emotions, beliefs, and practices to make sure they're
not overriding your common sense. Test different scenarios in your mind to try and
ascertain the practical consequences of applying the decision or action the way you
want to. Is it practical, have you accounted for everything, and what will happen if things
go wrong? If things go wrong, can you fix them and if you can't, what will be the
consequences?
o Consult with others. If your reality is clouding your judgment too much, reach out and
discuss the situation with others to gain wider appreciation of their perspectives and
ideas. This is most important where you are too close to a situation and any decision or
action you take might be infected by your proximity.
4. 4

Acquaint yourself with your reflective mind.
Acquaint yourself with your reflective mind. This is the part of your thinking where
true common sense resides. The part that takes a bit of time out from the cleverness,
the brightness, the importance of everything rushing at you right now and suggests that
it's time to add a dose of cold water to the excitement. Reflective intelligence is about
being able to stand back and view the bigger picture so that you realistically appraise
the situation or environment directly around you rather than forcing yourself to conform
to its suitability or practicing wishful thinking. After an accurate appraisal of the situation,
a reflective mindset enables you to set goals that are realistic given the parameters
you're working within, and to take sensible actions toward meeting those goals.
[5]
Daniel
Willingham cites examples of people who throw money at the stock market, or people
who choose unsuitable life situations as people who made decisions or took actions
without using reflective thinking. Rationalizing that external signs seem fine while
ignoring complete mismatches to the person you are or the beliefs you hold is a denial
of common sense. In other words, just because other people do or use something
effectively isn't a sign that it will suit you too; you need to put your own reflective mind to
work on each situation to decide whether it will be a fit for you, your lifestyle, and those
around you directly impacted by your decisions.
o Do less, think more. Siimon Reynolds says that many of us are suffering from
"Obsessive Do-Itis".
[6]
This simply means we're obsessed with doing more all the time
instead of thinking. And while we're running around frantically being busy all the time,
we're not being productive and we're contributing to a culture that admires incessantly
busy people. Is this common sense? Hardly. It is about working harder and longer
without taking time out to reflect.
o Allocate thinking time every single day, even if it's only 20 minutes. Siimon Reynolds
suggests that you try this for one week, and says that at the end of it, you'll notice much
reduced stress levels.
[7]
And your common sense will improve markedly.
5. 5

Sometimes your thinking has to be fast - but based on what?
Reacquaint yourself with your rapid cognition. The previous step has just suggested
that you need to reflect more before you take decisions or act. But the obvious flipside
to reflection is the reality that some things need very fast thinking and rapid decisions
that will produce sound results. Rapid cognition is the type of thinking that tells you that
you're not going to connect with a person the moment that you meet them, or that a
poorly placed ladder is going to fall sooner rather than later and needs to be shifted
pronto, or that you need to quickly jump out of the way of an out-of-control car now.
How do you marry rapid cognition to reflective thinking under the rubric of "common
sense"? It's simple - spend your reflecting time wisely so that you will react wisely when
quick thinking is required. Common sense builds on your reflection over past
experiences, enabling you to refine your understanding of the world and how it works
time and time again. This is in contrast to a person who only ever reacts on gut
reactions, biases, and has failed to reflect on prior experiences. Reflectionwill bring
about sound "gut reactions" or fast assessments of situations because your reaction is
based on having taken the time to work through errors and successes of past
experiences.
o Malcolm Gladwell says in Blink that "decisions made very quickly can be every bit as
good as decisions made cautiously and deliberately".
[8]
The problem arises when we
want something to be other than what it really is - falling back into our own idea of reality
rather than the many realities around us. And that's when our common sense fails us.
6. 6

