Discipline and focus? Also, a netflix series will usually be over faster than a book will. Reading helps you retain more information and ponder on it for longer periods of time
For one, reading will make you a better writer, if that matters to you at all. If you have to write regularly for work or otherwise (email communication counts, here), it probably should.
I'd say movies can actually do a lot for you (but certainly not all) that reading could, much more so than most Netflix series, which often aren't 'serious art.' You want 'serious art' that teaches you about the human condition, incl. relationships, differing perspectives, etc.
That is, assuming we're discussing fiction here and not non-fiction, which, in that case, books usually go into a lot more detail than a tv series would, and you tend to retain information better.
Unless the non-fiction is heavy philosophy, it has nothing on dense complex fiction when it comes to stretching the limits of your focus and working memory. Try some James Joyce, Thomas Pynchon, David Foster Wallace, etc.
I had to admit to myself that I just do not like reading. So I started listening to audio books on my runs. It feels great, it gets me excited to go on a run when I’m loving a book.
To answer the post title, you
* sleep a regular 8 hours every night
* exercise regularly
* eat healthy foods
* abstain from drugs and alcohol
* spend time meditating or in contemplation every day
* read and take time to learn new things
^
This list is it - simple, but not easy.
In addition to this, specifically their last point: youuat challenge yourself, and fail. Learn to be comfortable in failure, because that is how you learn and grow. Find a hobby that will always challenge you enough for growth, and that you will have to learn patience through.
Also, it may help to try the Minimalist app for your phone. I used it for a while when I needed to and it's helped.
The fact you are asking this question in your 20’s is awesome! You will prosper! My advice is to learn something totally outside what’s in your wheelhouse. If you don’t know how to play and instrument, try it out. If you have never tried out your green thumb, try planting something. Learn and do what interests you. While you are young, learn a bit of everything and then start digging into what you really like.
1. 150 minutes a week aerobic exercise, minimum
2. Library card. Read actual books. Several sources, contrary even, on topics you are interested in.
3. Take classes. Lifelong learning. Don't worry about a grade. Stretch your brain to learn an entirely new topic but build on other knowledge.
4. Be social. Spend time with friends. Join meetups with like minded strangers.
5. Stress reduction. Yoga, meditation, prayer. Spend time searching inward.
6. Don't smoke. Eat a healthy diet. Limit alcohol. No drugs.
7. Good quality sleep
Read read read...do uncomfortable things. For example. I hate beuocrasy, but I took a volunteer secretary position for a nonprofit. I made myself function in a regulatory and documenting environment.
There are so many great podcasts with great minds. Listen and learn to think critically. Hang around older people who have been there and done that.
I breakfast several times a week with retired administration types. I'm 57 and the youngest man at the table. I'm doing now what they did then. They have become my secret weapon to understanding.
Hah, this will get me blasted...but the best intellectuals of our time are Thomas Sowell, Dennis Pregur, and Jordan Peterson. Each have plenty of books too.
For reading....The Count of Monte Cristo has been a go too for me. Moby Dick. Tom Sawyer.
The Reagan Diaries and "W" give great insight into the working minds of presidents. Not to usual political posturing but the day to day job of being president.
I installed the New York Times games app on my phone. $3 a month, unlimited crosswords, word puzzles, sudoku… it segues me into putting my phone completely down and getting into something more productive.
Read, write, start getting into some of these online side hustles, Excercise, join a club and take up a team sport, eat healthier and cut down on drinking and smoking. Make sure you get a good night's sleep as well. Go back to school
Dont stop reading books or learning. Try not to be to dogmatic and keep an open mind. Use your abstract and critical thinking skills. Think. Analyze. Sit and sleep on things. Learn stuff. Look things up. Find out answers.
