You need to exercise your brain by making it think out the solutions to problem which really will tax you. Simply reading will increase your knowledge but not necessarily increase your brain power. Linking thought chains together to help you remember things and make it easier for memory recall. For example consider the following list:
Ball
House
Winston Churchill
Cow
Plant
Dog
Bus
Coat
If you try and remember this list whilst studying it for three minutes you will potentially only remember 2 or 3 listings and chances are you will remember Winston Churchill as he stands out from the rest.
Now try making a story about the list (even if it's a bit crazy!), for example "the ball bounced into the house and Winston Churchill kicked it to the cow, that was eating a plant near the dog which ran in front of the bus. The bus driver was wearing a special coat.."
Get the idea?
Ball
House
Winston Churchill
Cow
Plant
Dog
Bus
Coat
If you try and remember this list whilst studying it for three minutes you will potentially only remember 2 or 3 listings and chances are you will remember Winston Churchill as he stands out from the rest.
Now try making a story about the list (even if it's a bit crazy!), for example "the ball bounced into the house and Winston Churchill kicked it to the cow, that was eating a plant near the dog which ran in front of the bus. The bus driver was wearing a special coat.."
Get the idea?