Learn things that are basic common sense.
Learn things that are basic common sense. There are things that every human being
should know how to do and not leave to another person, things that go to the heart of
personal survival, self-knowledge, and long-term health and safety. In this way, you can
learn common sense through practical knowledge and application, informing you
accurately when times are harder or when you must react quickly. Some of the common
sense basics that every human should know include:
[9]

o Knowing how to cook and how the food gets to your table. For every person who
proudly proclaims that he or she does not know how to cook, there is a person easily
persuaded by others that any food is suitable for them, no matter how unhealthy or how
unethically or unproductively sourced. It's no badge of honor to not know how to cook
for yourself; it's often a sign of laziness or a rebellion against supposed domesticity.
Knowing how to cook is basic common sense because it will ensure your healthy
survival under any conditions. And, no matter how infrequently you use this skill, it's
enjoyable and rewarding.
o Knowing how to grow your own food. Being able to grow your own food is an assurance
of self-survival. Learn the skill if you haven't already and instill it in your kids.
o Knowing about nutrition. If you're cooking for yourself, and perhaps growing your own
food, you'll be more connected with your body's need for healthy nutrition. Eat
healthily most of the time, in moderation, and with an eye to meeting all appropriate
nutritional needs for your age, gender, height, and personal conditions.
o Knowing and respecting your surrounds. It's common sense to know what local
conditions impact your life, from weather to wildlife. Take the time to get to know your
local environment and respond to it appropriately, from adequately weatherproofing
your home to removing invasive species from your garden.
o Knowing how to budget and not spend more than you're earning. It's common sense to
only spend what you have. Sadly, many people manage to forget this in an orgy of
frequent over-spending, behaving as if a bulging credit card debt came as a complete
surprise to them. Over-spending is an irrational habit, as is hiding unopened bills at the
back of a closet; reining in the spending with a budget and self-restraint is common
sense in action. And make sure to get all important financial decisions and agreements
in writing, from loans to sales; you can never be too careful when it comes to money.
o Knowing the limitations of your own body. This includes knowing which foods wreak
havoc with your body, which foods work for you, knowing how many hours of sleepyou
need, and knowing the type of exercise that benefits your body and metabolism best;
read widely but work out for yourself what harms and heals your body, as you're the real
expert on this topic. Moreover, you're no super hero - ignoring bodily injuries is done at
your own peril, such as continuing to carry heavy loads with an aching back, or refusing
to acknowledge constant pains.
o Knowing how to analyze situations and think for yourself. Instead of digesting the pulp
media thrown at you every day, and ending up in a state of fear because every second
news item is a crime or disaster, start thinking about the reality behind the newsfeed
and start thinking about life and happenings with a healthy, open, and questioning
mindset. Help free others from the fear media by teaching them how to recognize the
tactics used.
o Knowing how to repair items. In a world heavily dependent on disposal of items rather
than repairing them, we're adding to the Earth's burden. And, we're beholden to those
who manufacture items with in-built obsolescence because we've lost the ability to
tinker and fix things ourselves. Learning how to fix or mend clothes, appliances,
household objects, car engines, and many other items that are important to our daily
functioning, is not only liberating but is also an important way to exercise our common
sense.
o Knowing how to plan in advance. So that you're not doing things haphazardly, more
expensively, or without an idea of the consequences, learn to plan ahead. Forward
thinking is always a sign of good common sense, as is being able to review the
consequences of different outcomes.
o
Be resourceful
Knowing how to be resourceful.Resourcefulness is the art of "making do"; it's about
taking small things and making them go a long way with a little imagination and elbow
grease. It's about being able to thrive under difficult conditions and still prosper and not
feel deprived. Resourcefulness is a key part of using common sense, and again, it's a
skill that liberates you from consuming to live.
o Knowing how to connect with community. It's common sense to be a part of your
community; unfortunately many people prefer to bunker down and remain aloof or
unhindered by the others around them. Connecting with others in your community is
part of being human, of relating, and of opening yourself up to sharing andgenerosity.
o Knowing how to keep safe. Whether you're in public or at home, safety is a matter of
common sense. Pushing saucepan handles away from you on the stove, looking both
ways when crossing the street, walking with a friend or group in dark areas of the city at
night instead of being alone, etc. All of these are common sense safety actions that can
be planned for and put into action before anything harmful happens; and doing so will
often avert problems altogether. Think prevention, not disaster.
7. 7

