How to Get Smarter: Effective Exercises for Memory, Focus and Thinking

What the mind depends on

Why are some people smarter than others? Why can some people easily learn a new language, write a book, discover the theory of relativity and come up with Tesla, while others are not able to? The questions are fair, and there is an answer to them.

The mind is how clearly we think and how quickly we remember, how easily we can assimilate new information and analyze the existing one. All these are cognitive abilities of the brain: memory, attention, thinking. These abilities at birth do not differ from person to person: the brain works the same for you and Elon Musk.

However, brain function depends on the number and variety of synapses. These are the junctions between neurons that provide their activity. The more synapses, the cooler and faster the brain works.

Elon Musk is so cool because the number of synapses in his brain is significantly higher than in others. But not because he was born that way, but because he is working on himself.

The number of synapses is not constant. At about 25 years old, this number reaches its maximum, after which a gradual degradation occurs. This is normal: not only the body is aging, but also the brain. Therefore, just like we go to the gym, to be in shape, we need to train the brain. The mind can be pumped - this is proved by the research of neuropsychologists over the past 10 years.

What to do to get smarter

It takes training to develop cognitive skills. It can be playing chess or musical instruments, doing crosswords and Sudoku, and counting in the mind. Nothing phenomenal, just mental stress. However, tasks of the same type develop the brain only to a certain level.

In 1998, a prisoner in England managed to memorize the exact size and shape of the prison keys. From the materials at hand, he made duplicates that fit all the doors. But the escape failed, the guy's plan was revealed earlier. This story is about training all cognitive abilities. If the prisoner had developed not only memory, but also attention, he would be free.

Recent neuropsychological research shows that cognitive training is the most effective way to develop the brain. These are simple exercises that boost memory, attention and thinking.

On the basis of these studies, a service of online simulators "Wikium" was created. The user is offered to go through simple tasks, the workout takes 15–20 minutes a day. The difficulty increases as you progress.

What simulators look like

Exercise is games. At first glance, they seem simple: find an item, repeat the sequence, sort by color. However, the assignments are based on scientific research and improve cognitive skills.

Thanks to gamification, the process is enjoyable - everyone loves to play and always. That's why the calculation: the next day you will return and continue your workout.

For example, the Signal Lights simulator is based on the Corsi test. The use of MRI has shown that the exercise involves areas of the brain responsible for visual-figurative thinking and regulation of attention.

The game "Find the number" is based on the exercise "Schulte table", in which you need to find numbers in ascending order as quickly as possible. This simulator develops attention and memory.

Another quest is based on the Stroop effect. You need to match pairs of cards and decide if the color names on the left cards match the text colors on the right ones. The game seems simple, but once you try it, you realize that you are not thinking fast enough.

The game trains attention and thinking. The faster you answer, the more focused you are. By the way, using a test based on Stroop's experiments, Soviet spies were identified in the United States: they gave the suspect cards with Russian text. Those who did not know the language were responsible for a split second. And if the subject understood the meaning of what was written, the speed of the response immediately dropped.

How to train

Before you start training, you must pass an introductory test. The service will determine the current level of training and select a personal training program. There are separate courses that develop attention, creative thinking, the ability to manage emotions.

You can customize your workouts to develop the cognitive skills needed in your profession. This will help you better cope with current tasks and become more successful at work. This format is also useful for schoolchildren who are just choosing a profession.

Wikium operates on a freemium model: nine simulators are available free of charge - two for memory, four for thinking and three for attention. Premium account holders get access to all exercises, there are 44 of them on the site.

Wikium has a competition format: participate and compare your abilities with other users. You can do it both from a computer and from a smartphone - the service supports adaptive layout of the web version for mobile devices.

Outcomes

Remember how the excellent students in your school shone in the classroom? Most likely, now they are not geniuses, because they no longer work on their homework. It takes effort to be smart. The online simulator service was created just for this.

Wikium develops your cognitive skills. Daily workouts will increase your reaction speed by one and a half times in one week and improve your memory by 20% in 2-3 weeks. The main thing is to practice regularly and remember that the mind is not an innate characteristic, but an acquired skill. This means that you are no worse than Elon Musk.