How To Learn Faster And Slow Down Cognitive Decline

By stepping out of your comfort zone

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You can’t teach an old dog new tricks they say.

While it might be true that as you age, the processing speed and rate at which you perform mental tasks begin to decrease, it’s possible to slow down cognitive decline by choosing to learn new tricks.

In psychology, the comfort zone promotes cognitive benefits and emotional well-being in children. Breaking through that psychological boundary is essential as you get older, to make the most use of your brain.

Stepping out of our comfort zone is like tapping into a superpower

Engaging in the same activities, being around the same faces, and walking the same route gives a familiar feeling of comfort. While familiarity promotes a sense of security in the present, you are not increasing your capacity to learn anything new.

, authors of Comfort Zone Orientation published in the journal say that “adults who feel more secure about stepping out of their comfort zone experience greater self-efficacy and decreased anxiety.” This happens because we learn about our ability to handle new situations and control risks.