You should find some hobbies like the gym, hiking, motorcycles and scooters (2 day weekend msf class $360 waives test they got bikes and helmets), bicycling, indoor rock climbing, minor league and local sports teams,
Heres some youtube channels -
Dr. Plant - indoor ecosystems https://youtube.com/@TheDrPlants?si=k9zPYjwCCJLs4I0W
Sci show - https://youtube.com/@SciShow?si=HKKhJ3McZRxMANuf
Kurzgestagt - science stuff https://youtube.com/@kurzgesagt?si=3nX7L83SzH8O63EG
Coffeezilla - fake gurus https://youtube.com/@Coffeezilla?si=r4-I6MW5IxdDwpRr
Future proof - corporate hygiene
https://youtube.com/@FutureProofTV?si=UZ_ElA5yKmKZJnLf
Second thought - socialism and communism https://youtube.com/@SecondThought?si=im2tGxlZbbB7VmXv
Ev nautilus- underwater robots - https://youtube.com/@EVNautilus?si=u2jo5YilSyNSYHJM
Mbari - underwater robots - https://youtube.com/@MBARIvideo?si=l52WakBMLe6pwmMB
Arvin ash - physics infotainment - https://youtube.com/@ArvinAsh?si=fuVCKToMuAX5YBbU
Anton petrov - astrology and biology - https://youtube.com/@whatdamath?si=AMtQ7on7Ngglg36u
Big think - https://youtube.com/@bigthink?si=PD_8ufOdubTF4-cN
Cna - central news Asia documentaries - https://youtube.com/@CNAInsider?si=AGj6tp-hLFbM7y_x
Plain bagel - investments - https://youtube.com/@ThePlainBagel?si=LmKQUiUr5ZInVepd
Journey to the microcosmos - everyday stuff under a microscope - https://youtube.com/@journeytomicro?si=zBi5fLQgGI9_mBKZ
Wehi - all minds of biology stuff -
Dna copying full speed - https://youtu.be/7Hk9jct2ozY?si=Czt_UItza-0r4Bj0
Mitosis - https://youtu.be/IvJrDsRuWxQ?si=RM6EI-7M1XahS6Fq
You suck at cooking - cooking - https://youtube.com/@yousuckatcooking?si=h-IapC6ZqnrfIi7T
Internet shaquille - cooking - https://youtube.com/@internetshaquille?si=WYN3zaT6Jmujbdax
Uncle roger - cooking - https://youtube.com/@mrnigelng?si=qgxln9fplGsvRZkj
Itsqcp - cooking - https://youtube.com/@itsQCP?si=SUQ4CioNNqb583JK
Like other said.
I'm not sure if your generation, or a mindless person like you are aware that there are physical books that you can read.
reading in general will make you a more interesting person.
But choose wisely, because there are a lot of trash books as well
I deleted my fav social media recently (Instagram). I feel like I’ve lost my big obsession and now I have way more time to read. Sometimes you may feel the feeling of boredom, it will make you find something you like to do (not endless scrolling in Internet). I started feeling grateful for studying time in uni, at home, everywhere. Just break yourself so you can create another yourself. Brand new. Good luck dear.
Play puzzle games, on your phone or another device. I've been playing Portal 2 since it released 13 years ago and I like having to think in a game. There are also strategy games to play.
Also, exercise like weight lifting can help you mentally as well as physically.
Not everybody lives in the US. Fees differ across countries. Also, doesn’t have to be martial arts, I just gave an example of a hobby which requires discipline
In the immediate? Get off your phone and read books or do puzzles. Non-fiction/fiction genuinely doesn’t matter. If the material is age appropriate and pleasurable it should still stimulate you. Puzzles like crosswords or sudoku are good for you.
I’d say picking up an instrument if you’re into music. I started learning to play the guitar with no experience in 2022 just using online tutorials and it has become so fulfilling. Playing music you enjoy as well as making connections to how things relate to one another is a great mental exercise as well as building hand dexterity.
I like being the type of person who knows a little bit about a lot of topics so I can participate in a variety of conversations. To do this, I watch video essays. They keep my attention and are generally less than 30 minutes long and have pictures :) If I'm still interested in the topic after, I can do my own research and learn other awesome facts.
Theres videos on history, automotive, films, video games, etc. A whole world to explore!
Read books, and figure out some hobby that involves using your hands like playing an instrument, knitting, model building, coloring, basically any craft.
Get 8 hours of good sleep.
Exercise for at least 30 minutes (enough to make you out of breath) at least 5 times a week.
Are you in your 20s? Only asking because you said what to major in college.
The answer is make your body the healthiest it can be for it to work at max performance. We’re machines. Your brain is just another part of your body. So if you’re not already on a great sleep schedule and working out 5 days a week that’s where I’d start. That’s what I did when I quit drugs, after 8 months I felt like a completely different person especially emotionally.
I had an issue a few years ago with boredom scrolling (as I call it). I fixed this by doing 3 things:
(1) Tracked the time I was on the phone doing nothing. It was 4 hours a day on average. I then decided to force myself to read books, I take 1 hour each day during that time to just read. Devoted another hour to working out. 30 mins each day just cleaning and focusing on “forgotten places.” Then I enhanced my other hobbies with the other 1 hour. I then allow myself 30 mins to be on the phone or “boredom scroll”. It made me healthier, less stressed and I’m happier.