Put new commonsense thinking habits into place.
Put new commonsense thinking habits into place. Take the philosophy, the
psychology, and the popular theories behind how we think and add this understanding
to the active ways in which you can use your common sense. Read How to think
"outside of the box" to get some great ideas for restoring your sense of relying on your
own innovative thinking processes. And Karl Albrecht suggests that the following
methods will help to keep your practical intelligence (common sense) in top shape (and
it's recommended that you read his book in its entirety):
[10]

o Practice mental flexibility. This is the ability to stay open-minded and to listen to other
people's notions and ideas, even if they scare you or derail your own thinking. It does
you good to practice mental elasticity and to stretch yourself beyond the things you think
you know already.
o Use affirmative thinking. This is the way of perceiving yourself and others in a positive
manner, always looking to see the best in others and yourself, and making constant
conscious decisions about who or what you will allow yourself to be influenced by, and
what you will consider worthy of devoting your thinking time to. This isn't as simplistic as
chanting affirmations or thinking happy thoughts; the mental work required to maintain
an affirmative, conscious mindset is hard but rewarding.
o Rely on semantic sanity. This is about using language to support clear thinking freed
from dogma.
o Value ideas. This concept leads you to accepting new ideas rather than immediately
knocking them on the head as unfamiliar, insane, or undoable. How do you know they
don't match your viewpoint until you've worked through them? Equally, valuing ideas
encapsulates the need to reflect often, for without adequate time for reflection, you'll fail
to come up with your own ideas.
8. 8

Trust yourself.
Trust yourself. If you put in the constant hard yards of thinking things through carefully
for yourself as well as learning all that you can about the world and other's thoughts
about the world, you're well placed. You don't have to be highly educated; you do have
to be open-minded and curious. And realize that this is a process, not a destination. You
will have to make the mental effort throughout your life as to which messages you
absorb and which people you allow to influence your thinking. Even this article is but
one source of guidance on common sense analyze it, critique its applicability to your
own circumstances, and cherry pick, discard, or adopt those things that suit you or don't
fit with you. After all, doing so just makes plain common sense.
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EditTips
Popularity does not equate to common sense. Think about the proverbial lemmings
leaping off the cliff before falling for this one.
Manipulative and controlling strategies do not equate to common sense. These are
signs of people who wish to change reality and cause other people to fit in with their
notions of reality. You can't change this type of person, so unless you're paid to hear
their woes, use your common sense and keep a good distance from them.
Generalizations are not common sense. They are generalizations based on someone's
view of things as they stood at the time the generalization was made. Always question a
generalization. The excuse "because it's always been done like this" is a generalization
in sheep's clothing. Probe any deeper and you'll find that the speaker cannot pinpoint
the exact moment that the generalization became the norm and one from which nobody
can ever deviate.
Ancient wisdom can be helpful but it can also hinder. It all depends on the context of
when the "wisdom" was developed and whether it stands the test of time or not.
Ask people why they presume something to be so. Often we are so used to just nodding
our head and swallowing the cliches as culturally ordained that we forget it's OK to ask
someone why they have stated something to be so. For example, if your friend tells you
that it's not safe to go outside at night because strangers exhibit only 1 percent good
motives and everyone's a robber, ask them why they think this. If they can only cite
generalizations, ask them for facts and examples. Even with the facts and examples,
ask them why this is a problem where you live, where you're going, when you're in a
group, when you're alone, when you're escorted, etc. Eventually you should get to the
nub of the issue being derived from series of stories through the media. Then ask your
friend, is it better to be scared safe or to be prepared safe? There will always be risks in
life, even staying at home can bring on death and injury. What counts is preparing for
the worst in a sane and sensible fashion (for example, taking self defense classes,
knowing where not to walk in the dark, only ever going out at night with others, catching
a taxi when drunk, etc.) rather than restricting one's life from fear.
Common sense dictates that all important agreements, such as financial and marriage
agreements, be in writing. Trust not to the vagaries of time and faulty memories.
Common sense is natural, but things can always go wrong; just don't beat yourself up
about the past too much. Some things are inevitable.
Common sense is learned through experience. Your friends and family will be more
than happy to talk about basic dos and don'ts for any given situation with which they
have familiarity if they know it's about ensuring your own safety.
Listen to the world and people around you before speaking - particularly if you have
something to say that might be considered judgmental. If you can't add something
meaningful, don't say anything. This may not immediately increase or cultivate your
actual common sense, but will give others the distinct impression that you do, indeed,
possess common sense.
Avoid speaking or writing about the unimportant things that primarily make up our daily
lives and only weigh in on those things that are of genuine import. You will not only be
perceived as having common sense, you will actually be using it.
Learn all you can of any parts of the universe that interest you before you die. This will
allow you to cultivate common sense within a context. "Common sense" without any
real knowledge is not even as good for humans as animal instinct. Raccoons have tons
of such "common sense" but still try to stare down oncoming cars.



