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An important question arises: can you enhance processing speed? The simple answer is yes, though the extent of improvement depends on the cause. Some people can build greater efficiency through cognitive training and targeted practice, while others benefit more from workarounds and environmental adjustments. For many, a combination of both leads to the best results.

As such, how exactly can you improve processing speed? In the following sections, we'll discuss some methods that could work well for children.

1. Build Executive Functioning Skills

Children who process information more slowly often have trouble with executive functions—the brain's "management system" that helps with planning, organizing, starting tasks, shifting focus, and self-monitoring. Strengthening these skills lays the groundwork for more efficient thinking and processing.

When executive functioning improves, children can better prioritize information, ignore distractions, and stay mentally organized.

Activities that help:

• Sorting tasks (by color, shape, size)

• Timed puzzles and board games (like Spot It!, Blink, or Boggle)

• Planning activities (like cooking with a recipe or organizing a backpack)

2. Practice Timed Tasks in a Low-Stress Way

Timed activities can help children build mental endurance and speed, but if done in a pressurized way, they may increase anxiety and avoidance. The goal is to introduce speed gradually and playfully.

Here's what you can try:

• Reading short paragraphs aloud under time to improve reading fluency

• Copying simple sentences

• Playing “beat the clock” with math facts or matching games

Make sure that time limits are generous enough to be achievable, then gradually adjust.

3. Use Technology and Assistive Tools

Children with slow processing speed may need alternative ways to express what they know. Assistive technology can reduce the bottleneck created by slow motor output, reading, or writing, and allow cognitive energy to be used more effectively. In other words, when kids can skip the struggle of handwriting or reading at a slow pace, their ideas and understanding can shine!

• Speech-to-text tools

• Typing instead of writing

• Audiobooks or text-to-speech readers

• Timers and task apps like Time Timer or Visual Schedule Planner

4. Use Graphic Organizers and Templates

Graphic organizers help children organize thoughts visually, reducing cognitive overload and increasing clarity when planning, writing, solving problems, or studying.

Try:

• Sentence starters

• Venn diagrams

• Step-by-step math templates

5. Break Tasks into Smaller Steps

When given large or open-ended tasks, children with slow processing speed may freeze or procrastinate. Because of this, chunking can be incredibly useful, as it provides them with clear, manageable steps.

Here are some methods you can try:

• Use checklists with visuals. Break homework assignments into mini-steps. Example:

• [ ] Read the directions

• [ ] Highlight keywords

• [ ] Solve problem 1

• [ ] Show your work

• [ ] Double-check

• Create “first...next...last” routines. This method is especially helpful for multi-step instructions in math problems, writing, or chores.

• Limit choices: instead of asking, How do you want to start your story?, try: Do you want to begin with a setting or a character?

• Use color-coded steps: assign different colors to different task types or stages of work (e.g., red = read, blue = write, green = check).

6. Incorporate Physical Movement

Movement and exercise increase blood flow to the brain, improve attention, and stimulate the release of neurochemicals like dopamine and serotonin.

Research consistently shows that aerobic exercise can improve processing speed and executive function in both children and adults. One study found that cardiovascular activity led to a significant 12.5% improvement in processing speed!

Here are some activities you can try with your kids:

• Jump rope

• Tag games

• Dancing to music

• Yoga or martial arts

How to Improve Processing Speed in Adults?

While slow processing speed is usually linked to the same factors in both adults and children, there are methods that are more useful for adults than children. Therefore, in the following sections, we'll discuss some techniques that can help adults enhance processing speed.

1. Train the Brain with Neurofeedback

The human brain has a unique ability, neuroplasticity, that allows it to change and adapt. This means that cognitive abilities like processing speed, working memory, and attention control can be improved with regular, targeted mental exercise.

You can try neurofeedback, for example, which leverages neuroplasticity to improve cognitive performance. If your goal is to enhance processing speed with neurofeedback, your best bet is the Mendi headband. Why? Because it is the only consumer-grade device on the market that targets the prefrontal cortex, the brain region responsible for focus, information processing, planning, problem-solving, decision-making, and working memory.

Plus, we've designed our system to work in an interactive way (suitable for children aged 6+ as well): while wearing the headband, you have to play a game on our app, which is basically controlled by your prefrontal cortex activity. When it increases, the ball on the screen goes up. When it decreases, the ball goes down.

Over time and with consistent practice, you can strengthen your prefrontal cortex and experience an improvement in processing speed and other cognitive skills.

However, keep in mind that Mendi is not a medical device and should not substitute medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment. It is recommended to talk to your doctor before using Mendi if you have a medical condition.

2. Practice Mental Agility Exercises

Processing speed is not only about how quickly the brain can absorb and react to information—it also hinges on mental flexibility, pattern recognition, and working memory. Engaging regularly in activities that challenge these abilities encourages the brain to work more fluidly under pressure.

Try these mental agility activities:

• Crossword puzzles to improve word retrieval and language speed

• Sudoku and number puzzles to strengthen logic under time constraints

• Memory matching games (digital or physical) to improve memory

• Timed chess or strategy card games (like Speed or Set)

• Speed-reading short stories or articles, then summarizing quickly to improve reading speed and comprehension

• Listening to audiobooks or podcasts at 1.25x–1.5x speed

3. Improve Sleep, Nutrition, and Exercise

The brain relies on high-quality sleep to clear waste, solidify memories, and enhance executive function. On the other hand, nutrition provides the fuel for mental tasks. Last but not least, physical activity increases blood flow to the brain and triggers the release of beneficial neurotransmitters.

