First of all, what are cognitive skills? It is simply defined as an individual’s ability to process his thoughts, learn and do problem solving. What has all this got to do with your life and being smart?
Well, the skills related to cognition include; logic and reasoning, memory, and visual processing. So as you can see, these skills are vital in your life. If you are part of the workforce, then employers will be looking for the following skills:
- Ability to focus on a task and meet deadlines
- Ability to evaluate and find solutions to problems;
- Ability to work with minimal supervision;
- Ability to observe and learn from your observations;
- Ability to read and understand written instructions;
So, if it’s time for you to improve on your cognitive skills, here are some small steps to get you started:
Know your stress triggers and try to address them as soon as possible. A stressed brain means poor cognition. Stress also affects your physical health, so it makes it even more difficult for the brain to reach its full potential.
Take Omega-3 supplements or fish oil to feed the brain. Since the grey matter of your brain is made up of mostly fats, then these types of fats are ideal. You could also include nuts, seeds, coconut oil, pure butter and cheese.
Never stop learning. This applies to anything from a new hobby to Spanish classes. Learning something new initiates new neuron connections. And new neuron connection means healthier brains.
Focusing on improving your cognitive skills could also make you less susceptible to diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer’s.
Make it a part of your daily habit to exercise. If you can’t hit the gym, bike or jog, then stick to a simple exercise routine you can do at home. Flexing your muscles also flexes the thing(brain) inside your head!!
If you feel you need to dig deeper, there are a lot of eBooks in the market place today, that will give you more information about exercise.