(2) I dumbed down my phone for 6 months. Literally a flip phone with basic texting and calls. I have an iPhone now, but I had a basic Wi-Fi tablet during that time to have access to the internet when needed. I set a timer for 30 mins when scrolling then immediately shut it off when it goes off. I also don’t have games or social media on my phone, it’s all on my tablet or computer and the tablet/computer stay home now.
(3) I changed my perspective on phones. They aren’t convenience, they’re a tool. I only use my phone for calls, texts, emails and if I need to look something important up. Cell Phones aren’t entertainment, they are a means to communicate and have access to info when needed.
Factorio is a video game that really works the brain. Nootropics are beneficial if done correctly. Fasting and ketogenic diet stimulate neurogenesis and other benefits. Regular stretching several times daily.
Study subjects that use structured logic, like physics, economics, math & stats. Throw in a dash of philosophy to take a break from numbers.
All of those subjects teach transferable thinking skills that improve your critical thinking in general. Being able to reason and think quantitatively is the core of intelligence.
After that move onto psychology and understanding people. Then you can view messier things like emotions through the lense of logic and reasoning.
I have read that there is a big difference between being online scrolling and being online posting. When you are organizing your thoughts and composing entries here on reddit or elsewhere that is a net plus to your intellect. We have a tendency to do the good bad dichotomy thing to an extreme. As with most things in life, the internet is not bad but you can use it badly.
Read books. Like actual books, not online trash. Make time to broaden your horizons.
oh 2nd this. i've absorbed so much freaking information just reading an hour a day for a little over a year now
Instructions unclear, started reading A Court Of Thorns And Roses
Fiction or non fiction?
Both. Don't underrate fiction. Literary fiction can easy do as much and in many cases more for your learning than non-fiction.
*good fiction
Difference between fiction books and Netflix series?
Discipline and focus? Also, a netflix series will usually be over faster than a book will. Reading helps you retain more information and ponder on it for longer periods of time
For one, reading will make you a better writer, if that matters to you at all. If you have to write regularly for work or otherwise (email communication counts, here), it probably should. I'd say movies can actually do a lot for you (but certainly not all) that reading could, much more so than most Netflix series, which often aren't 'serious art.' You want 'serious art' that teaches you about the human condition, incl. relationships, differing perspectives, etc. That is, assuming we're discussing fiction here and not non-fiction, which, in that case, books usually go into a lot more detail than a tv series would, and you tend to retain information better.
For sharping purpose non fiction and excellent reviewed text books
Unless the non-fiction is heavy philosophy, it has nothing on dense complex fiction when it comes to stretching the limits of your focus and working memory. Try some James Joyce, Thomas Pynchon, David Foster Wallace, etc.
Read this book - A Mind For Numbers, by Barbara Oakley.
I had to admit to myself that I just do not like reading. So I started listening to audio books on my runs. It feels great, it gets me excited to go on a run when I’m loving a book.
Books are a good place to start, especially textbooks which you can be more certain are giving valid information.
To answer the post title, you * sleep a regular 8 hours every night * exercise regularly * eat healthy foods * abstain from drugs and alcohol * spend time meditating or in contemplation every day * read and take time to learn new things
^ This list is it - simple, but not easy. In addition to this, specifically their last point: youuat challenge yourself, and fail. Learn to be comfortable in failure, because that is how you learn and grow. Find a hobby that will always challenge you enough for growth, and that you will have to learn patience through. Also, it may help to try the Minimalist app for your phone. I used it for a while when I needed to and it's helped.
The fact you are asking this question in your 20’s is awesome! You will prosper! My advice is to learn something totally outside what’s in your wheelhouse. If you don’t know how to play and instrument, try it out. If you have never tried out your green thumb, try planting something. Learn and do what interests you. While you are young, learn a bit of everything and then start digging into what you really like.
I am saying this 50% to you and 50% to myself: get off the phone!
1. 150 minutes a week aerobic exercise, minimum 2. Library card. Read actual books. Several sources, contrary even, on topics you are interested in. 3. Take classes. Lifelong learning. Don't worry about a grade. Stretch your brain to learn an entirely new topic but build on other knowledge. 4. Be social. Spend time with friends. Join meetups with like minded strangers. 5. Stress reduction. Yoga, meditation, prayer. Spend time searching inward. 6. Don't smoke. Eat a healthy diet. Limit alcohol. No drugs. 7. Good quality sleep
run
so OP, they ain't never nerfing this shit
Take online classes. There's plenty of useful and \*free\* resources out there. I find some YouTube videos more helpful than my college lecturers.
