How to Expand Your Mind

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Our minds have so much potential to expand and grow, but sometimes it’s easy to get stuck in a certain way of thinking if we’re always doing the same things and not challenging ourselves. Not to worry–expanding your thinking is totally possible as long as you’re willing to change things up. We’ve compiled some tips to help you switch up your mindset, spark your creativity, open your mind to new ideas and information, and start experiencing new things. Check out the steps below to get started!

1

Read books, stories and news every day.

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  1. Reading is one of the best ways to become more informed, empathetic, and aware.
    Read everything you come across. Get a book to read before bed. Skim through the news in the morning. Try a poem or short story if you don’t have much time.[1]
    • Both fiction and non-fiction are beneficial. While non-fiction can teach you information about the world, fiction can improve your empathy, imagination, and brain connectivity.[2]
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2

Write to boost your memory and problem-solving skills.

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  1. Writing is a very effective tool for mental growth.
    It can help you process your day, analyze problems, and flex your creativity. Keep a daily journal to track your life or try your hand at writing fiction. If faced with a problem, write it out to see if it helps you come up with a solution.[3]
    • A gratitude journal is a great way to write every day and support your mind’s growth. Write down 1 thing every day that you are thankful for. This will make you feel more positive and confident.
    • If you want to share your thoughts, start a blog. Others can respond to your posts and help you think about issues in new ways.
3

Ask questions when faced with something new.

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  1. Asking questions helps you challenge the world around you.
    It also helps teach you new facts and details. When faced with something new, ask questions about it. If someone nearby can’t answer it, look up the answer yourself.
    • Question yourself as well as others. What do you do the things that you do? Why do you believe certain things or why do you enjoy others?
    • Try writing a list of 50 questions. Perhaps there is something you’ve always wanted to know. Maybe you want to question yourself. Look around the room and ask how certain objects work or think about how they were made. Afterwards, try answering these questions.
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4

Learn to focus on important things.

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There are several tasks that you have to do throughout the day, month, or year. Setting your priorities and focusing on important things can take you ahead in life. For example, if you're a student, teacher or a learner, then studying should be one of your top priorities. Set aside time to study and sit consistently and ignore other lower-priority tasks or thoughts. If you follow this routine daily and consistently over a few months, you will see a drastic improvement in your focus, concentration and comprehension skills. This practice will help you in your studies as well as in other activities or tasks. You can easily carry forward your focus and concentration into other areas of life as well. If this practice is followed continually over many months then you'll soon start feeling a sense of control over your life.

    • Having a positive outcome with one activity will give you motivation and energy for further tasks.
    • By managing your time and energy efficiently, it can also bring changes in your overall health as you can feel happier, motivated, and that you have a purpose in life.
    • Start with simple activities and start off concentrating for less time in the beginning.
    • Set realistic and clear goals and objectives.
5

Do puzzles and brainteasers.

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  1. The brain needs exercise like any other part of the body.
    Brain exercises can involve playing Tetris, Sudoku, crossword puzzles, math problems, or other puzzle games. These can test your critical thinking, memory, and problem solving skills.[4]
    • Download a puzzle or brain training app on your phone. You might use this app for 15 minutes a day to sharpen your reasoning skills.
    • Mix up what games and puzzles you play. If you do Sudoku every day, you might get good at Sudoku, but you might not learn how to do other types of puzzles or problems.
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6

Perform simple scientific experiments in your own home.

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  1. This can help increase your curiosity, reasoning skills, and scientific knowledge.
    To help you think like a scientist, try doing some simple home experiments to test the world around you.
7

Fill your knowledge gaps.

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  1. Nobody can be expected to know everything. But not knowing 'what you don't know' can be a real pain in your life ahead. Find out the areas you are making mistakes, it might be because of your knowledge gaps in these areas. These areas can be social situation, driving, communication, dressing, thinking, exercising , relations etc. Please remember , there's always scope to improve yourself. So be ready to fill your brain with more valuable information about the areas you are weak. Read the magazines, books, watch videos and fill your knowledge gaps. In no time you will find yourself in an amazing place. It will also help in boosting your morale and self esteem.
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8

Break the problem.