How to Improve Your Memory
TIPS AND EXERCISES TO SHARPEN YOUR MIND AND BOOST BRAINPOWER

A strong memory depends on the health and vitality of your brain. Whether you're a student studying for final exams, a working professional
interested in doing all you can to stay mentally sharp, or a senior looking to preserve and enhance your grey matter as you age, there are lots
of things you can do to improve your memory and mental performance.
IN THIS ARTICLE:
Don't skimp on exercise or sleep
Make time for friends and fun
Relaxation
Bulk up on brain-boosting foods
Give your brain a workout
Mnemonic devices and memorization
Enhancing your ability to learn

Harnessing the power of your brain
They say that you cant teach an old dog new tricks, but when it comes to the brain, scientists have discovered that this old adage simply isnt
true. The human brain has an astonishing ability to adapt and changeeven into old age. This ability is known as neuroplasticity. With the
right stimulation, your brain can form new neural pathways, alter existing connections, and adapt and react in ever-changing ways.
The brains incredible ability to reshape itself holds true when it comes to learning and memory. You can harness the natural power of
neuroplasticity to increase your cognitive abilities, enhance your ability to learn new information, and improve your memory.
Improving memory tip 1: Don't skimp on exercise or sleep
Just as an athlete relies on sleep and a nutrition-packed diet to perform his or her best, your ability to remember increases when you nurture
your brain with a good diet and other healthy habits.
When you exercise the body, you exercise the brain
Treating your body well can enhance your ability to process and recall information. Physical exerciseincreases oxygen to your brain and
reduces the risk for disorders that lead to memory loss, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Exercise may also enhance the effects of
helpful brain chemicals and protect brain cells.
Improve your memory by sleeping on it
When youre sleep deprived, your brain cant operate at full capacity. Creativity, problem-solving abilities, and critical thinking skills are
compromised. Whether youre studying, working, or trying to juggle lifes many demands, sleep deprivation is a recipe for disaster.
But sleep is critical to learning and memory in an even more fundamental way. Research shows that sleepis necessary for memory
consolidation, with the key memory-enhancing activity occurring during the deepest stages of sleep.
Improving memory tip 2: Make time for friends and fun
When you think of ways to improve memory, do you think of serious activities such as wrestling with the New York Times crossword puzzle
or mastering chess strategy, or do more lighthearted pastimeshanging out with friends or enjoying a funny moviecome to mind? If youre
like most of us, its probably the former. But countless studies show that a life thats full of friends and fun comes with cognitive benefits.
Healthy relationships: the ultimate memory booster?
Humans are highly social animals. Were not meant to survive, let alone thrive, in isolation. Relationships stimulate our brainsin fact,
interacting with others may be the best kind of brain exercise.
Research shows that having meaningful relationships and a strong support system are vital not only to emotional health, but also to brain
health. In one recent study from the Harvard School of Public Health, for example, researchers found that people with the most active social
lives had the slowest rate of memory decline.
There are many ways to start taking advantage of the brain and memory-boosting benefits of socializing. Volunteer, join a club, make it a
point to see friends more often, or reach out over the phone. And if a human isnt handy, dont overlook the value of a petespecially the
highly-social dog.
Laughter is good for your brain
Youve heard that laughter is the best medicine, and that holds true for the brain as well as the body. Unlike emotional responses, which are
limited to specific areas of the brain, laughter engages multiple regions across the whole brain.
Furthermore, listening to jokes and working out punch lines activates areas of the brain vital to learning and creativity. As psychologist Daniel
Goleman notes in his book Emotional Intelligence, laughterseems to help people think more broadly and associate more freely.
Looking for ways to bring more laughter in your life? Start with these basics:
Laugh at yourself. Share your embarrassing moments. The best way to take ourselves less seriously is to talk about the times when
we took ourselves too seriously.
When you hear laughter, move toward it. Most of the time, people are very happy to share something funny because it gives them
an opportunity to laugh again and feed off the humor you find in it. When you hear laughter, seek it out and ask, Whats funny?
Spend time with fun, playful people. These are people who laugh easilyboth at themselves and at lifes absurditiesand who
routinely find the humor in everyday events. Their playful point of view and laughter are contagious.
Surround yourself with reminders to lighten up. Keep a toy on your desk or in your car. Put up a funny poster in your office.
Choose a computer screensaver that makes you laugh. Frame photos of you and your family or friends having fun.
Pay attention to children and emulate them. They are the experts on playing, taking life lightly, and laughing.
Improving memory tip 3: Keep stress in check
Stress is one of the brains worst enemies. Over time, if left unchecked, chronic stress destroys brain cells and damages the hippocampus, the
region of the brain involved in the formation of new memories and the retrieval of old ones.
The stress-busting, brain-boosting benefits of meditation
Get depression in check

