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Hinchingbrooke Country Park – Cambridge 19 IELTS Listening Test 1 (Answers + Audio script) https://boringacademy.com/hinchingbrooke-country-park-ielts-listening-test-answers-audioscript/ Thu, 03 Jul 2025 02:24:09 +0000 https://boringacademy.com/?p=10586 Powered By EmbedPress

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The Eightfold Path in Buddhism: A Timeless Guide to Enlightenment and Inner Peace https://boringacademy.com/the-eightfold-path-in-buddhism-a-timeless-guide-to-enlightenment-and-inner-peace/ Mon, 12 May 2025 13:52:40 +0000 https://boringacademy.com/?p=10470 In a world filled with distractions, desires, and constant struggles, the search for true peace often feels like an impossible quest. Yet, over 2,500 years ago, Gautama Buddha laid out a clear roadmap to liberation from suffering—the Eightfold Path. This path is not just a religious doctrine (a set of beliefs) but a practical framework… Read More »The Eightfold Path in Buddhism: A Timeless Guide to Enlightenment and Inner Peace

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The Eightfold Path in Buddhism: A Timeless Guide to Enlightenment and Inner Peace

In a world filled with distractions, desires, and constant struggles, the search for true peace often feels like an impossible quest. Yet, over 2,500 years ago, Gautama Buddha laid out a clear roadmap to liberation from suffering—the Eightfold Path. This path is not just a religious doctrine (a set of beliefs) but a practical framework for ethical living, mental discipline, and wisdom. It teaches us how to navigate life’s challenges with clarity, compassion, and purpose.

What is the Eightfold Path?

The Eightfold Path, also known as the Eight Stages of Enlightenment, is the core of Buddhist philosophy. It is part of the Four Noble Truths (explained after this paragraph), which explains the nature of suffering and how to overcome it. Rather than a set of rigid rules, the Eightfold Path offers a balanced way of living, leading to inner peace, wisdom, and ultimate liberation.


Here’s a breakdown of the Four Noble Truths in Buddhism:

  1. The Truth of Suffering (Dukkha): This truth acknowledges that life inherently involves suffering, encompassing physical pain, emotional distress, and the unsatisfactoriness of existence.
  2. The Truth of the Origin of Suffering (Samudaya): The Buddha identified craving, attachment, and ignorance as the root causes of suffering.
  3. The Truth of the Cessation of Suffering (Nirodha): This truth asserts that suffering can be overcome by eliminating the causes of suffering, namely, craving and attachment.
  4. The Truth of the Path to the Cessation (end) of Suffering (Magga): The path to liberation from suffering is the Noble Eightfold Path, a practical guide to ethical conduct, mental discipline, and wisdom.

Let’s explore each of the 8 stages of the Eightfold Path in depth and understand how it can transform our lives.


1. Right View – Seeing Reality as it is

We often live under illusions—chasing fleeting pleasures, fearing losses, and avoiding truths that challenge our comfort. The first step toward enlightenment is developing a clear understanding of reality.

  • Recognize that suffering is an inherent part of life, and much of it is caused by our attachment to impermanent things—relationships, status, wealth, or even personal identity.
  • Understand that ignorance blinds us to the true nature of existence. We must seek wisdom, question assumptions, and look beyond superficial appearances to grasp deeper truths.
  • Accept that true peace comes not from external circumstances but from an internal shift in perception—seeing things as they are, not as we wish them to be.
  • Example: A person who loses their job might feel devastated, believing their worth is tied to their career. However, with the Right View, they realize that external setbacks do not define them, and new growth opportunities always exist.

2. Right Intention – Cultivating Pure Thoughts

Our thoughts shape our actions. We naturally make better choices when our intentions are rooted in kindness, compassion, and selflessness.

  • Strive to free yourself from harmful desires, such as greed, revenge, or personal gain at the expense of others.
  • Develop an attitude of renunciation (giving up), where you detach from excessive materialistic desires and ego-driven ambitions, recognizing their transient (impermanent) nature.
  • Foster a mindset of compassion and empathy, treating all beings with respect and love, not just when it is convenient but as a core principle.
  • Example: When facing an argument, rather than reacting with anger and a need to win, one practices self-restraint, understanding that peace and understanding matter more than being right.

3. Right Speech – Using Words Wisely

Words can heal or hurt, unite or divide. Practicing Right Speech means speaking with honesty, kindness, and purpose.

  • Avoid lies, not only in grand deceptions but also in subtle exaggerations, half-truths, or manipulations that distort reality.
  • Refrain from gossip, which poisons relationships and fosters unnecessary negativity, often causing irreparable harm.
  • Speak with clarity and purpose—before speaking, ask: Is it true? Is it necessary? Is it kind?
  • Use words to uplift and inspire rather than criticize and belittle. Verbal kindness has the power to change someone’s day—or even their life.
  • Example: Instead of criticizing a friend’s mistake harshly, one can provide constructive feedback that encourages growth rather than instilling shame.

4. Right Action – Living Ethically

True wisdom is reflected in our actions. Right Action involves making choices that are morally upright and non-harmful.

  • Refrain from causing harm to any living being, whether through physical violence, deceit, or emotional manipulation.
  • Uphold honesty, integrity, and respect in every interaction—being true to your values even when no one is watching.
  • Live in a way that promotes harmony, not division, and fosters trust rather than fear.
  • Example: Choosing to return a lost wallet, even if no one would know otherwise, reinforces integrity and respect for others’ property.

5. Right Livelihood – Choosing an Ethical Career

The way we earn a living should align with ethical principles. Right Livelihood means avoiding professions that cause harm to others or exploit the weak.

  • Do not engage in work that involves violence, deceit, or exploitation, such as the arms trade, drug trafficking, or unethical financial practices.
  • Seek careers that contribute positively to society, where your work serves others rather than purely benefiting yourself.
  • Understand that true success is not just financial wealth but also moral integrity and peace of mind.
  • Example: A person might leave a high-paying but unethical job in pursuit of meaningful work that aligns with their values, knowing that peace of conscience is worth more than money.

6. Right Effort – Striving for Personal Growth

Success in any field—whether spiritual or professional—requires consistent effort. Right Effort means actively working to cultivate positive qualities while eliminating harmful tendencies.

  • Recognize and prevent negative thoughts before they take root, just as a gardener removes weeds before they overrun the soil.
  • Develop virtues such as patience, discipline, and resilience, understanding that self-mastery is a lifelong journey.
  • Example: Choosing to meditate instead of indulging in destructive habits, knowing that small daily efforts lead to significant transformation.

7. Right Mindfulness – Living in the Present

Many of us live in the past or future, missing out on the present moment. Right Mindfulness is about awareness and presence.

