How to Increase Your IQ in 6 Easy Steps

The concept and analysis of intelligence is a complex one, and over the years, it has been explored and modified by various psychologists and researchers. Simply put, intelligence is the strength of the human brain, which is the ability to think, apply the proper knowledge, act with intention, adapt to situations and survive. It is a unique quality that differentiates us from other people. Although one may argue that intelligence stops after a certain age, you can successfully combat this by trying new things, intellectual activities, and constantly learning.

British American psychologist Raymond Cartel divided intelligence into Crystallized and Fluid intelligence. He described the former as the ability to learn, remember and apply the information where necessary. While the latter, he explained, is the intelligence that specifically helps you navigate and solve complex problems in your everyday life. Another psychologist, Robert Sternberg, propagated the triarchic theory of intelligence, which consists of practical, creative, and analytical intelligence. He expatiated how being street smart differs from being academically intelligent and how both are not the same as being innovative and imaginative.

Intelligence is undeniably helpful in various aspects of our lives as humans, as each situation calls for a unique intelligence that would help tackle the problem. For instance, a mathematical test would require your analytical intelligence, while a practical, real-life situation would expect you to channel your street-smart intelligence. Thanks to the wonders of technology and modern research, there is more than one way to measure how intelligent you are and how to improve your mental capacity if you wish to. We see the benefits of man’s intelligence today in the evolution of our buildings, the commendable improvement in our medical sectors, and the development of our society as a whole. Let’s take a look at how we can improve and become better at our intelligence.

INTERACTION AND NETWORKING HELPS

As kids, interacting and playing with peers help develop their intelligence quotient. It is no news that children learn while playing. The natural activity itself builds up their self-esteem and social skills. Additionally, kids become better at being a team and improving their stamina. As a parent, you see the effects on their emotional intelligence- like how they express their feelings and themselves.

Networking, on the other hand, will do your intelligence more good than harm. You should attend insightful seminars, press conferences and optimize your social media use to interact with professionals in your field of interest that you would learn from intellectually.

MEDITATE

Originating in the eastern region and now generally accepted all over the world, meditation is a habit that you really should consider cultivating if you haven’t been doing so before. Asides from the sense of deep calm that this mind-body medicine gives you, several scientific researchers have been able to link meditation to the brain and its effects.

In 2019, a scientific research on the Alterations in Brain Structure and Amplitude of Low Frequency after 8 weeks of Mindfulness Meditation was carried out on fourteen university students and concluded that the meditation training reduced their subclinical depression symptomatology and yielded complex structural and functional effects. If you’ve never meditated before, look up meditation techniques on the internet or get in touch with a professional that could train you. In summary, meditation helps to relieve stress and anxiety, which is beneficial for your brain.

INVEST IN EDUCATIONAL GAMES

Playing games is a fun way to get exposure and learn new things and helpful tricks. Several studies have proven how educational games stimulate the brain and how it turns the mental wheels of one’s problem-solving skills. Educational and brain training games perfectly combine fun and mental benefits. Games like chess enhance your thinking critically and deeply, while other games are more particular in your capability to respond with speed, attention, and accuracy. Today, there are varieties of brain training games ranging from children to adults.

For instance, The Highlight Puzzle Club is a colorful puzzle, skill-building book that any child from ages 4 to 7 would enjoy and learn from.
Another IQ-building toy you should look for is the LESONG Magic Brain Teasers Puzzle Suitable for ages 5 to 95, this interactive and eco-friendly metal and wood puzzle toy is aimed at challenging your creative, critical, and analytical intelligence, as well as sharpening your mind.

EAT MORE BRAIN-POWER FOODS

Eating healthy is one of the best things you can do for the body as an extension of your brain. To maximize your mental capacity and intelligence, these foods have been researched and proven to help.

Berries such as blueberries, strawberries, black currants, and blackberries contain flavonoid antioxidants like caffeic acid and catechin that increases brain plasticity and enhances communication between brain cells.
Dark Chocolate also contains flavonoid antioxidants that help the brain significantly.
Vegetables like kale, broccoli, and spinach are major carriers of vitamin k, beta carotene and lutein, which positively supports the brain cells and improves memory.
Other brain power foods include eggs, fruits rich in vitamin c, turmeric, and coffee.

GET ENOUGH SLEEP AND REST

When a person is deprived of sleep, it is obvious how they walk, how they look, and how poor their performance is. Sleep is required of us as humans, and scientifically, it has been proven to aid both brain and memory functions that would eventually help keep your body system energized and enhance your concentration when going about your daily activities. Medically, it is advised that you sleep for 7 to 9 hours.

READ A LOT OF BOOKS

Books are gateways to fountains of knowledge. To improve your intelligence bank, read as many informative books as possible. Typically, it is reasonable to read within your field of interest. However, it doesn’t hurt to push your limits and be a wide-range reader. From educational to science-inclined, political, historically written, and creative books, explore and watch your intelligence widen.

As mentioned early, intelligence is a complicated concept, but choosing to improve your intelligence comes with future benefits that you would enjoy. Try out these helpful and proven tips of ours; we guarantee that you won’t regret it.

REFERENCES

https://www.scientificworldinfo.com/2019/04/intelligence-in-psychology-characteristics-and-types-of-intelligence.html?m=1

https://openstax.org/books/psychology-2e/pages/7-4-what-are-intelligence-and-creativity

https://hmn24.com/blogs/articles/defining-human-intelligence