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  1. Sometimes problems look vary tedious to be solved. It happens because our mind gets overwhelmed seeing the complexity of it. In this cases just don't look the problem as whole. Try to break the problem in it's subparts and then try to solve each parts separately. It will help you better understand the issue and solve it. There can be many ways to look at a particular problem. Try to find various ways you can look at it.
    • For example If I say stop seeing! what will you do. You can either close your eyes or switch off the lights if you are in a room. So here stop seeing doesn't depend solely on closing your eyes. If you know the fact that until light is reflected to your eyes from some object you won't be able to see it. So here you chose the option of switching off the light. So in this way you can find different aspect of a problem and solve it.
9

Practice mindfulness.

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  1. This helps you become aware of the world around you.
    [5] It involves engaging every sense, feeling, and sensation around you. Mindfulness can improve your memory and strengthen your brain power.[6]
    • Try mindfulness meditation. Sit somewhere quiet for 5 minutes and close your eyes. Focus on every sensation that you feel, such as the noise of the air conditioner or the feeling of your seat beneath you. Capture even the most minor of details.[7]
    • When you eat, chew slowly. Savor every taste, texture, and sensation of the food you are consuming.
    • If you’re out in public, take a few minutes just to notice every detail. Look at the leaves on the ground, the decorations on a building, or the movement of people around you.
    • At work or school, try doing some grounding techniques. Take a minute to notice everything that you feel, such as the chair beneath you or the desk under your hands.
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10

Meditate to boost your mindfulness.

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  1. Meditation is a key part of expanding your mind and thought processes.
    Find somewhere quiet and comfortable to sit for 5 minutes. Concentrate on slow and deep breaths. Don’t think about anything else. If your mind starts to wander, redirect it back to your breath.[8]
    • Meditation can help you relax, cope with stress, find new perspective, and strengthen your self-awareness.[9]
    • Try downloading an app that offers guided meditation, such as Headspace, Insight Timer, or Calm.
11

Think positively about the world.

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  1. Negative thinking doesn’t help your mind be at its best.
    Whenever you’re faced with problems or obstacles, keep an optimistic mindset. Positive thoughts, like love, creativity, and joy, keep your mind in a peaceful state. Negative thoughts like fear, jealousy, hate, and anger, can cause feelings of sadness, distress, or anxiety.[10]
    • If you typically think negatively about things, you may not want to jump straight to positive thinking. Instead, start with neutral thoughts and work your way up to positivity.
    • Say positive affirmations to yourself in the mirror every morning to pump yourself up for the day.[11] You might say something like “It’s another great day” or “I am going to rock it today.”
    • Motivational quotes, posters, mugs, or other reminders can help you stay in the right frame of mind as you go through your day. Leave a friendly note in your wallet or post a positive quote above your desk.
    • Benefits of positive thinking include a longer lifespan, decreased stress, stronger psychological health, and improved coping skills during difficult situations.
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12

Identify your biases.

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  1. Biases tend to close your mind, not expand it.
    If you know your biases, then you can work to overcome them. Pay attention to your thoughts, feelings and actions. Ask yourself why you think that way, and challenge your assumptions.[12]
    • For example, our biases may cause us to take more responsibility for our successes than our failures. For example, we may blame a teacher when we fail a paper but praise ourselves when we get an A.
    • A confirmation bias is one where you only consider information that supports your preconceptions. For example, you might ignore facts that don't support your political ideology.
    • Sometimes, we judge a decision based on its outcome rather than the soundness of the decision. Just because you win a lottery doesn't mean that buying a lottery ticket was a smart decision.
    • People tend to think themselves as less biased than other people. It means that by default we remain blind to our own cognitive biases.
13

Listen to your intuition.