  • Train yourself to be fully engaged in each moment, whether eating, working, or conversing.
  • Observe thoughts and emotions without attachment or judgment, developing a calm and balanced mind.
  • Understand that life unfolds in the now, and true joy is found in fully experiencing each moment.
  • Example: Instead of rushing through a meal distractedly, one should eat mindfully, savoring each bite and appreciating the nourishment.

8. Right Concentration – Mastering the Mind

A restless mind leads to confusion and suffering. Right Concentration involves deep meditation and focus, leading to clarity and insight.

  • Train the mind through consistent meditation, learning to quiet distractions, and cultivating deep awareness.
  • Develop the ability to focus fully on a single task, avoiding multitasking, which scatters energy and reduces effectiveness.
  • Example: Practicing focused breathing daily, strengthening mental clarity, and reducing stress through intentional awareness.

Why the Eightfold Path Matters Today

The modern world is filled with stress, uncertainty, and endless distractions. The Eightfold Path offers a practical approach to life that helps in:

  • Reducing stress and anxiety by focusing on what truly matters.
  • Improving relationships through ethical conduct and kind communication.
  • Achieving long-term happiness by cultivating wisdom and inner peace.

This path is not just for monks or spiritual seekers—it is for anyone who desires a meaningful, fulfilling life.


Your Next Step

Which part of the Eightfold Path resonates with you the most? Share your thoughts in the comments and start applying these principles in your daily life. True transformation begins with a single step.


This article was authored by Jaison Elcy Jose and fine-tuned with the help of ChatGPT. Thank you for reading till the end.

If you liked this article, I’m sure you’ll love the other ones too: https://boringacademy.com/jaisonelcyjose/

#Mindfulness #Buddhism #PersonalGrowth #Spirituality #InnerPeace #Wisdom #SelfAwareness #Meditation #Philosophy #Enlightenment

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Did you know these things about Love and Breakup? https://boringacademy.com/did-you-know-these-things-about-love-and-breakup/ Fri, 25 Apr 2025 05:00:14 +0000 https://boringacademy.com/?p=10371 So, today I am going to write about the Four types of love that I am aware of. The first one is Physical Love which includes personal touch, closeness with your partner, and your presence in their life during the Good and the Bad times. The second one is Mental Love, where you understand each… Read More »Did you know these things about Love and Breakup?

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Did you know these things about Love and Breakup?

So, today I am going to write about the Four types of love that I am aware of.

The first one is Physical Love which includes personal touch, closeness with your partner, and your presence in their life during the Good and the Bad times. The second one is Mental Love, where you understand each other more than anyone in this world and you have thoughts that provoke and resonate with similar actions. The third one is -and this is an important one- sharing a feeling of being seen, being connected, and being wanted by each other. The fourth and final one is, your chemistry between each other, the energy that you share, the vibes that connect you and make you feel special, and the meaningfulness of each other’s presence. To reiterate these things in a simple way;

1. Physical Love – Touch, Closeness & Presence.

2. Mental Love – Understanding & Thought Provoking.

3. Emotional Love – Feeling Seen, Connected & Wanted.

4. Spiritual Love – Vibes, Chemistry, Energy, and Meaningfulness.

I believe that one should go where this is fostered, grown, and appreciated but also dare leave where this is nowhere to be found because you deserve to be flooded with love, not searching for dried-up wells. Love shouldn’t just be found, you should also know how to provide the same. The traditional way to show love includes, presenting Flowers/Gifts, Long Hugs and Deep Kisses, and, Saying “I Love You…” every now and then. But, I believe that there are more obvious ways that are equally important like spending Quality Time, Acts of Service, sharing Surprise Notes, giving Genuine Compliments, dedicating your Undivided Attention, and providing Emotional Support.

We all fall in love at least once in our lifetime, but unfortunately, sometimes we even have to deal with breakups as well. It hits us really very hard and crushes our souls. The person who genuinely loved their partner will go through all the pain, the depression, and the darkest days of their lives all on their own, and once they start recovering, breathing normally, and start a normal life, the other person has already tried and failed another relationship or currently is trying to be in one. So, if you feel that you are the person who’s going through that painful phase, these lines will definitely help you relieve the pain, even if it is just the slightest bit.

“There’s nothing more complete than a Broken Heart. Brokenness is not only an unavoidable part of one’s life- It’s a crucial part of growing. Maturity, Wisdom, & Strength, all emerge from those cracks when we break, so Be the Love, you never received, & Love yourself as someone you once Loved because YOU ARE ENOUGH!

The three-most simplest yet most beautiful things (Love, Lust, and Crush) have been complicated these days by all these fantasy books, TV shows, and social media. Let me explain this sequence in reverse so that you can have a better understanding of each of them. A crush is nothing but when you see a person, you feel attracted to them as if a magnet or an invisible force is pushing you towards that person. You might not even know that person’s name or you might have never talked with that person, but you can still have a crush on them. When they enter the room, it feels as if the entire room has brightened up and you only see them and everyone else is just a blur. A typical Crush only lasts for three to four months, so if someone doesn’t feel the same about you after this time period, it was just a crush that ended and it makes no sense to continue in fumes. Lust is something that we feel for a person when we are sexually attracted to them. Not every time, but sometimes when we see them or when we are around them in close proximity, we get aroused and have sexual fantasies. That’s normal because that’s absolutely natural. A Lust is something that might last up to 6 months to a year. And finally, true Love is when both people have multiple crushes and multiple lusts for each other and this cycle keeps on repeating forever and ever, thus, only love out of all three could be everlasting.

As the adage goes, “The more, the merrier.”

There is nothing in this world called too much love, the more you love someone, the more you will find ways to impress them, even if they are already your boy/girlfriend or your husband/wife. Yes, definitely, the attraction and the connection are something that goes up and down, but what always remains constant is the utter respect that you have for each other. So before you are truly committed to a relationship, always check whether your partner is your best friend first or not. If that’s not the case, you should wait for them to be one.

P.S. If you loved this article, you’ll love the Podcast of this even more… Click here to listen to it.

I hope you guys enjoyed this read. See you soon in the next interesting article. 

This article was authored by Jaison Elcy Jose. Thank you for reading till the end.

If you liked this article, I’m sure you’ll love the other ones too: https://boringacademy.com/jaisonelcyjose/

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If you think that Life’s hard for you, read this… https://boringacademy.com/if-you-think-that-lifes-hard-for-you-read-this/ Fri, 25 Apr 2025 04:52:12 +0000 https://boringacademy.com/?p=10342 We all go through a phase of life when we are approaching our mid-20s or we have crossed it already and we feel as if we have to accomplish a lot of things in our life, our goals are still unclear and life’s just pushing us harder and harder with new responsibilities by every second.… Read More »If you think that Life’s hard for you, read this…

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If you think that Life's hard for you, read this...

