#cognitive techniques

[athenavalor]

Stoicism Stops Overthinking

Stoicism to the Rescue: How Ancient Wisdom Can Quiet Your Mind Hello, fellow thinker! Ever find yourself caught in the whirlwind of your thoughts? You know, those nights when your brain decides to run a marathon at 3 AM? Well, guess what? There’s a way to quiet that mental noise, and it comes from a bunch of folks in ancient times who were surprisingly calm and collected: the Stoics. Let’s dive…

[glowettee]

hi there! im a fan of your page 💕

can you give me the best studying techniques?

hi angel!! @mythicalmarion tysm for asking about study techniques 🤍 i'm so excited to share my secret methods that helped me maintain perfect grades while still having a dreamy lifestyle + time for self-care!! and thank you for being a fan of my blog, it means everything to me. <3

~ ♡ my non-basic study secrets that actually work ♡ ~

(don't mind the number formatting)

the neural bridging technique this is literally my favorite discovery!! instead of traditional note-taking, i create what i call "neural bridges" between different subjects. for example, when studying both literature + history, i connect historical events with the literature written during that time. i use a special notebook divided into sections where each page has two columns - one for each subject. the connections help you understand both subjects deeper + create stronger memory patterns!!

here's how i do it:

example:

left column: historical event

right column: literary connection

middle: draw connecting lines + add small insights

bottom: write how they influenced each other

the shadow expert method this changed everything for me!! i pretend i'm going to be interviewed as an expert on the topic i'm studying. i create potential interview questions + prepare detailed answers. but here's the twist - i record myself answering these questions in three different ways:

basic explanation (like i'm talking to a friend)

detailed analysis (like i'm teaching a class)

complex discussion (like i'm at a conference)

this forces you to understand the topic from multiple angles + helps you explain concepts in different ways!!

the reverse engineering study system instead of starting with the basics, i begin with the most complex example i can find and work backwards to understand the fundamentals. for example, in calculus, i start with a complicated equation + break it down into smaller parts until i reach the basic concepts.

my process looks like:

find the hardest example in the textbook

list every concept needed to understand it

create a concept map working backwards

study each component separately

rebuild the complex example step by step

the sensory anchoring technique this is seriously game-changing!! i associate different types of information with specific sensory experiences:

theoretical concepts - study while standing

factual information - sitting at my desk

problem-solving - walking slowly

memorization - gentle swaying

review - lying down

your body literally creates muscle memory associated with different types of learning!!

the metacognition mapping strategy i created this method where i track my understanding using what i call "clarity scores":

level 1: can recognize it

level 2: can explain it simply

level 3: can teach it

level 4: can apply it to new situations

level 5: can connect it to other topics

i keep a spreadsheet tracking my clarity levels for each topic + focus my study time on moving everything to level 5!!

the information architecture method instead of linear notes, i create what i call "knowledge buildings":

foundation: basic principles

first floor: key concepts

second floor: applications

top floor: advanced ideas

roof: real-world connections

each "floor" must be solid before moving up + i review from top to bottom weekly!!

the cognitive stamina training this is my absolute secret weapon!! i use a special interval system based on brain wave patterns:

32 minutes of focused study

8 minutes of active recall

16 minutes of teaching the material to my plushies

4 minutes of complete rest

the specific timing helps maintain peak mental performance + prevents study fatigue!!

the synthesis spiral evolution this method literally transformed how i retain information:

create main concept spirals

add branch spirals for subtopics

connect related concepts with colored lines

review by tracing the spiral paths

add new connections each study session

your notes evolve into a beautiful web of knowledge that grows with your understanding!!

these methods might seem different from typical study advice, but they're based on how our brains actually process + store information!! i developed these through lots of research + personal experimentation, and they've helped me maintain perfect grades while still having time for self-care, hobbies + fun!!

sending you the biggest hug + all my good study vibes!! remember that effective studying is about working with your brain, not against it <3

p.s. if you try any of these methods, please let me know how they work for you!! i love hearing about your study journeys!!

xoxo, mindy 🤍

glowettee hotline is still open, drop your dilemmas before the next advice post 💌: https://bit.ly/glowetteehotline

[lamusedhermes]

This morning, my therapist shared this really useful hack and I feel like it could be useful to share: it is the pie chart method.