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  1. Your intuition is an important part of your mind.
    It’s that little inner voice that helps you identify good and bad decisions. Don’t ignore your inner voice. Listen to it, and try to analyze what it could mean. When making a decision, consider your intuition as well as your reasoning.[13]
    • You don’t have to blindly follow your intuition, but you should use it when considering certain decisions. For example, if you’re buying a new house, you might get a better “vibe” or “feeling” about 1 place. Ask yourself what is giving you that feeling. You may realise there is a reason why you feel that way.
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14

Remember that you can change.

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  1. Your mind is a flexible tool.
    While it might feel rigid or set in its ways, with the right motivation, it can expand and grow. Try to remind yourself that you can create new practices, break old habits, and make a change for the better.[14]
    • It can take around 66 days to form a new habit or to break an old one. Keep working on your new mindset. After a while, it will become second nature.
15

Step outside of your comfort zone.

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  1. Trying new things and experiences is an important part of expanding your mind.
    If you only try things that are familiar and comfortable, it will be hard for you to expand your mind. While trying new things can sometimes be uncomfortable, in the end, you will usually benefit from it.
    • Think about something that you’ve never tried before but would be interested in learning. For example, perhaps you’ve always wanted to go SCUBA diving or maybe you want to take a helicopter ride.
    • Everyone has some kind of fear. You might hate speaking in public or dread heights. Unless you have a severe phobia, try to identify your fears and confront them. For example, speak up at a town hall or go to a rock climbing gym. If your fears are so strong that they interfere with daily life, talk to a mental health professional for help.
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16

Learn a new skill.

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  1. Learning new skills keeps your brain sharp as you get older.
    It can also expand your experience to new things. Consider something that you’ve always wanted to learn. See if there is a local class, or look up videos online to teach you how to do it.[15]
    • Some great creative lessons include learning to paint, do pottery, make jewelry, or sew.
    • More physical activities you might try include swing dancing, playing on a sports team, or doing yoga.
    • Think about any skills that might help you in your daily life. Take a cooking class, learn to be handy around your house, or read up on how to perform your own car maintenance.
17

Meet new people and groups.

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  1. Step 1 Social networks are extremely important in helping us grow as people.
    New people bring new experiences, ideas, and beliefs that can challenge and expand our own way of thinking.[16]
    • Join a club or society that centers around your interests. For example, join a board game club, an environmental society, or a knitting group.
    • Try to encounter people with different beliefs, cultural practices, and lifestyles. You might go to a cultural festival, a religious celebration, or a parade.
    • Consider joining a sports team. This will require you to work on a team with other people.
  2. Step 2 Travel to new places.
    Travel can expose you to new people, cultures, places, and ways of thinking. Plan trips that will take you somewhere interesting and new. You can travel to a different city, state, or country.[17]
    • Keep a curious mindset as you experience different cultures. Instead of judging or making assumptions, focus on learning as much as you can about the way other people live.[18]
    • Try to identify what types of things you might be interested in doing. This can help you find the right trip. For example, if you want to see animals and nature, visit a national park. If you're interested in history, find a city with museums, historical buildings, or monuments.
    • For a big trip, try visiting a major city, like New York, London, or Tokyo. You may need to save up money for the trip, but it can be an experience that will broaden your horizons.
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18

Volunteer to help others in need.

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  1. Helping others provides benefits to your community and to your own personal growth.
    You may encounter new people with a different perspective on life, and you will learn ways to solve problems for the benefit of society. Volunteering can improve empathy, social skills, and thinking.[19]
    • Look for a charity or organization in your local area that could use volunteers. Choose an issue that is important to you.
    • You can also volunteer at schools, town events, animal shelters, or community centers.
19

Keep yourself occupied and productive throughout the day.

