I’m always looking for answers to frequently asked questions: how to become smarter. No, it’s not from a frivolous perspective, but more of a pursuit of things that make me feel alive and whole. Now a few years on from turning 30, I’ve *almost* moved away from thinking that I need to check an arbitrary bunch of milestones, and instead I’m looking to infuse each day with one more a little confused and curious. at every turn.
I remember when I graduated from college, the keynote speaker told us, “You haven’t finished your studies. You are only provided tools with something to learn. Now you can use them and continue your own education from here”. She was right, and that idea has resonated with me not only in that moment, but every day since.
Featured image of Sara Prince.
It seems that continuing education is often pushed aside in adulthood (especially when you’re doing a demanding job or caring for toddlers that require a lot of experience) . But looking at the idea of health as a whole, what we give to our mind is just as important as what we give to our body. The good news is that finding brain-healthy foods is much easier than imagined — in fact, it’s all around us.
With that in mind, I’ve compiled 10 ideas to boost your brain and illuminate your perspective. Here are inspirational tasks and to-dos that will challenge the way you see and move in the world and leave you in awe of all there is to learn.
Wondering how to become smarter? These 10 ideas will feed your mind and inspire you
Engage in idea-based conversations
While I never despise the way other people choose to live their lives, there is a quote from Eleanor Roosevelt that has stuck with me since I first heard it many years ago: “Great minds talk discuss ideas. The average mind discusses facts. Small minds discuss people”. While small talk is wonderful and fun to indulge in from time to time, I find that my most satisfying and growth-boosting conversations occur when I reflect on books, series, and books. movies or articles with friends. From there, the conversation evolved spontaneously and began to form around a central theme.
In this way, I not only connect more deeply with loved ones and gain a deeper understanding of their perspectives, but I also reach outside of myself, opening my mind to possibilities beyond my own experience. I. I always leave conversations with more questions, but I have long learned that although answers can provide clear, specific definitions, when new questions and curiosities arise, When it comes to mind, we keep looking for inspiration from every angle.
Join a game
If somewhere along the way you decide you’re not a “theater,” I challenge you to shoot another shot live. Comedies can be a great entry into the world of theatre, and coming across a play will stimulate your brain in a special way. It’s the experience you share with the performers and that engages you with your fellow audiences.
Although Broadway gives you a once-in-a-lifetime artistic experience and everyone should see it Hamilton, most cities offer local produce that matches the quality of these larger, expertly produced shows. One of the great perks of living in a city like Austin is having access to the incredible production going on at The Long Center. Check out their entire event season listed here!
Create a daily ‘to read’ list
Ever since I got my first computer in high school, I’ve curated a ‘to read’ list that I go through every morning over coffee. It’s full of blogs, beautiful websites (like the one you’re reading right now!) and news sources that not only cover the big stories of the day, but also dive into research, research, and development It just makes me dizzy. all you need to know.
Spend a little time deliberately scrolling the internet and identifying the right sites for you. And if you want the day’s ideas or inspiration delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for some of our favorite email newsletters.
Watch foreign movies
Once you step into the vast world of foreign films, you can start to see blockbusters and Hollywood in a new light. Mind-bending through foreign films is more than just reading subtitles — you’re experiencing a story told from a different cultural point of view. Foreign films can surprise, shock and stimulate your mind in a way that most Hollywood movies cannot.
Pick a good book (or two)
We all know that reading is mind-boggling and while I love scouring the internet for new ideas and game changes (see above), nothing beats unfold and fully immerse yourself in a new book. And the good news is that there’s no better time to start your reading journey than the start of summer. Check out our favorite authors you’ve got to pick — and who you won’t be able to pass up.
Start learning a second language
Learning another language is not only a good exercise for your brain, but it is also one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the values and perspectives of another culture. Deep ideas about a place are often revealed through its words. I’ve been using Rosetta Stone to learn Spanish for a while now, and my frequent trips to Mexico are richer and more meaningful thanks to the language.
And although I haven’t used it myself, people around me have only good things to say about how effective and easy it is to learn a new language on Duolingo. Whatever means of entry you choose, trust the process — it can be difficult at first, but you’ll be amazed how quickly you get it.
Listen to a great Podcast
I love listening to podcasts in the car and even in bed at night — it’s great to look at the screen all day. I got sucked into Stephen West’s series This philosophy!, covering philosophical thought from the Pre-Socratic period to the present day. But trust me, there really is no end to all the great podcasts out there. For our favorites, check out these career-oriented options, episodes that offer all the best parenting advice, and these engaging podcasts that will leave you hard (no possible) to press pause.
Visiting the museum
An afternoon visit to a local museum is one of the fastest and easiest ways to clear your mind. Challenge yourself to get out of your comfort zone — tap into ancient artifacts if you’re generally into postmodern art. Visit a history museum if you often go to art museums. Choose a friend to accompany you; I guarantee that you will have a lot to say.
Watch documentaries
Can you believe that in the old days most people equated the term? documentary with boring? Thankfully, more and more people are following this exciting genre, and you can now browse many excellent documentaries on Netflix, Hulu, and HBO Max (or whatever streaming platform you currently use). using). Learn something new by following one of the best new documentaries.
Mark your geographical location
I am addicted to using the Brainscape app for geography. It’s a really effective way to learn and memorize countries. Now I can claim to know which two countries Vietnam and Thailand are located… can you?
This post was originally published June 30, 2019 and has since been updated.