We all go through a phase of life when we are approaching our mid-20s or we have crossed it already and we feel as if we have to accomplish a lot of things in our life, our goals are still unclear and life’s just pushing us harder and harder with new responsibilities by every second. Guess what, you’re not alone, we all have to go through this particular phase because, life’s now changing, we are no longer kids, we have had our adversities, the struggles, and the darkest days of our life. Just before the best days of our life knocks on the door, we have to go through this painful stage and create a new dogma that will set our sail in the proper direction for the rest of our lives. You get tested the most in life when it’s time to Elevate. This is the time when we have to perform in the best possible way and show our greatness to the world.

If we look at animals for an instance, they all have a definite purpose in their life; for a Lion, it’s hunt-eat-reproduce-sleep-repeat. For a Sheep, it’s -don’t get hunted-eat-reproduce-sleep-repeat. See, if you are a good observer of nature, you’ll see a similar pattern in all aspects of life. You don’t have to motivate a seed or encourage it that, “When you are an adult, you have to become a huge tree and bear fruits”, all these living beings know their purpose and they follow that blindly. But we Humans, do not have the same purpose, we all are born different, we all are unique form each other and we have unlimited potential. Some follow the herd, some lead it. Some are born to rule the world, some just struggle in their 9-5 for their entire life. Successful people have just a few tactics and good habits that set them apart from the rest, but failures have a plethora of reasons and excuses. We all fail many times in our lives and even the most successful people fail. But what separates them is when their times were hard, when the days were dark, they reflected on their mistakes and learned their lessons, because they know that life will replay the same scenario in different ways unless they learn the lesson. It’s okay to fall down, but don’t just stand up right away, take a moment to think as if why did you fall, take a minute, take a day, take a week, or even a month to understand the lessons that life is trying to teach you, but once you rise up back on your feet, you now have the wisdom, you are now wiser, smarter, stronger and better than ever before, so with these new set of skills, be ready to face the next problems that life throws at you.

No one ever said that life’s gonna be easy on you, the bigger and brighter your future is, the harder and nasty your past has to be so that you can set examples and tell other people stories about how you overcame your adversities so you can become a ray of hope for them. You actually have got everything it takes to be happy, fulfilled, and successful. You just have to find your passion and figure out a way to make money out of it with the purest intention to help others. You just have to believe in yourself that you are born on this planet for a reason that is much bigger than you. The best thing about time is that it changes and the worst thing about it is that you can never count how much you or your loved ones are left with. So until we are alive and breathing this beautiful thing called LIFE, make the best out of it and leave a Legacy behind you, a stepping stone for others so that one day a person just like you who’s going through their dark days and their unsaid adversities can walk down your path and follow your footsteps hoping that it will relieve them of their pain.

As the adage goes,

“Everyday above the ground is a day worth celebrating…”

This article was authored by Jaison Elcy Jose. Thank you for reading till the end.

If you liked this article, I’m sure you’ll love the other ones too: https://boringacademy.com/jaisonelcyjose/

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Ever Loved somebody more than yourself? then read this… https://boringacademy.com/ever-loved-somebody-more-than-yourself-then-read-this/ Fri, 25 Apr 2025 04:51:59 +0000 https://boringacademy.com/?p=10341 L.O.V.E. is the four-letter word that is the most beautiful feeling in this world. We generally don’t know what this means until someone very special comes into our lives and teaches us about some of the best feelings in this world. I was no exception, and, I was completely unknown of this feeling mostly because… Read More »Ever Loved somebody more than yourself? then read this…

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Ever Loved somebody more than yourself? then read this...

L.O.V.E. is the four-letter word that is the most beautiful feeling in this world. We generally don’t know what this means until someone very special comes into our lives and teaches us about some of the best feelings in this world. I was no exception, and, I was completely unknown of this feeling mostly because I was busy learning new stuff, working in different Jobs, reading books, and obsessed with self-development, and upgrading myself. I was so obsessed with these kinds of stuff that I never got a chance to take a pause from life and explore this beaut.

I always thought about myself as being an overthinker, coz I always have all these different versions of each and everything in my head, it’s like, the moment, I see something, I already visualize different scenarios of the same thing and start thinking about the possible outcomes of the current decisions I make that can have good or bad consequences in the near future. Adding the quality of being an Extremist and an Addict, just takes that to a whole next level. All of my colleagues -trust me, I’ve worked for dozens of companies in the past 10 years and I have a lot of colleagues- know that if I am focused on something, everything else becomes irrelevant to me and that is how I learned all these communication and people skills which are helping me a lot in my life. People like this are very good at parallel tasking, but suck when it comes to multi-tasking, because of the habit of their sheer focus, they allot their entire self to a specific task at hand. The math is very simple; if someone works 40 hours a week and you start working 80+ hours a week, you get the most impossible job done within a week and learn a plethora of things at the same time about work and people as well. It never gets old, but I have been admired by many people for the intensity of hard work that I put into any project and the enthusiasm that I bring to the table that I take charge of. To simply put things in a clearer perspective, I always strive to be the most hardworking guy in the entire room; no matter how big the room is.

This attitude is good for, let me rephrase that, this attitude is great when you are working on something for yourself, or for someone else, for instance, a Job or your own Business. But it totally backfires when it comes to relationships. Initially, you take things slow because once you know that if you are addicted to that person, there’s no going back, and eventually, once you are committed to them, you surpass the other person, in almost all aspects of the relationship, when it comes to showing that you truly and utterly love them. Whether it’s making them feel special, taking care of them, remembering all the small things like monthly anniversaries by preparing for it for an entire week prior, reaching the destination early so that they don’t have to wait for you but also waiting for them for hours because they are busy with their friends, or as simple as just helping them figure out their life in every possible way in your power. In a nutshell, you take care of them, as if you are gifted with a newborn baby because, your love has no boundaries and due to your attributes of being selfless, you literally take care of their entire family and treat them just like yours. You become committed and promise to love them, no matter what. And the best but most painful part of this is, unfortunately, even if you break up, a part of you just can’t stop loving them. Ever!

Always remember that sometimes in life, not getting what you want is a wonderful stroke of good luck.

P.S. This quote applies either way.

The biggest problem about human beings is that when you reach the 6th slice of pizza, it becomes overrated and you just want to finish it up and clean up the trash as compared to the first, second, and third slice, where you craved for it for many hours or even days. That is exactly what happens when you have these extreme traits that create wonders in a Business or a Job, but it literally throws you off guard and ruins everything at the end because when you get addicted to a person, that is exactly, when they leave you, and trust me, it’s as bad or worse as taking away drugs from a complete drug addict and just like them, you start having anxiety attacks -which is not even in your control- because just like what happens to the soil or the land when a tree is uprooted during a storm, the same way you get torn into countless pieces during the separation. But that doesn’t make the other person bad or evil, they just might not be ready for this intense level of commitment or their agenda or goal in life could be something different at that time. It’s just like asking a street vendor to make the dish the spiciest possible while a different customer would say that, please make it just moderate, I can’t take it if it’s too hot or spicy. See, it’s that simple. But if you can find a person, who craves for what you serve, you just found a diamond. So if you are in a relationship, love them with all your might, but also, share the same love with yourself as well, that’s the least your future self would ask you to do so.

