Have You Lost Your Edge? 11 Ways to Sharpen Your Mind Without Going Back to School

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Keeping your brain sharp doesn’t have to involve sitting in a classroom. In fact, there are plenty of fun activities that’ll give your brain a good workout—and without feeling like homework! No matter what you’re trying to do, we have you covered. Here are eleven ways to sharpen your mind that don’t feel like a chore. Each one will improve your memory and help you get better at problem-solving. They’ll keep your mind active!

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Try Brain-Training Apps

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Who said playing games on your phone is a waste of time? Brain-training apps include lots of puzzles & games designed to improve your memory. They’re also good for your attention and problem-solving skills. Spending a little time each day on these apps will make a big difference in keeping your brain sharp, especially since you can do them while you’re waiting in line.

Pick Up a Musical Instrument

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Jamming away on a musical instrument does more than just sound cool—it helps improve your hand-eye coordination. It’ll improve your memory and even make you better at solving complex problems. It’s like a full-brain workout! Best of all, you get to create some awesome songs while you’re at it.

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Doing Regular Physical Exercise

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We all know exercise is good for our bodies but it’s also rather great for our brains. Swimming, jogging & brisk walking get the blood pumping to your brain. This improves your thinking skills. As such, the next time you’re feeling a bit foggy, a quick workout might just be the brain boost you need. It only takes a few minutes and you’re guaranteed to feel great afterward. There are no downsides.

Learn a New Language

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Learning a new language takes your brain on an adventure. It challenges you to recognize new patterns and improves your problem-solving skills while also perfecting your multitasking ability. It’s also a cool party trick! It’s never too late to start and there are tons of apps & online resources to help you out.

Practice Meditation and Mindfulness

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Take a few minutes each day to meditate and practice mindfulness. Why? Because it’s great for your mental clarity—and focus. Think of it like hitting the pause button on the chaos of daily life, allowing you to reduce your stress as you find a bit of peace in a busy day. That’s quite important to keep your brain ticking over as it should.

Read Regularly

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Cracking open a book is one of the simplest ways to give your brain a boost. Reading regularly improves your vocabulary and improves your comprehension—it even increases your sense of empathy by letting you see the world from different perspectives. It really doesn’t matter if you’re reading fiction or non-fiction. Whatever you read, you’re keeping your mind engaged!

Solve Puzzles and Play Strategy Games

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Games like crosswords and Sudoku are quite entertaining—they’re also brain food. They force you to use your strategic planning skills as you improve your concentration. They’re a lot better than sitting around watching TV! Whenever you’re looking for something to pass the time, try a puzzle or strategy game.

Get Enough Sleep

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Never underestimate the power of a good night’s sleep because sleep helps your brain process & consolidate memories. Sleeping also gives your brain the chance to clear out toxins and repair itself. As such, making sure you get enough rest is rather important for keeping your mind sharp. And who doesn’t love an excuse for a nap?

Practice Social Interaction

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While talking to friends & meeting new people is quite fun, most people don’t realize it’s also good for your brain. Engaging in conversations requires quick thinking and attention—both of which are great exercises for your mind. Don’t shy away from any social gatherings! They’re keeping your brain in shape.

Adopt a Healthy Diet

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What you eat matters for your brain and foods rich in antioxidants can improve your brainpower. Similarly, healthy fats & vitamins will protect your brain against cognitive decline. Add some blueberries and nuts to your diet to keep your mind sharp. You should also add some leafy greens to make sure your brain’s ready for anything.

Limit Screen Time

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Even though screens are everywhere, taking a break from digital devices is great for your brain. Of course, excessive screen time creates information overload and a decreased attention span. Set specific times to unplug. When you engage in non-screen activities, you’ll give your brain a chance to rest and recharge. That’s exactly what you need for a healthy lifestyle.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.

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Arvyn Braich

Arvyn has been writing for several years and has been an English teacher for half of those. He has a degree in American & Canadian Studies, along with other teaching qualifications. When he’s not writing, he’s traveling, or looking after his cats.