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  1. Boredom does more than just sap your energy–it can also dull your mind.
    Try to be engaged in different activities throughout the day. When you have time to yourself, choose an activity that uses your brain, such as reading, doing a puzzle, socializing, or crafting.[20]
    • You can, of course, take breaks to relax. For example, there is nothing wrong with watching TV for an hour a night. Just avoid binging for several hours in a row.
    • Try to mix up your activities so that you don’t get bored. For example, give yourself an hour to play a game, then go for a walk. Afterwards, cook dinner from scratch, and read a book after your meal.
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20

Get some exercise.

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  1. Exercise can improve your mood, hone your awareness, and help you think through problems. Aim to do vigorous exercise, such as running or weight lifting, at least 2-3 times a week. On other days, do at least 30 minutes of less intensive activities like walking, swimming, or bike riding.[21]
    • Consider getting a pedometer and aim for 10,000 steps a day. This can help you keep track of how much you are moving.
    • Avoid sitting all day. Get up for 5 minutes every hour to take a short walk, do some stretches, or quickly do jumping jacks. This can wake up your mind and provide a quick boost of energy.
    • If you’re struggling with a problem or obstacle, movement can help you think through it. Go on a run, bike ride, or jog.
21

Eat a healthy diet.

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  1. Certain foods can increase your brain power and boost your memory.
    Eat a diet low in calories and saturated fat. Choose fresh, homemade foods instead of processed or prepared meals.[22]
    • Look for foods high in Omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish, walnuts, seaweed, winter squash, and broccoli. These are important for supporting your cognitive health.
    • Other foods that may help your brain power include blueberries, avocados, nuts, and kale. Drinks like coffee and tea may also provide cognitive benefits.[23]
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22

Get 7-9 hours of sleep every night.

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  1. Sleep is absolutely...
    Sleep is absolutely essential if you want your mind to operate and develop at its best. If you don’t get enough sleep, your memory, mood, cognitive thinking, and reasoning skills will suffer.[24]
    • Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. This will give your brain a schedule and make it easier to get to sleep at night.
    • Avoid using bright screens, like phones and computers, for an hour before you go to bed. This can help you go to sleep faster and improve your quality of sleep.
23

Engage in healthy social relationships.

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  1. Relationships can help us confront new ideas, learn new subjects, and embrace new ways of living.
    Foster your relationships with loved ones and friends. Arrange dinner parties, activities, or meetings to bring new people together.[25]
    • Start a discussion with others about your beliefs, ideas, thoughts, and practices. You might be surprised by what the other person has to offer. They might help you consider things in a new light.
    • Keep an open mind as you talk with others. You don't have to agree with their ideas or beliefs, but you can learn a lot just by listening to them.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How can I expand my thinking?
    Sandra Possing
    Sandra Possing
    Life Coach
    Sandra Possing is a life coach, speaker, and entrepreneur based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Sandra specializes in one-on-one coaching with a focus on mindset and leadership transformation. Sandra received her coaching training from The Coaches Training Institute and has seven years of life coaching experience. She holds a BA in Anthropology from the University of California, Los Angeles.
    Sandra Possing
    Sandra Possing
    Life Coach
    Expert Answer
    Try to seek out new experiences and people who are different from you. When you're having a conversation, focus on really listening to what the other person is saying so you can learn from their perspective.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
     Thank you for your feedback.
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    Not Helpful 1 Helpful 1
  • Question
    How do I forgive someone I love who has hurt me so intensely that I cant even handle myself?
    Paul Chernyak, LPC
    Paul Chernyak, LPC
    Licensed Professional Counselor
    Paul Chernyak is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Chicago. He graduated from the American School of Professional Psychology in 2011.
    Paul Chernyak, LPC
    Paul Chernyak, LPC
    Licensed Professional Counselor
    Expert Answer
    Try practicing compassion and acceptance. Forgiveness includes those 2 factors. Once you learn to forgive the other person, you will also learn to forgive yourself as well.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
     Thank you for your feedback.
     If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 6
  • Question
    How can l control stress?
    Paul Chernyak, LPC
    Paul Chernyak, LPC
    Licensed Professional Counselor
    Paul Chernyak is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Chicago. He graduated from the American School of Professional Psychology in 2011.
    Paul Chernyak, LPC
    Paul Chernyak, LPC
    Licensed Professional Counselor
    Expert Answer
    Become aware of where the stress is coming from and try to decrease those triggers or how your think about situations as well.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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Tips

