8 Easy and Effective Ways to Improve Intellectual Performance

Today we are going to talk about personal effectiveness. Have you ever noticed that as you get older, it becomes more and more difficult to concentrate, study large amounts of information, evaluate variants of events, etc.? And in trading it is impossible to do without it. And not only at Forex, but also in real life. The 21st century is the century of information. I will share with you ten simple and effective ways to increase mental performance, and you can implement them today. Without too much effort.

1 Start the day with physical activity
This is the hardest to follow of the tips presented here. But it works. Physical activity first thing in the morning, on an empty stomach, helps to get the blood and oxygen flowing through your body. As a result, you have clarity of thought during the day, it is easier to concentrate, and the work goes easier. What kinds of activities? It's up to you. I practice yoga in a light form, someone runs, someone swims, someone can do physical exercises, even a short walk will do. The main condition is that your "warm-up" should be at least 15-20 minutes.

2 Make a to-do list
Make a list of ABSOLUTELY all the things you have to do. Not just work stuff, but plans like: go out, buy something, go on a summer vacation, change the tires on your car, walk your dog, read a book called Think and Get Rich. In short, absolutely ALL things to do.

3 Take a break every hour
The human brain is built in such a way that for about 20 minutes it speeds up, adjusts to the task. At the 30th minute it reaches the peak of activity, and then there is a decline. After 40-50 minutes of intellectual work, the body needs to rest. You have probably noticed yourself how after an hour of work there is a "dullness. This is a sure sign that you need a break. So, do not give your body too much stress, take a break every hour. 10 minutes is just enough time to recover and get back to work. During the break you can relax by lying on the couch, play some simple game, like on the phone, or give yourself a little physical workout.

4 Drink water
Continuing the topic of how our brain works, it is worth mentioning that it needs “moisture” to function properly. Insufficient supply of water to the brain is another cause of dullness. Don't let your head go dry. Drink a glass of clean water every 2 hours. Not coffee, not tea, but just water.

5 Four hours per day to work
This may sound like an excuse for laziness, but there have been studies in which scientists have found that a person can PRODUCTIVELY work intellectually for no more than 4 hours a day. Meaning pure working time, minus breaks and interruptions. Of course, a person can work more hours, but after 4 hours the productivity and quality of intellectual activity drops significantly. Therefore, if possible, try to work less time, but more productively as a result.

6 A daytime nap is useful
It is no wonder that kids in kindergarten are put to bed in the afternoon. A nap during the day is very good for the body. Google even has special pods in its offices where employees can take an hour nap. If possible, try to give yourself an hour after lunch for a nap. After you wake up, you will get a lot more done than if you had worked without a break.

7 Walk
Studies have found that people who walked 1-2 km a day worked much better than those who neglected walking. Richard Bach, the famous esoteric writer, also mentions in one of his books about the "Walking Fairy". As you know, ideas often come up while walking, Bach personified their appearance in the form of the Fairy, who gives you new thoughts as you walk down the street.

8 Don't drink too much alcohol
The advice is obvious, but relevant. Systematic alcohol consumption destroys the hippocampus, the part of the brain responsible for memory, orientation in space, its destruction can even lead to Alzheimer's disease. You do not want to become an idiot, requiring the constant supervision of doctors? But if you want to drink, drink it in moderation.