These tips are especially useful if you’re trying to learn a new skill or study for exams.
A neurologist has shared some steps to boost your intelligence and memory. According to the expert, there are “simple” ways to “get smarter”.
In a video uploaded to social media platform TikTok, Dr Baibing Cheng, revealed his top tips with his more than 150,000 followers. He said: “Here are five simple steps to help you get smarter using neuroscience.”
Speak new facts out loud
Firstly Dr Cheng, who is better known online as Dr Bing, encouraged people to repeat new facts out loud after learning them. This could mean saying them or whispering them to yourself.
He said: “When you try to learn something like a fact or a new idea don’t just think it but speak it out loud or whisper it. By doing that you add an extra auditory feedback, which then creates more entry points in your brain so that your memory sticks longer.”
Write down new facts
Similar to saying a new fact out loud, writing it down could help you remember it. He continued: “Right after you learn something try to spend 30 to 60 seconds replaying it in your head like reconstructing a lecture you just heard, or walk through key steps to something, or recall what was said in a meeting.
“And this quick replay can help stabilise the memory before it fades.”
Make predictions
This step can make your brain “pay closer attention”. “Making predictions forces your brain to pay closer attention to things,” Dr Bing said.
“So, for example, if you’re studying anatomy try to guess what a structure does before you read the answer so when you’re right about something it reinforces the memory and when you’re wrong your brain flags that surprise as important, which makes the correction far more memorable for your brain. And this is what we call prediction error effect.”
Give your brain some down time
Between these other steps you should also give your brain a rest . He said: “After you learn something try to give your brain some downtime like close your eyes for a couple of minutes or go for a walk.
“And studies have shown that both short mental rest and walking can help you consolidate memories. Walking in particular engages brain networks tied to creativity, problem solving and focus.
“So if you’re stuck on an idea, for example, try to move your body and think it through while you’re walking.”
Get good quality sleep
Finally, he added: “Step five is to get good quality sleep after you learn something. A lot of people overlook this but learning continues while you sleep and sleep consolidates your memories.
“Sometimes it may feel like sleeping takes away your time from learning something but it can actually cut down study time and make knowledge last longer.”