Never allow someone to be your no. 1 priority while allowing yourself to be their option.

The truth is, everyone is going to hurt you, you just have been patient enough to find the ones, who are worth suffering for. So, you must be thinking, then Jaison, what should a person do to find true love? My answer to that would be, “Well, do whatever it takes to be the best version of yourself, because, trust me, the biggest commitment for you, is the person looking back at you in the mirror every single day.” Of course, when you are heartbroken, you’ll definitely be depressed and have the darkest days of your life and you will be suffering all the pain by yourself and the other person will also go through the same pain of losing you. But if you do not give up on yourself and keep working on yourself, is when the realization kicks in and they start feeling the void and emptiness in their life, no matter what they do, they will miss your vibes, even if they get into a different relationship after yours. If you have loved the person like no one ever could dare to, trust me, you never lost anything and the other person has lost everything. Because, there are fewer people in this world who can love as extremely as you do, but there are a plethora of people who just want to take advantage of you by pretending that they love you. I can highly advocate the fact that “Nothing hurts more than being disappointed by the one person whom you thought would never hurt you”. Thus, it is your sole responsibility to love yourself and be very happy with your life and make your family happy, you just have to wait for someone who can genuinely add to it. As the adage goes, “Love is the Answer, Love is the Key, but if you can’t love yourself, then how can you ever love Me?”

The Man/Woman Looking at you in the mirror is the only person who can make you truly happy, so start taking care of yourself because YOU ARE ALREADY ENOUGH! So today, I hope that I leave you with a direction correction. So, take a long good look into the mirror and say, “I LOVE YOU (your name) and I will take care of you, no matter what, because, you deserve happiness and Joy and this is my promise to you (your name)” To wind up, read the following quote a couple of times to know what you are worth and go get what you deserve.

The ones who are meant to be with you will always find a way to reach out to you, no matter what. And the ones who aren’t, have already found many excuses to not be with you.
– Jaison

P.S. If you loved this article, you’ll love the Podcast of this even more… Click here to listen to it.

I really appreciate that you spent your valuable time reading this article, see you soon in the next one. Until then, you can follow me on my Instagram and Clubhouse ID @iam_jaisonjose and keep in touch. I’ll be more than happy to know your story too.🙋♂✨

This article was authored by Jaison Elcy Jose. Thank you for reading till the end.

If you liked this article, I’m sure you’ll love the other ones too: https://boringacademy.com/jaisonelcyjose/

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How did I Overcome my Severe Depression? https://boringacademy.com/how-did-i-overcome-my-severe-depression/ Fri, 25 Apr 2025 04:51:48 +0000 https://boringacademy.com/?p=10340 This time, I am writing this article wishing that someone just sent me this some time ago, when I was battling through a really bad depression of all time. It would have been much easier for me to survive. But, I hope this helps you in some way… Good Luck. Out of all the living… Read More »How did I Overcome my Severe Depression?

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How did I Overcome my Severe Depression?

This time, I am writing this article wishing that someone just sent me this some time ago, when I was battling through a really bad depression of all time. It would have been much easier for me to survive. But, I hope this helps you in some way… Good Luck.

Out of all the living beings on this planet, we humans are the only ones who go through severe depression phases, Why? Because just as Stan Lee wrote, “With Great Power, Comes Great Responsibility”, so, as we possess the most intelligent brains on this planet earth, we tend to bear some of the consequences as well. As I always say, Depression is always the worst thing that can happen to any living being, our physical body is barely breathing and alive in the present, but mentally, we are devastated and wounded by the past trauma, and we somewhat create a vicious cycle of thoughts and memories which drags us back to the same timeline due to which we got hurt in the first place. You really and badly wanted it to be that ultra special person who always gave you butterflies in your stomach every time you hear their voice or get to see them in person and your eyes just starts glowing when you are around them, but one fine day you understood and realized that they never wanted it to be YOU. It hurts on a whole different level when we are depressed because of someone we truly love and they start ghosting us. So, the best solution that I found is,

When someone ghosts you, Respect the dead and move on with life.

During this phase, we feel as if there is nothing much left with our life, and in severe cases, we also go through anxiety attacks, which is not even our fault, because when we love someone, we literally give them the power to destroy us and we expect and trust them to never use it against us, but if they do, it lethally destroys us. Always, let the sky remind you that it’s okay to feel a little blue and just as the darkness is inevitable, so is the Sunrise. So, if you just start to treat yourself like someone you once loved, you will realize that, you just have to shower the same love to the right person who respects you, values you, feels the same way about you, and most importantly, loves you back. Because with the right people, you grow every single day and with the wrong ones, I guess you already know what happens. It’s obvious that it is impossible to take the next breath in, without releasing the bad breath out, or else you’ll start choking yourself. And the irony is that those people who left us all alone during our darkest days will come back in our life just to check if we are still stupid after they get disappointed by the people they thought were better than you. I really love Psychology, especially when it comes to Human Psychology in particular. The best thing that I’ve learned is that if you express too much love and affection to someone, or care too much about them, it is the natural human tendency to underestimate it and take it for granted. It’s not their fault, it’s just that some humans are wired that way.

As Jay Shetty once beautifully said, “Jumping in a new relationship won’t heal you, giving your ex a second chance won’t change them, trying to find a cinematic closure won’t change the fact that they’re still not the right one for you and trying to fix the broken relationship will only drown you with it”. So I believe that if a shoe doesn’t fit you, you never blame your Feet. You just go and find the special ones that were made just for you. If a Dress doesn’t fit, why blame your unique Body? You were never meant to “FIT INTO” the clothes, it’s always the other way around. You are the one who defines your wardrobe, not your parents, relatives, or the so-called “Society”. If we talk about a very crucial thing in a relationship, that is Trust, there’s no way to find if a person will betray you or not. Only time can reveal that. The only thing that we can surely trust is, are we brave enough to handle it if they do, will we dare to walk away? Because, it’s a pointless waste of your energy to think about it, only worry about yourself and trust your instincts, because somehow, it knows what’s best for you.