  • Start with small steps. Sometimes your big goal seems daunting and intimidating. At those times, try to take small and easy steps. They'll help strengthen your morale and confidence to tackle bigger steps in the future.
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Warnings

  • You don’t need drugs to expand your mind. By learning and experiencing new things, you’ll find yourself with more permanent benefits than using psychoactive drugs.
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References

  1. ↑ http://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-broaden-your-thinking-find-ideas-2014-9
  2. ↑ https://welldoing.org/article/powerful-benefits-reading-fiction
  3. ↑ http://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-broaden-your-thinking-find-ideas-2014-9
  4. ↑ https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/250417
  5. ↑ Sandra Possing. Life Coach. Expert Interview. 13 August 2020.
  6. ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/healthy-living/how-to-improve-your-memory.htm
  7. ↑ Sandra Possing. Life Coach. Expert Interview. 13 August 2020.
  8. ↑ https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/250417
  9. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/meditation/in-depth/meditation/art-20045858
  1. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/positive-thinking/art-20043950
  2. ↑ Sandra Possing. Life Coach. Expert Interview. 13 August 2020.
  3. ↑ https://medium.com/swlh/how-to-overcome-cognitive-biases-and-make-better-decisions-daeecd38f910
  4. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/fulfillment-any-age/201506/when-should-you-trust-your-intuition
  5. ↑ https://www.sciencealert.com/here-s-how-long-it-takes-to-break-a-habit-according-to-science
  6. ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/challenge-your-mind-and-body-to-sharpen-your-thinking-skills-201510298507
  7. ↑ Sandra Possing. Life Coach. Expert Interview. 13 August 2020.
  8. ↑ https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2015/03/for-a-more-creative-brain-travel/388135/
  9. ↑ Sandra Possing. Life Coach. Expert Interview. 13 August 2020.
  10. ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/challenge-your-mind-and-body-to-sharpen-your-thinking-skills-201510298507
  11. ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/challenge-your-mind-and-body-to-sharpen-your-thinking-skills-201510298507
  12. ↑ https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/250417
  13. ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/healthy-living/how-to-improve-your-memory.htm
  14. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-mindful-self-express/201712/6-scientific-ways-boost-your-brain-health
  15. ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/healthy-living/how-to-improve-your-memory.htm
  16. ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/healthy-living/how-to-improve-your-memory.htm

About This Article

Sandra Possing
Co-authored by:
Sandra Possing
Life Coach
This article was co-authored by Sandra Possing. Sandra Possing is a life coach, speaker, and entrepreneur based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Sandra specializes in one-on-one coaching with a focus on mindset and leadership transformation. Sandra received her coaching training from The Coaches Training Institute and has seven years of life coaching experience. She holds a BA in Anthropology from the University of California, Los Angeles. This article has been viewed 239,680 times.
8 votes - 100%
Co-authors: 51
Updated: December 20, 2023
Views: 239,680
Categories: Thinking Skills
Article SummaryX

One way to expand your mind is to become more informed by reading books, stories, and news every day. While non-fiction books and the news are important for learning about the world, consider reading fiction stories as well because they can open your mind up to new possibilities you may have never imagined. On the flip side, writing is just as beneficial, so keep a daily journal to track your life or try writing a fictional short story. You might find that writing will help you process your thoughts and analyze problems in a new way. Consider posting your writing on a blog, so you can connect with new people who can introduce you to new ideas. For more tips from our co-author, including how to be more aware of the world around you through mindfulness, read on!

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