If you’re like me and like to both enjoy the moment and think ahead, you may have wondered about good techniques to develop your gifted mind. Below are some research-based techniques, some of which are good for everyone, but all of which are especially good for the gifted mind.
- Read, read, read. Research appears to show that reading makes you “smarter”. Aside from a larger knowledge base and exposure to new ways of thinking, reading allows you to connect ideas from one area into a different one.
Although I recommend this in general, because on average, gifted minds process information more quickly, have greater comprehension, and retain more of what they learn for longer, I especially recommend this for gifted minds. I would speculate that this extends to audio books and podcasts as well. - Socialize. It’s been shown that more social contact appears to reduce the risk of dementia. Furthermore, association with people from outside of one’s own groups may help improve empathy. What’s more, there’s some evidence that gifted people tend to be more introverted, and while there’s nothing wrong with that, it’s especially easy for gifted folks to remain in their mind, since thinking comes so easily.
It’s not easy during, say, a pandemic, with the need to socially distance but do make an effort to increase your frequency and variety of social contact. Who knows? You might even learn something about yourself. - Meditate. I generally recommend this practice: however, it is not for everyone. In my experience, people with executive functioning problems do better with guided meditations, if any form of meditation can be of help. Generally speaking, though, meditation seems to reduce anxiety, develop working memory, and help emotionally, too.
As a whole, gifted individuals may have higher rates of mood disorders, and of course tend to think more widely, deeply, broadly, and quickly. Your mind needs a break once in a while! Meditation may be just the thing for you. - Engage in practices which promote happiness. “Hey, didn’t you say this was about the mind?” Indeed I did, and your emotions are part of your mind. While everyone would like to be happy, gifted people may especially need a break from the aforementioned mood disorders.
The Mayo Clinic has some research-based practices to help promote happiness. Give them a try! - Exercise. Under a physician’s guidance, try to exercise. The benefits of exercise extend not only to the body feeling better, but improves cognition and lifts one’s mood as well, regardless of age.
There you go: not too many! You can count them on one hand. Good luck!
Building Your Lightbridge 