Here’s how the healing part kicked in for me when I realized that the most beautiful part about our life is, no matter what, you will definitely glow again slowly and in time. Your beautiful positive vibes will be back with you and you’ll outgrow your old self. Coz, eventually, the biggest wave in the sea settles down. Once the dark clouds start to fade away, we start to look back at the rays of the beautiful sun, you also see that people do look so different when you start caring less about them, you begin to notice how ordinary some people are and how it was just your sheer love that made them very special; that placed them on some sort of a pedestal (like a podium). When you start to love and take good care of yourself, you start to glow from the inside, you attract people who love you, respect you, and appreciate your positive vibes and your pure energy. Everything starts from how you feel about yourself, so start feeling worthy, valuable, and deserving of receiving the best that the beautiful thing called LIFE has to offer. Be Magnetic, Be Legendary! Step out of your house, get some fresh air and sunlight, play some guided meditation on your phone and sit comfortably. Drink water in a wine glass with those beautiful curves just like a supermodel and instead of gulping it down your throat, take a small sip and let the water flow through your body and your soul. Let it cleanse and detox you from the inside. Start dumping all the things that are in your mind in a private journal. Take some time to understand what you are going through and make notes of things in your control and those that are not. Tear the pages of the latter and only focus on the former. The trauma that you faced, taught you to close your heart and armor up, but only healing has the power to teach you to open your heart and boundary up. Yes, you may never get back the parts of you that still reside with the other person that left you, maybe you shouldn’t. At least the remaining YOU deserve to go to the unexplored beautiful places and the people you are yet to meet, wherever life has planned to take you.

So Unfollow, Unfriend, Block, Delete Every Single Thing from your phone and your computer, even the screenshots of the chats or the contacts that are associated with them, and do whatever it takes to remove that person from your life. Because only then you will have the deepest clarity of who you really are, and trust me, with time, new layers of different emotions like friendship, gratitude, and empathy will be laid atop them and your load will get lighter and your days will get brighter and you’ll finally see your true self, elevating back to the innocent person that you lost in this whole chaos. You’ll now set a new dogma for the rest of your life for the better. Unfortunately, the hardest thing to delete is the memories that you have concealed because you just can’t press Ctrl + Shift + Delete on them. They will stay for a very long time, coz guess what? Memories are much more loyal than humans. They stay with us, no matter what. Also, the beautiful part is, you will have better control over your thoughts much more than you realize without all those materialistic possessions that you hold on tight with pride. Yes, it’s not at all easy to fight this demon all alone, and if you’re lucky, you’ll find a Healer, that will listen to you with all their ears and with all their heart, not to judge you or tell you that yes, you fucked up, but to make you feel that you deserve to be free, you deserve to be heard and most importantly, you deserve to be taken care of, maybe they can be someone you know since your childhood, or your friends that you made recently or anyone that you truly trust as time being your advocate this time.

Now, you have the knowledge of how to get out of this daunting thing called depression. It’s up to you to take it as wisdom or just as another article on LinkedIn that you read. More than ever before, you know that in time, you will be healed, you just have to help it heal you and maybe for the first time in your life by taking tiny steps in your favor. You are now fully in control of your life, so take charge of it.

The power always lies in the present and in this very moment, neither in the past nor the future.

Apart from all that you have read, I know that it must be really hard for you right now, and I’m so sorry that you’re going through this all alone. It really sucks and if there’s anything I can do to support you please reach out to me at any time… Because together, you won’t have to go through the pain all alone.

Mention someone who has been with you in your hard times, and thank them and tag or send this to the unlucky ones who need to hear this now.

P.S. If you loved this article, you’ll love the Podcast of this even more… Click here to listen to it.

I really appreciate that you spent your valuable time reading this article, see you soon in the next one. Until then, you can follow me on my Instagram and Clubhouse ID @iam_jaisonjose so we can keep in touch. I’ll be more than happy to know your story too.🙋♂✨

This article was authored by Jaison Elcy Jose. Thank you for reading till the end.

If you liked this article, I’m sure you’ll love the other ones too: https://boringacademy.com/jaisonelcyjose/

The post How did I Overcome my Severe Depression? appeared first on The Boring Academy.]]>
15 things I wish I knew in my early 20s https://boringacademy.com/15-things-i-wish-i-knew-in-my-early-20s/ Fri, 25 Apr 2025 04:51:22 +0000 https://boringacademy.com/?p=10339 Achieving success in both personal and professional spheres requires a strategic approach and a disciplined mindset. Here’s a comprehensive guide to 15 essential steps to help you improve your life before it’s too late. 1. Take 100% Responsibility for Your Life Successful individuals take full responsibility for their actions, decisions, and life circumstances. Instead of… Read More »15 things I wish I knew in my early 20s

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15 things I wish I knew in my early 20s

Achieving success in both personal and professional spheres requires a strategic approach and a disciplined mindset. Here’s a comprehensive guide to 15 essential steps to help you improve your life before it’s too late.

1. Take 100% Responsibility for Your Life

Successful individuals take full responsibility for their actions, decisions, and life circumstances. Instead of blaming others or external factors, they own their choices and outcomes. This mindset shift empowers you to control your destiny, make informed decisions, and continually improve. It fosters a proactive approach to life, where you are the architect of your future. When you stop blaming others and start taking action with 100% responsibility, your life will improve in unimaginable ways. One of my mentors, Siddharth Rajsekar, always says, that

If your thoughts, words, and actions are in congruence (alignment) with each other, magic starts to happen.

2. Get Your Life in Order Before Dating

It’s crucial to focus on self-improvement before engaging in romantic relationships. If you’re broke, out of shape, or unhappy, you should prioritize fixing these aspects of your life first. A chaotic life can lead to unstable relationships, which often become an additional source of stress. Prioritize getting your finances, health, and overall life in order before entering the dating scene.

3. Develop a Consistent Routine

A well-structured routine is the backbone of a productive life. Aim to sleep at 11:00 PM and wake up at 7:00 AM daily. Just kidding. Ensure that you sleep 6-8 hours at the time you deem fit and make sure you stick to it; however, do not waste time scrolling social media late at night and regret it the next day. This consistent sleep schedule will not only enhance your productivity but also improve your mental and physical health. Consistency in your daily schedule helps regulate your body clock, improves sleep quality, and boosts your mood. It’s the first step towards mastering self-discipline.

4. Dedicate Time to Learning and Reflecting

Allocate at least 60 minutes each day to reading, writing, and reflecting on what you’ve learned. This practice sharpens your cognitive abilities, broadens your knowledge base, and enhances critical thinking skills. Whether you’re consuming books, articles, or research papers, the act of reflecting on what you’ve learned helps internalize new information and fosters personal growth.

5. Learn a High-Income Skill

In today’s competitive world, having a high-income skill can earn you more money passively, much more than a 9-5 job could ever do, which is a game changer. Whether it’s coding, digital marketing, copywriting, or financial analysis, investing in a valuable skill can provide significant returns. This not only enhances your career prospects but also offers financial stability and freedom. Focus on continuous learning and skill development to stay ahead in your professional journey.

