It’s that time of the year — you’ve finished your finals and can now relax for the summer. No more essays! No more problem sets! No more reading textbooks on linear algebra! No more studying for finals! No more having to use your brain! But unfortunately, we will all have to go back to school in about three months, which means we can not afford to let our minds get as soft as our soon-to-be couch-potato bodies. Here are some tips on how to keep your brain sharp in preparation for the Fall 2015 semester.
1. Keep reading
Most students have the bad habit of not reading anything over the summer. Whether you are a science or humanities major, during the semester you read a sizable amount of text. Continuing to read even when it is no longer required is a good way to keep your mind sharp and ready for the new semester. As soon as you stop reading regularly, your reading pace slows down. We’re sure you don’t want to spend anymore time reading your textbooks than is absolutely necessary next semester — so keep reading!
2. Download a brain-training app on you phone
Download a game like Luminosity or Mindfit and play those instead of Angry Birds or Bejeweled. Numerous studies have been conducted that show brain-training apps help improve one’s memory, attention and problem solving skills. This summer, while you’re waiting for your mom to get back from the dentist, waste her phone data in a more productive way.
3. Limit the time you spend watching television
Seriously, go outside and enjoy the sunshine. Don’t turn into a couch potato while binge watching the newest season of Orange is the New Black — or at least don’t do so in one sitting. Watching massive amounts of TV is not healthy for your brain or body. The key to keeping your mind sharp is to constantly challenge it through keeping it active, which, unfortunately, is not provided by sitting and staring at the TV.
4. Eat healthier foods
Now that you’re back home, you have the opportunity to raid your parents’ refrigerator for foods which have become foreign, such as fruits and vegetables. Although it may take more time and effort to eat healthier foods, you should try to stay away from 90-second ramen while you have the chance.
5. Exercise your body
Even if you only dedicate yourself to 30 minutes of walking a day, you will improve your health. The key to a healthy mind is a healthy body, so don’t let yourself waste all the effort you put in at the RSF. Stay active.
Image courtesy of Kassia Binkowski
Contact Sophia Zepeda at szepeda@dailycal.org.