Essentially, it is a great tool to identify the behaviours, situations and events that caused a certain effect, in order for you to truly understand what really happened.

You simply draw a circle, identify the circumstances that caused the outcome and give each situation a percentage of its influence on the outcome.

For example: you bake a cake but it turns out horribly. It could be that 45% of the fault could be given to the oven that has malfunctioned, 30% to the wrongly calculated measurements of the ingredients, and 25% of your inexperience baking a cake. In the end, you will realise that it may not be your fault, and therefore you should stop being so angry at yourself.

Disclaimer: sometimes the fault could be given to you. This is a useful method for those of you who may constantly be harsh to yourselves.

[ismailfazil1-blog]

The Human Brain vs. Supercomputers: The Ultimate Comparison

Are Supercomputers Smarter Than the Human Brain?

This article delves into the intricacies of this comparison, examining the capabilities, strengths, and limitations of both the human brain and supercomputers.

[recsspecs]

Good students, on the other hand, constantly raise the bar for themselves

as they focus on what they haven’t learned and mastered yet. This is why high achievers who have had a taste of the vast amount of knowledge out there are likely to suffer from what psychologists call imposter syndrome, the feeling that you are not really up to the job, even though, of all people, they are (Clance and Imes 1978; Brems et al. 1994).

- How to Take Smart Notes (Sönke Ahrens)

[feline-evil]

It wasn't funny at the time but looking back on it man it is genuinely hilarious how my first attempt at getting diagnosed and getting help with my mental illnessess went.

So imagine if you will the skinniest, most unwell, sleepless looking 18 year old, just real Victorian orphan vibes with permanent shakes and a penchant for passing out in fear if he so much as thinks of leaving the house. I need you to know that's the kind of state i was in when i walked into a doctors office to see one of the oldest men i've ever seen in an employed field. He sits me down and asks me what's wrong, he's the GP at my local doctors; that's a general practitioner, if you're outside of the UK maybe that's not a familiar term. Anyway he's not a psychologist, you don't get to see a psychologist unless your GP refers you! Anyway he asks me whats wrong and i explain to him my long list of debilitating anxiety symptoms, i tell him about not being able to eat or sleep or leave the house; i'm in a bad way at this point in my life, it's not a good time for young jay! Lad doesn't even know he's a man yet! Pretty bad time all round!

And so after i explain to him the situation we get our first of the many funny 'i'm not sure this man is qualified to have this conversation' red flags.

"Do you have a boyfriend?"

Uh oh.

Well no, sir, on account of the not leaving the house socialisation has been tricky, see?

"Oh you need a boyfriend and some friends, that'll help love :)"

Uh oh.

It is at this point in the appointment we are winding down towards the end of my time here at the doctors, and our next big ol' waving red flag hits like a jet liner. And this ones the big one, the one that gives me reason to tell this story and watch people look a mite aghast.

The GP laughs, claps a hand on my shoulder and says "well don't you worry, we won't be locking you up for this one!"

I freeze in shock.

What did this man just say.

Now, i don't wish to imply that this wouldn't be a horrifying thing to say to a different teen riddled with severe mental illness who didn't have a family history of relatives being admitted to psychiatric institutes, but i am suggesting that MAYHAPS. JUST POTENTIALLY. That was a slightly more horrifying sentence to come out of a medical professionals mouth to someone who has that as a family history in his own living memory! So i lock up in horror, alarms blaring in my mind, wondering how the fuck i'm going to politely and finitely end this conversation and meeting and leave vowing never to cross this mans path again in my life; but i don't get much time to ponder what to do, because here comes the final red flag, that second jet liner crashing right in, the final can of petrol being poured on the burning wreck that is the first appointment i have ever made to talk about my mental health.

This man, a complete stranger, i had never met this GP before in my life, hugs me. It is so uncomfortable, i would not say i am the most comfortable with physical contact from strangers even now nearly ten years later, but then? At age eighteen? This is just about the worst thing that could've happened in my eyes! I do not come from a family that hugs, i didn't not know how to hug back then, in that moment it's awkward and weird and i just freeze and wait for it to end, and then i leave the room with the GP beaming and waving after me like he's just performed a miracle and i'll forever be cured from this point on.