6. Avoid Cheap Dopamine

Cheap dopamine sources, like junk food, mindless scrolling, or binge-watching TV, provide instant gratification but contribute little to long-term fulfillment. Prioritize activities that yield long-term benefits, such as exercising, reading, or learning a new skill. Start small and build your way up. That’s the secret. Do not try to be productive for one day and the next day if you snap back to zero, it’s a waste of both, your time and energy. Go slow and last longer on your way to personal growth. By resisting the lure of easy pleasures, you develop self-control and prioritize your most meaningful goals over momentary satisfaction.

7. Incorporate Daily Exercise for Strength and Health

Physical fitness is a crucial component of a healthy lifestyle. Incorporate at least 200 pushups and 100 squats into your daily routine. Of course, start with the maximum you can, if it is 10, then be it. Record that number and the next day, your sole responsibility is to do 11 pushups. Work your way up. This simple yet effective workout regimen keeps you strong and fit and ensures you are healthier than 97% of the population. Regular exercise enhances physical health, boosts mental clarity, and elevates your mood.

8. Build Self-Discipline with Cold Showers

Taking a cold shower in the morning is a simple yet effective way to build self-discipline. It requires mental toughness to endure the cold, and doing so daily can significantly improve your ability to handle discomfort and challenge. I’ve personally experienced that when it comes to extreme decision-making, the habit of making a decision, despite it being painful, helps in numerous uncomfortable situations. Cold showers also have additional health benefits, such as boosting blood and oxygen circulation, enhancing mood, and promoting alertness.

9. Leverage the Internet for Income

The internet offers endless opportunities to make money, from freelancing and online coaching to e-commerce and digital content creation. Make the most of these opportunities by identifying a niche that aligns with your skills and interests. By leveraging digital platforms, you can diversify your income streams and achieve financial independence. Again, do your due diligence before investing in any financial instrument or business. Risk can only be present when there is uncertainty of actions.

10. Optimize Your Health Through Diet

Nutrition plays a pivotal role in overall well-being. Incorporate proteins, fresh fruits, and at least two liters of water into your daily diet. These elements provide the necessary nutrients for body function, boost energy levels, and support mental clarity. A balanced diet enhances physical health and contributes to emotional and cognitive stability. Just make sure you keep an eye on your pee to check if you’re over-hydrated (white) or under-hydrated (dark yellow). Another key aspect is binge-watching while eating. If you’re a victim of your cellphone addiction, you’ll end up consuming much more food than your body requires. Practice mindful eating during every single meal. Give that phone and your mind a rest, and keep it aside during supper.

11. Surround Yourself with Growth-Oriented People

Your social circle has a profound impact on your mindset and success. Surround yourself with people who are driven, positive, and focused on personal growth. Avoid those who gossip, complain, or harbor jealousy, as they can drag you down. Being around ambitious, supportive people encourages you to strive for excellence and achieve your goals. Just like the adage says,

“The five people you spend the most time with will shape who you are

is also true for your income. Your income will also be the average of the people you hang out with. In simple terms, like attracts like.

12. Invest in Your Personal Branding

Your appearance and how you present yourself matter. Invest in a good wardrobe, a distinctive fragrance, and learn effective communication skills. Emphasizing communication skills because,

“The moment you open your mouth, you tell the world who you are”.

These elements significantly influence first impressions and can boost your success rate by up to 94% (It sounds better with numbers and analytical data. But you get my point, ri8?). Anyway, personal branding is about more than just looks; it’s about how you present your value to the world.

13. Embrace Nature and Stay Active

Walking 10,000 steps per day is not just great exercise but also a fantastic way to clear your mind, boost your mood, and foster creativity. Connecting with nature helps reduce stress, enhances mental clarity, and provides a fresh perspective. Make walking a daily habit to enjoy these holistic benefits. Here’s a personal note: Whenever you feel that life is getting extremely complicated and you do not know what to do, start walking on the streets, get/gift yourself a good pair of headphones, and once you feel comfortable, call the person you think can listen to what’s going on with you. This works all the time, and I’ve been doing it for many years now.

14. Maintain Distance from Toxic Individuals

Toxic individuals who prioritize their needs over yours can be a significant setback in your journey. They drain your energy and undermine your self-esteem. Be mindful of the company you keep, and maintain a healthy distance from people who don’t support your growth and well-being. Cut people off just like you remove a thorn out of your leg. The sooner the better, and the less painful it will be. Imagine letting a splinter stay in your leg for an extended period. You do the math.

15. Break Free from Harmful Addictions

To achieve peak performance, it’s essential to eliminate harmful addictions like weed, porn, too much cellphone usage or screen time, and alcohol. These substances are significant distractions that can raise your dopamine levels, making you feel temporarily good but ultimately leading to decreased cognitive function and increased feelings of depression. Freeing yourself from these vices can boost your mental clarity, focus, and overall well-being.

Conclusion

By implementing these 15 strategies (of course, not all of them at once, but gradually getting used to this routine), you can transform your life, both personally and professionally. It’s about making conscious choices that align with your goals, developing self-discipline, and continuously learning and growing. Start today and take these steps towards a more fulfilling and successful life!

This article was authored by Jaison Elcy Jose and fine-tuned with the help of ChatGPT. Thank you for reading till the end.

If you liked this article, I’m sure you’ll love the other ones too: https://boringacademy.com/jaisonelcyjose/

#SuccessMindset #PersonalGrowth #HealthyHabits #FinancialFreedom #SelfImprovement #Discipline #LifeHacks #HighIncomeSkills #MentalHealth #PhysicalFitness #Entrepreneurship #Motivation #Wellbeing #CareerDevelopment #Productivity #SuccessTips #HealthyLifestyle #MindsetMatters

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How to Remember Better: Science-Backed Strategies for Effective Learning https://boringacademy.com/how-to-remember-better-science-backed-strategies-for-effective-learning/ Fri, 25 Apr 2025 04:48:49 +0000 https://boringacademy.com/?p=10331 In an age of information overload, retaining what we learn has become more challenging than ever. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or a lifelong learner, improving memory retention can significantly enhance your personal and professional growth. Here are some science-backed strategies to help you remember better and learn more efficiently. 1. Prioritize Your Health… Read More »How to Remember Better: Science-Backed Strategies for Effective Learning

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How to Remember Better: Science-Backed Strategies for Effective Learning

In an age of information overload, retaining what we learn has become more challenging than ever. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or a lifelong learner, improving memory retention can significantly enhance your personal and professional growth. Here are some science-backed strategies to help you remember better and learn more efficiently.

1. Prioritize Your Health for Better Memory

Sleep Well

Sleep plays a crucial role in memory consolidation. Studies show that deep sleep enhances cognitive function and strengthens neural connections. To optimize learning, aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night.

Exercise Regularly

Physical activity improves blood flow to the brain, which enhances memory and focus. Even simple exercises like walking or stretching can help boost cognitive function.

