Can You Really Become Smarter? Yes – Here’s 9 Ways

About 65% of people believe they are much smarter than the average person. While this may or may not be true, even if you are smarter, you can actually work to boost your IQ.

So what are some ways that you can become smarter? The great thing about learning is that there’s no limit to having a growth mindset. You can gain a higher IQ at almost any age.

If you’re looking to increase your intelligence, here are some ways that you can start boosting your brainpower today.

1. Eat a Healthy Diet

A healthy diet is essential to a healthy body and mind. The foods you put into your body have a direct impact on how parts of your body grow and function. When you fill your body with the right kinds of foods – fruits, vegetables, and meats – then your body will work better.

Here are some foods you want to fill your plate with to boost your IQ:

• Leafy greens
• Salmon
• Avocado
• Green tea
• Berries
• Whole grains
• Nuts

The food offer protection for your brain as you age so you can think and feel younger. Also, caffeine is known to boost your IQ, but since it’s a stimulant, it may become addictive.

2. Sleep

Over 50% of people believe they don’t get enough sleep. However, sleep is another vital ingredient if you want to improve your IQ.

Sleep is the body’s way of restoring your brain after a long day. Things you did throughout the day are solidified in your brain. Additionally, sleep makes your brain able to remember and retain more information.

3. Exercise

Exercise is not only good for enhancing your body strength but your brainpower as well. The part of your brain called the hippocampus is responsible for memory. When you exercise, you’re can improve the growth of your hippocampus, hypothetically allowing you to remember more.

Additionally, when you get more oxygen to the brain, this can improve its cognitive function as well.

The good news is that you don’t have to participate in rigorous activities to reap the benefits of intelligence. You can take a walk, do yoga, cardio, or whatever activity you prefer. The only requirement is that you do it consistently.

4. Read

Reading books is another way to increase your intelligence because it allows all parts of your brain to activate. Reading expands your vocabulary, introduces you to new ideas, and allows you to participate in intelligent conversation. There are a variety of materials and genres to read.

Don’t just read books that solidify your own viewpoint, but read widely. Reading widely allows you to increase your perspective and understand specific stances and ideas.

5. Expand Your Social Circle

Have you had the same friends for a long time? While it’s a great thing to maintain long-term relationships, are they helping to grow in expanding your mind? If not, you don’t have to give up your friendships, but try expanding your social circle to include people who are intelligent or think differently than you.

Aim to include diversity in your social circles. Meet and greet people who are unlike you or smarter than you to learn and glean from them. Invite them to functions or out for coffee so you can enjoy their company and pick their brain.

6. Learn New Things

Staying stagnant in hobbies or abilities will not cause you to grow or learn more. Instead, invest your free time in learning a new hobby or practice.

Many people who want to expand their skills may take up a musical instrument, a new language, or a new hobby altogether. You can also listen to podcasts or watch videos on things you want to learn about. Even if you don’t have time to pick up a new language or hobby, you can still learn and do something new every day to expand your mind.

7. Write Out Notes

When you’re reading or listening to a lecture, you might be interested in taking notes so you remember what you’ve heard or read. You might be tempted to type these notes out on your computer for safekeeping, but if you want to remember you should write it out by hand.

Studies have shown that writing anything out helps you remember the information better than typing. This is because you have to choose what to write because you cannot write as quickly as typing. Keep a notebook handy for notetaking so you can keep all your notes in one place.

8. Keep a Flexible Mindset

Another great way to become smarter is to keep a flexible mindset. This means that you’re flexible in understanding that intelligence is something that can be taught and you’re not stuck in your ways. It helps you remember that growth is important and it takes time.

A fixed mindset is the opposite of a flexible mindset. A fixed mind means you believe things are unchangeable and it’s an obstacle to growth. Understanding that you can grow and you can achieve things is important when tasking yourself for boosting your intelligence.

9. Meditation

Meditation is the act of training your mind to focus and become aware of your surroundings. It’s practicing the art of mindfulness.

Meditation helps your brain learn to focus so you can retain more information. Thankfully, meditation does not need to be practiced for hours, but 15 minutes a day to clear your mind and focus can prove helpful over time.

Become Smarter Today!

Are you ready to become smarter? It’s not easy, but it’s worth it. When you know more, you can make better decisions and improve your quality of life.

Get your brain in tip-top shape with all of our health tips! Visit our health page today to read more.