How to Improve IQ
How do you improve intelligence and brainpower in general?
That is what this site is all about, of course, and here are
even more ways to easily accomplish this goal. In case you are
wondering, I have seen IQ scores go up by applying these
techniques, but then who cares? The improvement in usable brainpower
is what matters, not the imperfect measurement of it.
So sit down with a cup of coffee (your first IQ improvement
tip) and take notes as you read through the list below. The following
are taken from "70 Ways To Increase Your Brainpower,"
a chapter in my e-book, "You
Aren't Supposed To Know - A Book Of Secrets."
Improve IQ - 17 Ways
Rosemary
This common herb may have an effect on the brain when the
scent is inhaled. We are waiting for the research, but some people
swear that just sniffing rosemary wakes up their brain. It seems
safe, so if you have rosemary in your spice rack, give it a try.
Write.
Writing is good for your mind in a number of ways. It is a
way to tell your memory what is important, so you'll recall things
more easily in the future. It is a way to clarify your thinking.
It is a way to exercise your creativity and analytical ability.
Diaries, idea-journals, poetry, note-taking and story-writing
are all ways to use writing to boost your brain power.
Listen to Mozart.
In a study at the University of California, researchers found
that children who studied piano and sang daily in chorus, were
much better at solving puzzles, and when tested, scored 80% higher
in spatial intelligence than the non-musical group. In another
study, 36 students were given three spatial reasoning tests on
a standard IQ test. Just before the first test, they listened
to Mozart's sonata for Two Pianos in D Major, K. 448 for ten
minutes. Before the second test, they listened to a relaxation
tape. Before the third, they sat in silence. The average scores
for all 36 students: 1st test: 119. 2nd test: 111. 3rd test:
110. Improve IQ by nine-points with Mozart!
Avoid foods that cause subtle allergies.
These can include wheat, corn, peanuts and dairy products.
Watch yourself to see if you have a problem with any of these.
They cause digestive problems and brain fog in some people.
Speed reading.
Contrary to what many believe, your comprehension of material
often goes up when you learn to speed-read. You get to learn
a lot more in less time, and it is definitely a good brain exercise.
A quick lesson? When scanning, read the first and last parts
of paragraphs; this is where the important stuff is. Just pick
up any book or article now to verify this.
Exercise.
Long term exercise can boost brainpower, which isn't surprising.
Anything that affects physical health in a positive way probably
helps the brain too. Recent research, though, shows that cognitive
function is improved immediately after just ten minutes of aerobic
exercise. If you need a brain recharge, you might want to walk
up and down the stairs a few times.
Learn more efficiently.
When you decide to learn something, take notes from the start.
Leave each "learning session" with a question or two
in mind, to create anticipation and curiosity. Take short breaks,
so there will be more beginnings and endings to your studies
(Things learned at the beginning or ending of a class or session
are remembered better).
Use techniques for clear thinking.
Cluttered rooms and offices can contribute to cluttered thinking.
Organize a space for mental work. Sigh, stretch, and take a deep
breath before you start on a tough mental job. Plan some distraction-free
time for brainstorming.
Brain wave entrainment.
The newest brain wave entrainment products are powerful tools
for altering your brain function. Some will almost immediately
relax you, while others will put your brain waves in a pattern
that is most conducive to analytical thinking. For more information
on these, you can visit the page on Brain
Wave Entrainment.
Creatine.
This is a compound found in meat, used by athletes to help
build muscle. Now the evidence is here to show that it helps
your brain as well. Proceedings B , a journal published by the
Royal Society reports that the research showed improvement in
working memory and general intelligence resulting from creatine
supplementation. The dose used in the study was 5 grams per day.
This is about the level used to boost sports performance, and
is as much as you'd normally get in four pounds of meat, according
to lead researcher Dr. Caroline Rae.
Talk.
Talking is only good for the brain if you are actually exercising
it, of course. Try explaining something that you don't understand
very well to a friend, though, and you'll notice that the process
of explaining will help you clarify your understanding.
Do something you enjoy.
This is a way to both lower stress and rev up your brain.
The key is to do something active. Watching TV doesn't count.
Whether it is playing Scrabble or building birdhouses, when you
are actively engaged in an activity that you enjoy, you worry
less about things and you start to think better.
Adjust your beliefs.
Believe you are smarter, and you'll become smarter. For this,
affirmations may work, but even better is evidence. Make a note
of your successes. Tell yourself, "Hey, that was really
creative," when you do something creative. When you have
a good idea, make a note of it. Gather the evidence for your
own intelligence and you'll start to experience more of it.
Brain exercises.
Do math in your mind while driving. Think of a new use for
everything you see. Almost any brain exercises have the potential
to improve IQ and brain function. Regular use of the brain has
been shown to generate new neuronal growth, and even halt the
decline of mental function that often comes with age.
Model others.
Find others that are creative, intelligent, or very productive.
Do what they do, and think what they think. This is a key principle
of neurolinguistic programming. Be careful about taking their
advice, though. Successful people often don't really understand
why they are successful. Do what they do, not what they say.
Eat fish.
Eating fish actually speeds up brain waves, and improves concentration.
Researchers have also found an almost perfect correlation between
intake of fish and lowered levels of depression in the various
countries of the world. The U.S. has 24 times the incidence of
depression as Japan, for example, where fish intake is much higher.
Avoid unnecessary arguments.
When you defend a position too vigorously, especially when
it is just to "win" the argument, you invest our ego
into it. This is not conducive to the easy acceptance and use
of new information. In other words, you put your mind in a rut,
and you dig it deeper with each argument. Debate can be a valuable
thing, but when the ego takes over, the mind closes a little.
This is not a way to improve your IQ.
|