Eat Brain-Boosting Foods

A healthy diet can support memory and concentration. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids (fish, walnuts), antioxidants (berries, dark chocolate), and essential nutrients (leafy greens, nuts) improve brain health. Staying hydrated is also key to maintaining cognitive function.

2. Use Effective Learning Techniques

Active Recall

Rather than passively reading or highlighting, actively retrieve information from memory. Test yourself frequently by recalling key concepts without looking at your notes. This strengthens neural pathways and improves retention.

Spaced Repetition

Reviewing material at strategic intervals (e.g., after a day, a week, and a month) reinforces long-term retention. Apps like Anki Pr: Study Flashcards and Quizlet use spaced repetition algorithms to enhance memory recall.

Use Mnemonics

Mnemonics transform complex information into easy-to-remember formats. Acronyms (e.g., “PEMDAS: Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication, Division (from left to right), Addition, and Subtraction (from left to right)” for math operations), rhymes, and imagery help encode information more effectively.

Teach What You Learn

Explaining concepts to others forces you to understand them deeply. Teaching improves recall and highlights areas where your understanding needs improvement. Being a teacher, teaching what I learn has helped me to master complex concepts instantaneously.

3. Improve Focus and Reduce Distractions

Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness techniques, such as meditation and deep breathing, improve concentration and cognitive function by reducing stress and enhancing focus. There are levels of meditation (something I’ll cover in depth in future articles) such as Guided Meditation (Level 1), Meditation with relaxing music (Level 2), and Solo Meditation (Level 3 – where you meditate by yourself). Directly trying to meditate at level 3 is why most people fail. Get comfortable with each level and then proceed to the next one.

Avoid Multitasking

Multitasking overloads the brain and reduces efficiency. Focus on one task at a time for better retention and comprehension. Also, turning off your notifications on your social media is the best way to focus on your task.

Use the Pomodoro Technique

The Pomodoro Technique involves working in focused 25-minute intervals with short breaks in between. This method enhances productivity and prevents mental fatigue. I use an app for this whenever I want to get into the zone of working/studying something.

4. Engage Your Senses for Better Retention

Write Things Down

Handwriting notes strengthens memory retention by reinforcing the information through physical action. Even if you’re writing things for the sake of writing, I mean on a newspaper, the information will stick in your memory for a longer period.

Use Visual Aids

Mind maps, diagrams, and color-coded notes make abstract concepts more tangible and easier to recall. I use a software called Xmind to organize all the things and concepts that I learn. Here’s a link to my favorite Mind Map Collections: https://boringacademy.com/mindmaps/

Relate Information to Real-Life Examples

Connecting new knowledge to personal experiences makes learning more meaningful and easier to remember. What I do when teaching students is try to resonate the stories according to their expertize. This allows them to understand the concepts in their real life.

5. Stay Curious and Keep Learning

Make Learning Fun

Turning information into stories, songs, or games makes learning more engaging and memorable. I named my company, The Boring Academy, so I could show students that learning should always be fun, and I chose this name as a cliché.

Set Goals and Reward Yourself

Having clear goals and tracking progress keeps you motivated. Rewarding yourself for completing learning milestones reinforces positive study habits. I create a to-do list and, at the end of it, I add a reward. So, when I finish my entire to-do list, I get to enjoy that reward.

Final Thoughts

Improving memory is not about working harder but about working smarter. By integrating these strategies into your daily routine, you can enhance retention, sharpen your cognitive abilities, and make learning more effective. The key to better memory lies in consistency, curiosity, and the right techniques.

What are your favorite memory-enhancing techniques? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

This article was authored by Jaison Elcy Jose and fine-tuned with the help of ChatGPT. Thank you for reading till the end.

If you liked this article, I’m sure you’ll love the other ones too: https://boringacademy.com/jaisonelcyjose/

#MemoryRetention #LifelongLearning #BrainTraining #ProductivityHacks #StudyTips #LearningStrategies #SelfImprovement

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How to Supercharge Your IQ: A Practical Guide to Sharpening Your Mind https://boringacademy.com/how-to-supercharge-your-iq-a-practical-guide-to-sharpening-your-mind/ Fri, 25 Apr 2025 04:44:59 +0000 https://boringacademy.com/?p=10323 In an age where information is abundant but attention is scarce, having a sharp mind is more valuable than ever. Whether you want to enhance your problem-solving skills, improve memory, or simply think faster, working on your IQ can give you a competitive edge. Let’s dive into practical and engaging ways to improve your IQ… Read More »How to Supercharge Your IQ: A Practical Guide to Sharpening Your Mind

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How to Supercharge Your IQ: A Practical Guide to Sharpening Your Mind

In an age where information is abundant but attention is scarce, having a sharp mind is more valuable than ever. Whether you want to enhance your problem-solving skills, improve memory, or simply think faster, working on your IQ can give you a competitive edge. Let’s dive into practical and engaging ways to improve your IQ across various dimensions.

Who doesn’t want to improve their IQ? Before that, let’s understand what IQ means and how it is assessed. I was inspired by Vikas Divyakirti Sir to research further on this topic, and here we are with this article. Thank you so much, sir. Without any further adieu, let’s start the article.

IQ, or Intelligence Quotient, is a measure of a person’s cognitive abilities in relation to their age group. It is often assessed through standardized tests that evaluate various cognitive skills such as logical reasoning, mathematical ability, verbal comprehension, spatial reasoning, memory, processing speed, abstract thinking, and pattern recognition.

However, intelligence is multifaceted, and there are other types of IQ that cannot be measured through standard tests. These include:

  1. Emotional Intelligence (EQ): The ability to recognize, understand, and manage your own emotions as well as those of others. EQ plays a crucial role in interpersonal relationships and leadership. This is why Sheldon (a fictional character) from the Young Sheldon web series, relied on his friends to navigate the world despite having a staggering IQ of 187. To put things into perspective, Einstein’s IQ was around 160. The world record holder’s IQ is 276, which belongs to YoungHoon Kim.
  2. Social Intelligence: The capacity to navigate social situations effectively, understand social cues, and build meaningful relationships.
  3. Creative Intelligence: The ability to think outside the box, generate innovative ideas, and approach problems in novel ways.
  4. Practical Intelligence: Sometimes referred to as “street smarts,” it involves the ability to solve real-world problems and adapt to everyday situations.

Improving your IQ isn’t just about becoming smarter; it’s about enhancing your ability to solve problems, think critically, and adapt to new challenges. Let’s dive into practical ways you can boost your cognitive abilities across different domains.


1. Logical Reasoning: The Art of Thinking Clearly

Logical reasoning is the backbone of critical thinking. It helps in making well-structured decisions.

