Tony Buzan's MENTAL MAPS

Our minds contain large amounts of information, but in many cases this information resides in our brain of poorly organized and we find it impossible to access it, which generates frustration and aversion to wanting to retain more information. What's the point of storing information if we can't use it later? Against this, if you want to improve your memory, the ability to organize and plan information, yes you need help to plan the syllabus you should study or you do not know how to plan your future, you can start using Tony Buzan's Mind Maps. In this Psychology-Online article, we will explain what Tony Buzan's mind maps are, how to make mind maps and we will show some examples of mind maps.

Index

1. What are Tony Buzan Mind Maps
2. How to make mind maps
3. Characteristics of mind maps
4. How to make a mind map: 7 steps
5. What is a mind map for?
6. Tony Buzan: speed reading
7. Tony Buzan Mind Map Examples

Mind maps are a graphic technique, promoted by Tony Buzan, which has the objective of reaching the maximum potential of our brain, since this method of analysis allows us to organize our thoughts using our abilities to the maximum mental. Mind maps are a simple way to manage and plan all the information in our brain: the words, ideas, numbers, readings, drawings,... and relate them to each other, based on a central idea, that is, They are

Tony Buzan's mind maps share the same structure, which consists of a central image, word or idea surrounded by ramifications that are related to said idea, thus allowing us to understand all the variables related to the idea central. For this reason, mind maps are a strategy that allows us to organize and structure our thoughts, through their hierarchy and categorization, let's see how they are made!

Tony Buzan's mind maps share something in common: their structure. Mind maps are based on a central idea, located in the middle of the map and from this central idea branches are established that come out of it, representing the other main thoughts, out of which will branch out with the secondary ideas, and so on. consecutively.

To build a mind map, we must select the most significant information, simplify it, reducing it to keywords, and later, organize it and relate the concepts to each other and to the central idea.

The keywords used in mind maps can be words, verbs, pictures, adverbs, and so on. However, we must bear in mind that the use of images helps us remember in a more efficient way and produces an activation of both hemispheres, thereby increasing the creativity, retention and communication capacity, so it is advisable to associate keywords with images.

Other instructions to keep in mind to make mind maps are as follows:

• Distribution: it is advisable to use a hierarchy and make use of numerical orders.
• Techniques: the most suitable for its elaboration is to make the mental map as visual as possible, before this it is recommended to use three or more colors and make variations in the size of images and ideas, for example use thicker lines for main ideas and thinner for secondary ideas, in colors different.
• Associations: so that the associations between the different ideas are clear, it is advisable to use arrows, colors and / or codes.
• Clarity: the clarity of the map is the most important element, before this it must be ensured that the words are expressed as clearly as possible, using only one word key by line, establishing connections between the different lines and making use of the aforementioned, make use of different thicknesses in the lines to increase their clarity.

1. Start in the center of a blank sheet, this will allow you to move freely in any direction, letting your imagination run wild in a natural way.
2. Draw a picture that represents the main idea, since an image allows us to enhance our imagination and gives us more information than a word. The central image is the nucleus of interest, the center of our attention.
3. Make use of multiple colors, will stimulate your brain, in addition to providing more fun and interest in the map.
4. From the central image, create ramifications with the most important ideas. Our brain works through associations, therefore, linking our ideas will help us to remember them more easily. This will also help us structure our thoughts.
5. Use curved lines, since our brain will receive them with more attention and ease.
6. Make use of a unique keyword per line, since it will allow us to establish more associations to it than the use of phrases, which stop this multiplier effect and the flexibility of associations.
7. Use images a lot, because an image is worth a thousand words and will allow us to include many more concepts in it.

Tony Buzan's mind maps can be used in any aspect of our lives. Will help improve learning and clarify our thoughts, thereby increasing our performance. Mind maps help us turn long boring information into easy organization. remember, helping us to have a global vision of everything, by grouping and associating our ideas. In summary, mind maps can help us to:

• Enhance our creativity
• Reduce time spent
• Solve problems
• They bring concentration
• Boost memory
• Organizational effectiveness on thoughts
• Clarify our ideas
• Get better performance, for example in exam results, since they allow us to study more efficiently and quickly
• Get an overview of the concept
• Planning
• Communication

Tony Buzan, in addition to offering us the technique of mind maps, shows us from his book: The speed reading book, a simple method that aims to increase the speed of our reading, reaching 1,000 words per minute, improving understanding and concentration about what we read. The book offers us a set of techniques that will teach us to use our eyes and brain in a more efficient way, plus questionnaires and practical examples to put your techniques.

Below are some examples of Tony Buzan's mind maps. Examples of mind maps can serve as inspiration, but for maps to be really useful they must be done by yourself.

This article is merely informative, in Psychology-Online we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.

If you want to read more articles similar to Tony Buzan's Mind Maps, we recommend that you enter our category of Education and study skills.

• Buzan, T. (2004). How to create mind maps. World, 5488(0804), 5488-2900.
• Buzan, T. (2009). Mind Map. Rio de Janeiro. Sextant.
• Mazzarella, C., & Monsanto, R. (2009). Use of Mind Maps in the construction of an updated concept of science. Research journal, 33(66), 95-118.

Photos for Tony Buzan's Mind Maps