In addition to stress, depression takes a heavy toll on the brain. In fact, some of the symptoms of depression include difficulty concentrating,
making decisions, and remembering things. If you are mentally sluggish because of depression, seeking treatment will make a big difference in
your cognitive abilities, including memory.

The scientific evidence for the mental health benefits of meditation continues to pile up. Studies show that meditation helps improve many
different types of conditions, including depression, anxiety, chronic pain, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Meditation also can improve focus,
concentration, creativity, and learning and reasoning skills.
Meditation works its magic by changing the actual brain. Brain images show that regular meditators have more activity in the left prefrontal
cortex, an area of the brain associated with feelings of joy and equanimity. Meditation also increases the thickness of the cerebral cortex and
encourages more connections between brain cellsall of which increases mental sharpness and memory ability.
Improving memory tip 4: Eat a brain-boosting diet
Just as the body needs fuel, so does the brain. You probably already know that a diet based on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy
fats will provide lots of health benefits, but such a diet can also improve memory. But for brain health, its not just what you eatits also what
you dont eat. The following nutritional tips will help boost your brainpower and reduce your risk of dementia:
Get your omega-3s. More and more evidence indicates that omega-3 fatty acids are particularly beneficial for brain health. Fish is a
particularly rich source of omega-3, especially cold water fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, halibut, trout, mackerel, sardines, and
herring. In addition to boosting brainpower, eating fish may also lower your risk of developing Alzheimers disease. If youre not a fan
of fish, consider turning to fish oil supplements. Other non-fish sources of omega-3s include walnuts, ground flaxseed,
flaxseed oil, pumpkin seeds, and soybeans.
Limit calories and saturated fat. Research shows that diets high in saturated fat (from sources such as red meat, whole milk, butter,
cheese, sour cream, and ice cream) increase your risk of dementia and impair concentration and memory. Eating too many calories in
later life can also increase your risk of cognitive impairment. Talk to your doctor or dietician about developing ahealthy eating plan.
Eat more fruit and vegetables. Produce is packed with antioxidants, substances that protect your brain cells from damage. Colorful
fruits and vegetables are particularly good antioxidant "superfood" sources. Try leafy green vegetables such as spinach, broccoli,
romaine lettuce, Swiss chard, and arugula, and fruit such as apricots, mangoes, cantaloupe, and watermelon.
Drink green tea. Green tea contains polyphenols, powerful antioxidants that protect against free radicals that can damage brain cells.
Among many other benefits, regular consumption of green tea may enhance memory and mental alertness and slow brain aging.
Drink wine (or grape juice) in moderation. Keeping your alcohol consumption in check is key, since alcohol kills brain cells. But in
moderation (around 1 glass a day for women; 2 for men), alcohol may actually improve memory and cognition. Red wine appears to be
the best option, as it is rich in resveratrol, a flavonoid that boosts blood flow in the brain and reduces the risk of Alzheimers disease.
Other resveratrol-packed options include grape juice, cranberry juice, fresh grapes and berries, and peanuts.
For mental energy, choose complex carbohydrates.
Just as a racecar needs gas, your brain needs fuel to perform at its best. When you need to be at the top of your mental game, carbohydrates
can keep you going. But the type of carbs you choose makes all the difference. Carbohydrates fuel your brain, but simple carbs (sugar, white
bread, refined grains) give a quick boost followed by an equally rapid crash. For energy that lasts, choose complex carbohydrates such as
whole-wheat bread, brown rice, oatmeal, high-fiber cereal, lentils, and whole beans.
Improving memory tip 5: Give your brain a workout
By the time youve reached adulthood, your brain has developed millions of neural pathways that help you process information quickly, solve
familiar problems, and execute familiar tasks with a minimum of mental effort. But if you always stick to these well-worn paths, you arent
giving your brain the stimulation it needs to keep growing and developing. You have to shake things up from time to time!