Activities to Try:

  • Solve puzzles like Sudoku, Nonograms (my personal favorite these days), and logic grid puzzles.
  • Play games like Chess, Go, or the card game Set.
  • Tackle riddles and lateral thinking puzzles.

YouTube Channels:

  • TED-Ed Brain Teasers — Engaging logical puzzles.
  • MindYourDecisions — Math-based logic puzzles.
  • Veritasium — Logical concepts in science.

Apps/Websites:

  • Lumosity, Brilliant, Puzzling.StackExchange

2. Mathematical Ability: Train the Numbers Game

Math isn’t just about numbers; it’s about patterns, structure, and problem-solving.

Activities to Try:

  • Solve daily math problems (Algebra, Probability, Arithmetic).
  • Practice mental math techniques like the Vedic Math or Trachtenberg System.
  • Play number-based games like the 24 Game or Math Riddles.

YouTube Channels:

  • Numberphile — Fun mathematical insights.
  • 3Blue1Brown — Visual math explanations.
  • Mathologer — Problem-solving with math.

Apps/Websites:


3. Verbal Comprehension: Master the Art of Words

A rich vocabulary and strong comprehension skills are essential for clear communication.

Activities to Try:

  • Read books on various topics like philosophy, science, and literature.
  • Use word-of-the-day apps to expand your vocabulary.
  • Play word games like Scrabble, Boggle, and crossword puzzles.

YouTube Channels:

  • TED-Ed — Language and comprehension skills.
  • BBC Learning English — Vocabulary and grammar.
  • CrashCourse Literature — Deep reading skills.

Apps/Websites:

  • Grammarly, Duolingo, Merriam-Webster Word of the Day, and Vocabulary.com (Here’s my collection of 250+ C1 and C2 level words that I share with IELTS Aspirants around the world. Sign in to Vocabulary.com with your Google ID and then click this link: Becoming a WordSmith).

4. Spatial Reasoning: Visualize to Materialize

Spatial intelligence is crucial for tasks that require an understanding of space and dimension.

Activities to Try:

  • Solve jigsaw puzzles and 3D games like Tetris.
  • Practice drawing geometric shapes and visualizing them in 3D.
  • Learn to solve the Rubik’s Cube (I recommend this video: Click here).

YouTube Channels:

  • Think Twice — Spatial puzzle tricks.
  • HowToSolve — Rubik’s Cube tutorials.
  • MinutePhysics — Visual explanations of spatial concepts.

Apps/Websites:

  • GeoGuessr, Block Puzzle, Polysphere

5. Memory: The Art of Retention

A good memory enhances learning efficiency and recall ability.

Activities to Try:

  • Use the Memory Palace technique.
  • Play memory games like Simon Says, Concentration, and Dual-N-Back.
  • Memorize poems, speeches, or random lists daily.

YouTube Channels:

  • Ron White Memory Expert — Memory improvement tips.
  • Anthony Metivier’s Magnetic Memory Method — Advanced memorization.
  • The Great Courses: The Learning Brain — Neuroscience-backed tips.

Apps/Websites:

  • Peak, Lumosity, Elevate

On a side note, my mentor taught me a simple yet effective trick to improve the ability to recall minute details from the past. All we have to do is, every day before we sleep, try to recall the entire day from morning to night—step by step—every single thing we did throughout the day.

Start by remembering which foot touched the ground first, the hand we used to brush our teeth, the people we met, what clothes those people wore, the places we visited, the vehicle we used, the registration number of the vehicle we drove, and so on. Write down all the keywords that come to mind on a rough page—handwriting and organization don’t matter. Just jot down everything in keywords.

Once that is done, go through your messages, call logs, and social media chats. Without opening them, try to recall the conversations you had over the phone or via text. After completing this activity, go to sleep and set an alarm to repeat the exercise at the same time and place the next day.

Do this for a week, and you’ll start noticing that your brain captures minute details more efficiently, significantly improving your memory and recall abilities.


6. Processing Speed: Think Fast, Act Faster

Faster thinking improves decision-making and efficiency.

Activities to Try:

  • Play games like Typing Racer, Blink, or Speed Math.
  • Solve timed puzzles like speed Sudoku.
  • Try reaction-speed exercises like online reflex tests.

YouTube Channels:

  • BrainCraft — Boost mental speed.
  • Dr. Beau Lotto’s Optical Illusions — Exercises for fast thinking.
  • Smarter Every Day — Brain processing speed.

Apps/Websites:

  • Monkeytype (This website is not for learning how to type, just to check your WPM (Words Per Minute) in typing) and Human Benchmark

7. Abstract Thinking: Explore the Big Ideas

Abstract thinking enhances creativity and philosophical insight.

Activities to Try:

  • Discuss thought experiments (e.g., Schrödinger’s Cat).
  • Solve lateral thinking puzzles.
  • Write down random words and connect them creatively.

YouTube Channels:

  • Vsauce — Deep concepts in science and philosophy.
  • Kurzgesagt — In a Nutshell — Big ideas simplified.
  • The School of Life — Philosophy and abstract thinking.

Apps/Websites:

  • Thinkr, Conceptis Puzzles

8. Pattern Recognition: Find the Hidden Order

Pattern recognition is vital in fields like math, science, and even art.

Activities to Try:

  • Solve number sequences (e.g., 2, 4, 8, 16, ?).

In this specific example — 2, 4, 8, 16, ? — the sequence follows a multiplication pattern, where each number is multiplied by 2 to get the next number:

  • 2 × 2 = 4
  • 4 × 2 = 8
  • 8 × 2 = 16
  • 16 × 2 = 32

So, the next number in the sequence is 32.

Solving number sequences like this improves pattern recognition and logical reasoning skills, both of which are essential for boosting IQ. Go as further as you can in this list.

  • Play games like SET, Spot It!, or Mastermind.
  • Try AI training datasets for pattern recognition.

YouTube Channels:

  • Maths Town — Pattern puzzles.
  • Patterns in Everything — Hidden world patterns.
  • Tibees — Patterns in numbers.

Apps/Websites:

  • Elevate, Mathematician’s Pattern Book

I’ve been recommending Elevate App to my students to help improve their listening, reading, writing, speaking, memory, and vocabulary skills. This app is a game-changer. It also offers math lessons for those who are interested.


Final Thoughts: Make IQ Growth a Daily Habit

Improving your IQ is a marathon, not a sprint. The key is consistency. Incorporate puzzles, reading, and conversations with intellectually stimulating individuals into your daily routine. Track your progress, meditate for mental clarity, and most importantly, have fun with the process. Your brain is a muscle — the more you use it, the sharper it gets. Let the journey to a better you begin today!

This article was authored by Jaison Elcy Jose and fine-tuned with the help of ChatGPT. Thank you for reading till the end.

If you liked this article, I’m sure you’ll love the other ones too: https://boringacademy.com/jaisonelcyjose/

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