Can i improve my reaction time

They also developed a heightened sensitivity to their surroundings. You can use your spare pennies to help speed up those reflexes. Put your hand out with your palm facing the ground and put a coin on top of your knuckles. With your arm outstretched, throw the coin upwards and then try to catch it in the same hand. Another invaluable, and inexpensive, tool used to improve reflexes is the humble tennis ball. A lack of sleep can have a huge effect on reflexes and split-second decision-making.

Researchers in California found sleep-deprivation can make you almost as sluggish as a few alcoholic drinks, so make sure you get your eight hours a night. Narcissistic personality disorder and a family separation. Vaccination strategies and return-to-office policies vary greatly from country to country.

You had almost won the game. But alas, you were too slow in your response. If only your reaction time was a little bit faster. Well, guess what? It can. And we will tell you how. That is why it is important to get in some form of exercise preferably at the start of the day or some hours before gaming. You can do the bare minimum just to get your heart racing — that includes jumping jacks, squats, jogging, and so on.

Or you could go the extra mile and develop a daily routine that actively engages your muscle groups. However, one part of the body you must focus on are the fingers. And yes, all ten of them.

After all, they are what we use to push buttons, regardless of whether you use the WASD keys or a controller. For starters, you can try squeezing hard on a tennis ball.

Or any kind of ball that offers some measure of resistance. Make sure to clench your fist as tightly as you can around the ball for five seconds before letting go. Allow your fingers to rest for about three seconds before starting the cycle again. Make sure to complete a total number of fifteen sets before you stop. Doing this will render the muscles in your fingers less susceptible to strain which means that it will take a longer time before you start feeling that ache we all hate.

Another technique you can try is wrapping an elastic band around the five fingers on each hand. Log in Social login does not work in incognito and private browsers.

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Article Summary. Method 1. Get a game console and some action video games and play for 30 minutes a day. The gaming environment may also force you to get used to making quick decisions based on limited information. Method 2. There are a number of sites online that offer brain training. Then, see how long you can remember the numbers and write them back down correctly.

Method 3. In your everyday life, try to consciously speed up your decision making. Repeating this process will also help you to get used to the stress associated with quick decisions and learn how to keep your cool under pressure, a good skill no matter how fast your reflexes get to be.

The timer in these games will force you to think faster in order to maintain a high score. Method 4. This one almost feels like a game: time yourself as you read single pages to see how long it takes to make it through. Then, see if you can cut down the seconds while still comprehending the material. Do this with a variety of types of reading to keep your mind flexible. You can also take a speed reading course online or at a local college.

Do the same with other letters until you feel your speed increasing. Method 5. Get a pack of gum and chew it when you know you need to be quick. Or, grab a handful of sunflower seeds. It has been suggested that chewing stimulates the muscles in your mouth and jaw, which then send additional blood and activity up to your brain.

Enjoy the burst of flavor, too! The benefits of this step are often not viewable to the naked eye and are measured in milliseconds of difference. However, for athletes in particular, shaving down even small amounts of time can have a positive effect. Method 6. As coaches always say: get your head in the game! Sit and think about how you need to be fast and accurate in your upcoming task.

It helps to visualize the task at hand before you begin and mentally go through all of the preparations that you have done. Approaching a task in a calm, precise manner can help you to harness your stress nerves and put them to good use. Method 7. If you are working on something that requires concentration and speed, try to eliminate all other things that might grab your attention. For example, if you are playing a video game, minimize the distractions in your room so that you can focus.

Method 8. Ways to improve your reaction time for other sports. How to measure your reaction time. Factors that affect reaction time. The takeaway. Read this next. Medically reviewed by Seunggu Han, M. I Found Love in an Online Game More and more couples are meeting through online dating, but what about online gaming? New Study Says Yes Researchers have discovered a video game designed to teach children empathy can change young brains and improve social behavior. What an Introvert Is — and Isn't.

Medically reviewed by Kendra Kubala, PsyD. What Is a Psychiatrist?