I walk to my mom waiting for me in the waiting room, she smiles and gives me a thumbs up.

GENUINELY it couldn't have gone worse, objectively the funniest awful situation i have ever been in.

[tmarshconnors]

Psychology: Understanding the Human Mind

Psychology is a fascinating field that delves into the intricacies of the human mind and behavior. From cognitive processes to emotional responses, psychology seeks to understand why we think, feel, and act the way we do.

Throughout my exploration of psychology, I’ve been particularly intrigued by concepts like motivation, personality, and mental health. Understanding psychological theories helps us comprehend our own behaviors and those of others, fostering empathy and improving our relationships.

Moreover, psychology’s application in various fields—education, therapy, and business—demonstrates its relevance in everyday life. By learning about psychological principles, we can equip ourselves to navigate challenges, enhance our well-being, and promote positive change in our communities.

[rollerska8er]

the phrase "it takes all sorts to make a world" has genuinely rewired the way i look at life. whenever i start to get insecure and compare myself to others i just think "well it takes all sorts to make a world" and realise that, actually, it's fine for my life to take a different path to that of others

[upnowapp]

What is Driving Anxiety? Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

Driving anxiety can significantly impact daily life, causing serious mental health challenges. Various factors, including past traumatic experiences, visual impairment, accidents, aging, and specific phobias, can trigger this anxiety. Symptoms range from physical manifestations like sweating and increased heart rate to psychological issues such as fear of driving and panic attacks.

Effective treatments include setting realistic goals, understanding your anxiety, practicing relaxation techniques, and seeking therapy. Hypnotherapy and virtual exposure therapy can also be beneficial in managing and overcoming driving anxiety.

For more information on the causes, symptoms, and treatments of driving anxiety, click here.

[kachmedcom]

Apprenez à gérer votre stress efficacement .

Le stress est une réalité de la vie moderne. Il peut être causé par de nombreux facteurs, tels que le travail, la famille, les finances, ou encore la santé. Le stress peut avoir un impact négatif sur notre santé physique et mentale, et peut nous empêcher de vivre pleinement notre vie. Mais il existe des solutions pour gérer le stress efficacement. La formation "Gérer son stress au quotidien comme un pro" vous donne les outils et les techniques nécessaires pour maîtriser votre stress et vivre une vie plus saine et heureuse. Inscrivez-vous, et réservez votre accès !

[mde-creative-video]

Effective Strategies for Managing Unpleasant Thoughts

[fourthapprentice]

if you have problems with being super avoidant because of trauma, it’s still your responsibility to learn how to have difficult conversations and deal with confrontation. that shit is stressful for everyone, but never working on those skills is only exacerbating the issue AND hurting the people around you who care about you and want to work things out and talk about things.

[surinderbhalla]

Fibromyalgia: Latest Findings and prevention tips!

Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, tenderness, and other symptoms. Despite its prevalence, fibromyalgia has long been shrouded in mystery due to its complex and often elusive nature. However, recent research has shed new light on the condition. In this blog, we will be discussing fibromyalgia, Its latest findings, and prevention tips. We will also…

[recsspecs]

In psychology, this is known as the Dunning-Kruger effect.

Poor students lack insight into their own limitations – as they would have to know about the vast amount of knowledge out there to be able to see how little they know in comparison. That means that those who are not very good at something tend to be overly confident, while those who have made an effort tend to underestimate their abilities. Poor students also have no trouble finding a question to write about: they neither lack opinions nor the confidence that they have already thought them through. They also won’t have trouble finding confirming evidence in the literature as they usually lack both interest and skill to detect and think through disconfirming facts and arguments.

- How to Take Smart Notes (Sönke Ahrens)

[afniel]

This is literally how I deal with anxiety attacks, by the way. Express gratitude that your brain/body are trying to protect you, acknowledge that while you are grateful, you do not need this protection right now because you aren't in danger, and then gently try to let go of it. Takes long-term practice and repetition (and patience!), but it's been the number one most helpful thing for me.

Gratitude - Tidying Up With Marie Kondo (2019)