5 Habits That Strengthen Cognitive Ability

What is Cognitive Ability?
According to Dan Ispas, Et al, in the International Encyclopedia of Social and Behavioral Sciences (2015) cognitive ability is…

“a general mental capability involving reasoning, problem solving, planning, abstract thinking, complex idea comprehension, and learning from experience.”

So, what exactly is that? It basically is our ability to handle everyday tasks. Cognitive ability is how we function in an ever complex world. From digging holes to writing books, from cooking to taking kids to soccer practice, cognitive ability is how we function.

If you want to perform at a higher level, then you need to increase your capacity for this. In order to do that we need to train ourselves mentally just as we would train ourselves physically. In order to do that we need to keep track of a few different things that will help us improve our cognitive ability.

What Can I Do?
Although there are numerous things that you can do to increase cognitive ability, from brain-training games being open to new experiences at least five of them that will help you, will also help you in other parts of your life, these include, sleep, exercise, reducing chronic stress, being creative and Mindfulness.
Sleep

Probably the most important thing that you can do is get enough sleep. Research varies on the correct amount of sleep per person, and personal variances also determine that. The idea is to get enough sleep to where you feel fully rested when you wake up. A general guideline is 7 to 9 hour of sleep for most adults, with teenagers needing between 9 to 12 hours of sleep a night.
Exercise

Research suggests that a molecule named irisin is released when we exercise. This molecule has been shown to not only have neuroprotective effects, but to also help with memory and learning.

There are many different types of exercise and you need to find one that best suits you, some examples would be:

• Running
• Cycling
• Swimming
• Rowing
• Reduce Chronic Stress

Chronic Stress is a huge problem in our society. We try to pack as much as we can into a single day then scream in frustration when we can't get anything done. Chronic stress is a prolonged state of being in which we are exposed to stimuli from outside influences. Over time, and without stopping to take care of ourselves, Chronic Stress can reduce our cognitive ability. If our ability to think clearly is gone, and we are not able to focus on the task at hand, then we are not able to do anything worthwhile. There are numerous ways to reduce stress, a few examples would be,

• Meditate
• Exercise
• Create

Be Creative
According to a 2013 Study, “neuroscientists discovered multiple ways that musical training improves the function and connectivity of different brain regions and improves cognitive function. Practicing a musical instrument increases brain volume and strengthens communication between brain areas.”

Creativity is more than just playing a musical instrument. It is about creating something from nothing. If you are not a creative person, don’t fret, just the process of doing it will help. So, if you've ever had a dream of painting break out those brushes and canvases and get to painting. Not only will you be able to start working on fulfilling that dream, you will also be able to increase your cognitive ability.
Practice Mindfulness Meditation

In a 2013 Study, “researchers at Harvard's Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center identified that the brain changes associated with meditation and subsequent stress reduction may play an important role in slowing the progression of age-related cognitive disorders like Alzheimer's disease and other dementias.”

Mindfulness Meditation is nothing more than taking a few minutes to focus and be present in the moment. It doesn't take substantial training and a quick google search will help you understand the most basic of techniques.

Cognitive Ability is our way of working in the world; without it, we would not be very functional humans. A few simple tricks can help you achieve the goals that you have always wanted to achieve. Do not wait for tomorrow, today is the perfect time to start!