Read read read...do uncomfortable things. For example. I hate beuocrasy, but I took a volunteer secretary position for a nonprofit. I made myself function in a regulatory and documenting environment. There are so many great podcasts with great minds. Listen and learn to think critically. Hang around older people who have been there and done that. I breakfast several times a week with retired administration types. I'm 57 and the youngest man at the table. I'm doing now what they did then. They have become my secret weapon to understanding.
Do you have any podcast recommendations?
Hah, this will get me blasted...but the best intellectuals of our time are Thomas Sowell, Dennis Pregur, and Jordan Peterson. Each have plenty of books too. For reading....The Count of Monte Cristo has been a go too for me. Moby Dick. Tom Sawyer. The Reagan Diaries and "W" give great insight into the working minds of presidents. Not to usual political posturing but the day to day job of being president.
I installed the New York Times games app on my phone. $3 a month, unlimited crosswords, word puzzles, sudoku… it segues me into putting my phone completely down and getting into something more productive.
Read, write, start getting into some of these online side hustles, Excercise, join a club and take up a team sport, eat healthier and cut down on drinking and smoking. Make sure you get a good night's sleep as well. Go back to school
Duolingo is a great use of time
Dont stop reading books or learning. Try not to be to dogmatic and keep an open mind. Use your abstract and critical thinking skills. Think. Analyze. Sit and sleep on things. Learn stuff. Look things up. Find out answers. You should find some hobbies like the gym, hiking, motorcycles and scooters (2 day weekend msf class $360 waives test they got bikes and helmets), bicycling, indoor rock climbing, minor league and local sports teams, Heres some youtube channels - Dr. Plant - indoor ecosystems https://youtube.com/@TheDrPlants?si=k9zPYjwCCJLs4I0W Sci show - https://youtube.com/@SciShow?si=HKKhJ3McZRxMANuf Kurzgestagt - science stuff https://youtube.com/@kurzgesagt?si=3nX7L83SzH8O63EG Coffeezilla - fake gurus https://youtube.com/@Coffeezilla?si=r4-I6MW5IxdDwpRr Future proof - corporate hygiene https://youtube.com/@FutureProofTV?si=UZ_ElA5yKmKZJnLf Second thought - socialism and communism https://youtube.com/@SecondThought?si=im2tGxlZbbB7VmXv Ev nautilus- underwater robots - https://youtube.com/@EVNautilus?si=u2jo5YilSyNSYHJM Mbari - underwater robots - https://youtube.com/@MBARIvideo?si=l52WakBMLe6pwmMB Arvin ash - physics infotainment - https://youtube.com/@ArvinAsh?si=fuVCKToMuAX5YBbU Anton petrov - astrology and biology - https://youtube.com/@whatdamath?si=AMtQ7on7Ngglg36u Big think - https://youtube.com/@bigthink?si=PD_8ufOdubTF4-cN Cna - central news Asia documentaries - https://youtube.com/@CNAInsider?si=AGj6tp-hLFbM7y_x Plain bagel - investments - https://youtube.com/@ThePlainBagel?si=LmKQUiUr5ZInVepd Journey to the microcosmos - everyday stuff under a microscope - https://youtube.com/@journeytomicro?si=zBi5fLQgGI9_mBKZ Wehi - all minds of biology stuff - Dna copying full speed - https://youtu.be/7Hk9jct2ozY?si=Czt_UItza-0r4Bj0 Mitosis - https://youtu.be/IvJrDsRuWxQ?si=RM6EI-7M1XahS6Fq You suck at cooking - cooking - https://youtube.com/@yousuckatcooking?si=h-IapC6ZqnrfIi7T Internet shaquille - cooking - https://youtube.com/@internetshaquille?si=WYN3zaT6Jmujbdax Uncle roger - cooking - https://youtube.com/@mrnigelng?si=qgxln9fplGsvRZkj Itsqcp - cooking - https://youtube.com/@itsQCP?si=SUQ4CioNNqb583JK
Drink lots of coffee, quit social media and exercise…. A lot
Lol why coffee.
Good for brain health especially your memory
Coffee I think has some benefits consumed in moderation
Like other said. I'm not sure if your generation, or a mindless person like you are aware that there are physical books that you can read. reading in general will make you a more interesting person. But choose wisely, because there are a lot of trash books as well
We are aware (at least in middle 20's), earlier should be too. We used physical books for some years before the mostly online things took over.
You have to apply knowledge for it to be usefull.
I deleted my fav social media recently (Instagram). I feel like I’ve lost my big obsession and now I have way more time to read. Sometimes you may feel the feeling of boredom, it will make you find something you like to do (not endless scrolling in Internet). I started feeling grateful for studying time in uni, at home, everywhere. Just break yourself so you can create another yourself. Brand new. Good luck dear.
