Simple ways to improve your intelligence
It's common for people to think that some people are just born intelligent and others are just not as lucky as them. Perhaps this is because some people make intelligence and good mental performance seem effortless.
However, intelligence isn't a set trait. If you don't put any effort in developing it in yourself you will probably end up never discovering that you had the potential to be one of the greatest minds in this world. Intelligence is the ability to think, to learn from experience, to solve problems, and to adapt to new situations. Your intelligence grows as you learn or experience new things. The key to developing this ability lies in practicing long term lifestyle habits that will help you to keep your brain in sh ape. In this article, I will name 6 of them.
1. Physical exercise
Staying physically active is arguably one of the best ways to improve brain functioning.
It's scientifically proven that physical activity indeed enhances brain activity. However, it's also important to know that in order to enjoy these cognitive benefits you need to do it regularly. You can surely try adding walking, hiking, yoga, or light running to your daily routine.
2. Drink coffee
You may be surprised by this but drinking certain amounts of coffee can actually enhance your mental performance, and here's why.
Adenosine is a brain chemical that stops the release of stimulatory substances in your brain. However, the caffeine allows these substances to give you a boost of energy. This could help in promoting learning and mental performance.
In addition to that, a recent study concluded that caffeine intake can improve attention allowing you to stay focused and better take in new pieces of learning material.
Although caffeine intake may help, as I said, you need to moderate the amounts of coffee you drink. Drinking too much can make you feel quite twitchy.
3. Meditate
Meditation can also be a helpful way of becoming "smarter".
A 2019 study showed that meditation sessions improve the ability to stay focused, recognition ability, and working memory. These sessions also make a person's mood better.
Researchers predicted that this was because of the emotional benefits of meditation. If you are new to meditation, you can try using meditation apps and watching guided videos.
4. Get enough sleep
Sleep is another essential thing to support your brain function. When you sleep, your brain runs through all of the thoughts you had during the day. It enhances your brain's ability to intake new information when you wake up.
Another 2019 study showed that even minor sleep deprivation can have serious consequences on your brain's working memory.
5. Eat nutritious food
Having the correct diet can also boost your brain health and produce some results.
Nutrients are compounds in foods essential to life and health, providing us with energy, the building blocks for repair and growth and substances necessary to regulate chemical processes. There are six major nutrients: Carbohydrates (CHO), Lipids (fats), Proteins, Vitamins, Minerals, Water. Keep this in mind and restructure your diet.
6. Keep learning new things
If you want to be intelligent, you should be a student for a lifetime.
A recent study found that longer education increases cognitive functions of the brain.
There are many ways to achieve that: reading a book, learning a new language, playing an instrument, taking courses in Coursera, watching TED talks, and many more.
As you go through this endless process, remember one thing: intelligence is not about being "smarter", it's about staying curious and stimulating your brain to work. Follow these tips and I hope you can build your brain health and enhance intelligence over time.
The original Healthline article was adapted by Yessaly Sabina
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