Sometimes, quickly skimming a newspaper article and clicking on the next link can lead to a lot of short bursts of information that you don’t focus on long enough to commit to memory or form thoughts. Reading short bursts of information found on the internet can also lead to a shorter attention span. It may also affect your ability to read things in-depth. [2] X Research source Find a book series you enjoy reading. [3] X Expert Source Desiree PanlilioTeen Life Coach Expert Interview. 12 October 2021.

Make it a family or social activity. Read a book to a child, or make your way through your novels with a friend or partner by reading them to each other.

Learn how to spell the word, all various definitions, and any synonyms. You may keep a list of words you are learning, or make flashcards to help you review them and commit them to memory.

For example, you can call someone instead of texting them, especially if you want to have a conversation. Consider going to dinner or getting together with people in person. Make sure you put away your cell phone and talk instead of staying on your phone.

If you need to use pen and paper to work out the problems, that’s okay.

If calculating 15 or 18% is too difficult at first, start with 20%. That is an easier percentage to calculate by hand.

Try taking a new route somewhere. See if you can find a shortcut, or go down a road you haven’t driven down before. Changing the path you drive somewhere engages your brain in a way that mindlessly following GPS doesn’t. You can also do this when walking, hiking, cycling, running, or taking public transit.

By doing this, you not only work on your map reading skills, but engage your sense of direction and work on memorization.

Try to find people to interact with in your life. This may be through work, school, friends, or family. Visit your grandparents, for example. [10] X Expert Source Desiree PanlilioTeen Life Coach Expert Interview. 12 October 2021. Consider going places where you will interact with those different than you. This may include an organization meeting, a volunteer opportunity, book club, public talk, or even a social meetup.

Be sure to let family, friends, and coworkers know which day of the week you are planning on doing this so that they do not become worried if they can’t get in touch with you.

You can start with things you are comfortable with. Try a new restaurant or type of ethnic cuisine. Travel somewhere new, even if it is close by. You can also try something completely different than what you usually do. If you aren’t active, sign up for a dance class or tennis lesson. If you spend a lot of time being active, try a painting or cooking class.

Good hobbies for your brain include creating music, drawing and painting, reading, any kind of arts or crafts, and home repair or building projects. You can also try dancing, martial arts, geocaching, writing, learning new languages, playing challenging board games, hiking and camping, or gardening.

Aerobic exercise has brain boosting effects. Try walking, jogging, running, swimming, dancing, cycling, or a cardio class at the gym. Low impact exercise can also be beneficial. Yoga and tai chi can help improve your mental functioning. Make it fun by learning something you’ve always want to do, like surfing. [16] X Expert Source Desiree PanlilioTeen Life Coach Expert Interview. 12 October 2021.

Some places may not have a strong phone signal. Do not worry, but do let someone know where you are going ahead of time. Get a trail map if available, and heed all posted warnings.