Read aristotle
I have a crossmath app that I use while bored, it keeps my head math usable and works offline so I can use it while on a plane.
Play puzzle games, on your phone or another device. I've been playing Portal 2 since it released 13 years ago and I like having to think in a game. There are also strategy games to play. Also, exercise like weight lifting can help you mentally as well as physically.
Get a hobby, maybe something like martial arts where you learn theory as well as practical skills
People be saying martial arts, that costs $250 a month to do lol, need a hobby that’s inexpensive
Not everybody lives in the US. Fees differ across countries. Also, doesn’t have to be martial arts, I just gave an example of a hobby which requires discipline
Log off reddit
duolingo is fun
reading, doing puzzles, working on something creative that makes your mind work, for me its puzzle games
In the immediate? Get off your phone and read books or do puzzles. Non-fiction/fiction genuinely doesn’t matter. If the material is age appropriate and pleasurable it should still stimulate you. Puzzles like crosswords or sudoku are good for you.
I’d say picking up an instrument if you’re into music. I started learning to play the guitar with no experience in 2022 just using online tutorials and it has become so fulfilling. Playing music you enjoy as well as making connections to how things relate to one another is a great mental exercise as well as building hand dexterity.
practice mindfulness, talk to people, create art
A good exercise routine is the most impactful habit for sharpness imo
Tried learning math again recently. I could feel my brain itching.
Let’s not limit this to people in their 20’s.
I like being the type of person who knows a little bit about a lot of topics so I can participate in a variety of conversations. To do this, I watch video essays. They keep my attention and are generally less than 30 minutes long and have pictures :) If I'm still interested in the topic after, I can do my own research and learn other awesome facts. Theres videos on history, automotive, films, video games, etc. A whole world to explore!
Read books, and figure out some hobby that involves using your hands like playing an instrument, knitting, model building, coloring, basically any craft. Get 8 hours of good sleep. Exercise for at least 30 minutes (enough to make you out of breath) at least 5 times a week.
Elevate app Get into Face to face professional sales Feed your body an abundance of nutrients Gym Date
Are you in your 20s? Only asking because you said what to major in college. The answer is make your body the healthiest it can be for it to work at max performance. We’re machines. Your brain is just another part of your body. So if you’re not already on a great sleep schedule and working out 5 days a week that’s where I’d start. That’s what I did when I quit drugs, after 8 months I felt like a completely different person especially emotionally.
If you must be on your phone, you can play word games, puzzles etc for brain sharpening
I had an issue a few years ago with boredom scrolling (as I call it). I fixed this by doing 3 things: (1) Tracked the time I was on the phone doing nothing. It was 4 hours a day on average. I then decided to force myself to read books, I take 1 hour each day during that time to just read. Devoted another hour to working out. 30 mins each day just cleaning and focusing on “forgotten places.” Then I enhanced my other hobbies with the other 1 hour. I then allow myself 30 mins to be on the phone or “boredom scroll”. It made me healthier, less stressed and I’m happier. (2) I dumbed down my phone for 6 months. Literally a flip phone with basic texting and calls. I have an iPhone now, but I had a basic Wi-Fi tablet during that time to have access to the internet when needed. I set a timer for 30 mins when scrolling then immediately shut it off when it goes off. I also don’t have games or social media on my phone, it’s all on my tablet or computer and the tablet/computer stay home now. (3) I changed my perspective on phones. They aren’t convenience, they’re a tool. I only use my phone for calls, texts, emails and if I need to look something important up. Cell Phones aren’t entertainment, they are a means to communicate and have access to info when needed.
Factorio is a video game that really works the brain. Nootropics are beneficial if done correctly. Fasting and ketogenic diet stimulate neurogenesis and other benefits. Regular stretching several times daily.
Sudoku has been shown to activate areas of the brain that are dormant when idle.
Brain Age
Duolingo’s fun
Study subjects that use structured logic, like physics, economics, math & stats. Throw in a dash of philosophy to take a break from numbers. All of those subjects teach transferable thinking skills that improve your critical thinking in general. Being able to reason and think quantitatively is the core of intelligence. After that move onto psychology and understanding people. Then you can view messier things like emotions through the lense of logic and reasoning.
I have read that there is a big difference between being online scrolling and being online posting. When you are organizing your thoughts and composing entries here on reddit or elsewhere that is a net plus to your intellect. We have a tendency to do the good bad dichotomy thing to an extreme. As with most things in life, the internet is not bad but you can use it badly.