9 Ways to Become a Better Learner

Certain activities are specifically designed to help you think faster and learn better. Medical News Today suggests doing brain exercises that build memory and cognition like card games, crossword puzzles, chess, or solving a Rubik’s Cube. Turn these fun activities into a daily habit or use them to pass the time; your learning skills will benefit!

You probably think of exercise as something that works your muscles. Well, it turns out working out can also build a stronger brain, too. According to Harvard Health, physical activity challenges the brain to learn, think, process, and focus. 

When working out, you often need to quickly learn and recall movements from memory. Try something new and a bit complex; such agility challenges may help keep your brain in tip-top shape.

Keeping your brain stimulated with new activities will help you become a better learner. According to Life Hack, activities like playing an instrument, learning a new language, or studying dance all challenge your brain to think in new ways. 

And those are just a few examples! Find something that you have never done before; you will have a good time, and keep your brain sharp. 

Everyone processes information differently. Some people learn best visually by seeing a task demonstrated in front of them. Others learn hand-ons, through doing it themselves. So, what’s your learning style? If you want to become a better learner, you should tune in and discover what makes your brain tick. Or, try a mix of different learning approaches to reinforce information.

A healthy brain needs plenty of sleep. Getting quality Zzz’s boosts brain function, including 

improved learning and better memory, according to a study about understanding sleep. Most adults should get between seven and nine hours of sleep per night. With the right habits, you can get better quality sleep and help your brain work at its best.

If you tend to multitask, chances are you may not be getting the most out of your brain power when switching from task to task. Your brain functions much better when you focus on one thing at a time, according to Mayo Clinic. When you sit down to study, remove distractions. Set a time period to focus. Then take small breaks in between.

Meditation is a powerful tool for mental health. According to Medical News Today, meditation improves the way the brain receives and processes information. It also boosts levels of dopamine, the neurotransmitter that controls memory. If you have a hard time sitting still, try active meditation, like yoga, tai chi, or mindfulness walking.

Want some food for thought? Include brain foods in your daily diet. Nutritious and delicious dishes like salmon, berries, pumpkin seeds, and cruciferous veggies (like broccoli) help keep your brain healthy by improving cognition and lowering the risk of neurodegenerative diseases.

WebMD explains that everyone has their own unique sleep style, called a chronotype, when they function at their best. Are you an early riser who learns better in the morning? Or, are you a night owl who performs best at night? Make the most of your learning experience by studying at the point of the day when you feel your best.

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