How to Think Logically (Part 1)

Do you ever wish you had the ability to solve problems efficiently and easily? If so, you may want to improve your thinking patterns in order to be more logical. Keeping your brain sharp is important as your brain has the power to rewire itself throughout your whole life in a process called neuroplasticity. From engaging in mental exercises, recognizing irrational thoughts, and making lifestyle changes there are many ways to work on thinking more logically.

Method One of Three:
Exercising Your Mind

Test your recall. Your brain, like any other body part, improves with exercise. A great way to give your brain a workout is to test your recall. Throughout the day, see how many details of a given moment, list, or task you can remember.

• Try to memorize small things each day. Write a grocery list and commit it to memory. Memorize a small passage from a poem or book. Wait an hour and see how much you can recall of what you've committed to memory.^[1]


• Draw a map from memory. Sketch a map going from your home to work, a store, a friend's house, or another place you frequently visit.^[2]


• Notice the little details. Making a conscious effort to notice seemingly irrelevant things can be a huge tool to help you become more logical. Do you notice the new paper cut on your friend's hand? Do you count the steps in your school or college? Do you look for spelling mistakes in texts? If the answer is no, now would be a great time to start. The more you practice, the healthier your mind will be. Over time, you'll become a more critical thinker.^[3]

2

Do crossword puzzles. The benefit of crossword puzzles on the mind is well documented. Crossword puzzles force you to push your brain slightly beyond its capabilities, which causes the regrowth of brain neurons. This increases your overall brain power and can promote more sound, logical thinking. Pick up a crossword puzzle book from a local bookstore or do your local newspaper's crossword each morning.^[4]

Learn a new talent. Learning new abilities requires a lot of logical thinking. From devising strategies that help you learn to undertake challenging tasks, you use logic and strategy to acquire new skills. Try taking up some of the following activities to boost your logical thinking skills:^[5]

• Learn to play instruments.


• Learn to draw or paint.


• Learn to speak a foreign language.


• Learn to cook.

4

Socialize. Learning from others is a form of mental exercise. Social connections and friendships nourish the brain and push people to strive to better understand themselves and the world around them. Spend time with close friends and family members on a regular basis. Attend social events and take this as an opportunity to meet new people. This can be difficult if you're a shy or introverted person, but pushing yourself to take risks socially can actually improve your ability to think logically.^[6]

5

Change up your routine. Novelty helps the brain stay sharp as well as increase your memory. Try taking a different route to work than usual or cooking a new type of food for dinner than you typically would. Experiencing new things helps the brain stay active, which can help you become a more logical thinker.^[7]