When any of these three pillars—sleep, food, or movement—is out of balance, processing speed can suffer the consequences.

As such, here are some healthy habits you can adopt:

• Get 7–9 hours of sleep per night (children and teens may need more).

• Follow a consistent sleep routine with limited screen time before bed.

• Eat omega-3-rich foods (salmon, walnuts, flaxseeds) for brain health.

• Include leafy greens and berries, which support memory and cognition.

• Stay hydrated—even mild dehydration can impair mental speed.

• Exercise regularly, especially aerobic activity (walking, cycling, dancing).

• Try coordination-heavy sports like tennis or martial arts to build brain-body synchrony.

• Use movement breaks (5–10 minutes) during long mental tasks.

5. Learn Typing and Keyboard Shortcuts

Nowadays, much of our productivity depends on how efficiently we interact with technology. For individuals who struggle with processing speed, especially adults, written output can be a major bottleneck. However, this can often be improved with better digital fluency.

Here's what you can try:

• Practice touch typing with free programs like TypingClub or Keybr.

• Aim for 40+ WPM (words per minute) for average workplace efficiency.

• Learn commonly used keyboard shortcuts (copy/paste, navigation, formatting).

• Use browser extensions that automate repetitive text or actions.

• Try speech-to-text tools like Google Docs voice typing.

• Use Grammarly or editing tools to reduce time spent proofreading.

6. Delegate or Outsource Repetitive Tasks

Mental energy is finite. When processing information consumes a disproportionate share of that energy, it can lead to burnout, especially when tasks are repetitive or low-value. But if you delegate or automate these duties, you free up bandwidth for higher-order thinking and creativity.

Try these methods to lighten the mental load:

• Delegate household chores using chore charts, family planning apps, or hired help.

• Outsource admin work via virtual assistants or team members.

• Use automation tools like Zapier or IFTTT to handle routine digital tasks.

• Try scheduling tools (Calendly, Doodle) to avoid emailing back and forth.

• Batch similar tasks together to reduce mental switching costs.

• Use smart home devices (e.g., reminders, timers, lists via Alexa or Google Home).

7. Use Timers to Build Time Awareness

A common challenge for people struggling with processing speed is a distorted sense of how much time a task takes—either underestimating (leading to lateness) or overestimating (leading to overwhelming feelings). Because of this, it's important to build accurate time estimation and time-tracking habits.

Try these strategies to build time awareness:

• Use the Pomodoro technique (25 minutes focus + 5-minute break).

• Try a Time Timer, which shows time shrinking visually.

• Conduct a time audit to track how long daily tasks actually take.

• Use app-based timers with analytics (e.g., Forest, Toggl, Focus Keeper).

• Create mini-deadlines within larger projects to keep momentum.

8. Manage Anxiety and Perfectionism

Anxiety and perfectionism are often the main causes of slow processing in adults. When the brain is preoccupied with What if I fail?, it can’t focus on the task at hand. This internal pressure creates a feedback loop: slower performance causes more anxiety, which further slows you down.

Here are some helpful practices you can try:

• Use affirmations or self-talk (e.g., It’s okay to make mistakes, there's no need to go through this email three times.)

• Journal briefly before tasks to offload intrusive thoughts.

• Practice mindfulness or breathing exercises.

• Break large tasks into tiny, low-pressure actions.

• Work with a therapist or coach to address core beliefs about failure or self-esteem.

• Normalize effort over perfection by reflecting on what went well, not just what was fast.

When to Seek Professional Support

If processing speed issues significantly impair functioning, it may be time for:

• A neuropsychological evaluation (children or adults)

• Assessment for ADHD, learning disorders, or emotional issues

• Cognitive tests, such as the Wechsler Intelligence Scale, to measure processing speed

• Consultation with an occupational therapist (especially for motor-related speed issues)

• Support from an executive function coach or educational therapist

For some individuals with ADHD, medications may indirectly improve processing speed by enhancing focus and activation. Always consult a healthcare provider for medication options.

Boost Your Brain’s Processing Power with Mendi

If you're looking for a science-backed way to enhance your cognitive performance, consider trying Mendi—a consumer-grade neurofeedback device that specifically targets your prefrontal cortex, the brain’s hub for focus, planning, and processing! Plus, it uses advanced fNIRS technology which otherwise is only used for research purposes!

Mendi’s app-based brain training game offers a fun and interactive way to build mental endurance at any age. Many users report sharper focus, faster thinking, and better mental clarity!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I increase my processing speed?

Yes, processing speed can often be improved with targeted cognitive training, better sleep, nutrition, exercise, and tools like neurofeedback.

Can you have a high IQ but a slow processing speed?

You can definitely have a high IQ but a slow processing speed. Many people with high IQs process information more slowly and require more time to complete routine tasks, especially if they excel in deep thinking or have conditions like ADHD or dyslexia.

What is the root cause of slow processing speed?

Slow processing speed can stem from neurodevelopmental conditions (like ADHD or learning disorders), anxiety, sleep deprivation, or medical issues affecting cognitive function.

Can you increase a child's processing speed?

Yes, a child’s processing speed can improve through executive function training, assistive tools, movement, and low-pressure timed activities. In some cases, it's necessary to consult a medical professional to ensure that this is not caused by a medical issue.

When should I seek professional help for slow processing speed?

It is advisable to seek professional help for slow processing speed when self-management strategies are ineffective and significantly impact daily life. Licensed clinical psychologists can offer tailored strategies and support to address related issues.