Memory, like muscular strength, requires you to use it or lose it. The more you work out your brain, the better youll be able to process and
remember information. The best brain exercising activities break your routine and challenge you to use and develop new brain pathways. The
activity can be virtually anything, so long as it meets the following three criteria:
1. Its new. No matter how intellectually demanding the activity, if its something youre already good at, its not a good brain exercise.
The activity needs to be something thats unfamiliar and out of your comfort zone.
2. Its challenging. Anything that takes some mental effort and expands your knowledge will work. Examples include learning a new
language, instrument, or sport, or tackling a challenging crossword or Sudoku puzzle.
3. Its fun. Physical and emotional enjoyment is important in the brains learning process. The more interested and engaged you are in
the activity, the more likely youll be to continue doing it and the greater the benefits youll experience. The activity should be
challenging, yes, it should also be something that is fun and enjoyable to you. Make an activity more pleasurable by appealing to your
sensesplaying music while you do it, or rewarding yourself afterwards with a favorite treat, for example.
Use mnemonic devices to make memorization easier
Mnemonics (the initial m is silent) are clues of any kind that help us remember something, usually by helping us associate the information
we want to remember with a visual image, a sentence, or a word.
Mnemonic device Example
Visual image - Associate a visual image with a
word or name to help you remember them better.
Positive, pleasant images that are vivid, colorful,
and three-dimensional will be easier to remember.
To remember the name Rosa Parks and what shes
known for, picture a woman sitting on a park
bench surrounded by roses, waiting as her bus
pulls up.
Acrostic (or sentence) - Make up a sentence in
which the first letter of each word is part of or
represents the initial of what you want to
remember.
The sentence Every good boy does fine to
memorize the lines of the treble clef, representing
the notes E, G, B, D, and F.
Acronym - An acronym is a word that is made up
by taking the first letters of all the key words or
ideas you need to remember and creating a new
word out of them.
The word HOMES to remember the names of the
Great Lakes: Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie, and
Superior.
Rhymes and alliteration - Rhymes, alliteration (a
repeating sound or syllable), and even jokes are a
memorable way to remember more mundane facts
and figures.
The rhyme Thirty days hath September, April,
June, and November to remember the months of
the year with only 30 days in them.
Chunking - Chunking breaks a long list of
numbers or other types of information into smaller,
more manageable chunks.
Remembering a 10-digit phone number by
breaking it down into three sets of numbers: 555-
867-5309 (as opposed to5558675309).
Method of loci - Imagine placing the items you
want to remember along a route you know well or
in specific locations in a familiar room or building.
For a shopping list, imagine bananas in the
entryway to your home, a puddle of milk in the
middle of the sofa, eggs going up the stairs, and
bread on your bed.
Tips for enhancing your ability to learn and remember
Pay attention. You cant remember something if you never learned it, and you cant learn somethingthat is, encode it into your
brainif you dont pay enough attention to it. It takes about eight seconds of intense focus to process a piece of information into your
memory. If youre easily distracted, pick a quiet place where you wont be interrupted.
Involve as many senses as possible. Try to relate information to colors, textures, smells, and tastes. The physical act of rewriting
information can help imprint it onto your brain. Even if youre a visual learner, read out loud what you want to remember. If you can
recite it rhythmically, even better.
Relate information to what you already know. Connect new data to information you already remember, whether its new material
that builds on previous knowledge, or something as simple as an address of someone who lives on a street where you already know
someone.
For more complex material, focus on understanding basic ideas rather than memorizing isolated details. Practice explaining the
ideas to someone else in your own words.
Rehearse information youve already learned. Review what youve learned the same day you learn it, and at intervals thereafter.
This spaced rehearsal is more effective than cramming, especially for retaining what youve learned.