It used to be widely assumed that a person couldn't increase her IQ, but recent research says otherwise.
Intelligence quotient, or IQ, tests are supposed to predict human potential. It was previously thought that IQ couldn't be changed, that your IQ as a child was your IQ for life. But recent research has shown that your IQ can be increased by taking care of yourself and stimulating your mind.
Eat Nutritious Foods
Eating nutritious foods has been shown to increase brain power. Oily fish such as salmon is high in omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to enhance the brain. Soy can trigger neurotransmitters that are associated with memory. Vegetables and fruits, such as strawberries, are also smart choices that can increase your brain power.
Get Enough Sleep
Sleep is essential to a person wanting to boost IQ. Some experts have said that every hour of sleep lost means a temporary loss of one point in IQ. It's suggested that everyone get eight hours of sleep. The quality of sleep is also important. If you're feeling tired and having trouble focusing during the day, take a short nap.
Exercise Well
Exercising regularly can boost your mental capacity by increasing circulation. It also releases chemicals that enhance creativity, reaction time and memory retention. A 2006 study at the University of Illinois found that inactive subjects increased memory and multitasking ability by more than 15 percent after participating in a walking program. Exercising also can clear your head and facilitate mental activities, reading and concentrating.
Don't Be Distracted By Technology
Technology such as the Internet and smartphones can greatly increase your productivity, but it can also hinder your ability to learn, retain information and concentrate. A British psychiatrist's 2005 study found that workers who were overly distracted by technology suffered a greater IQ loss than they would have by smoking marijuana. Television is another technology that can be distracting and can cause a loss of mental capacity if watched too much.
Meditate
Taking time to stop and reflect can allow your brain to recharge and refocus. Meditating can be very relaxing and boost your IQ if done regularly. It can be difficult to fully focus on your breathing, but when you're distracted by another thought, return your focus to the meditation. A 2005 University of Kentucky study found that meditating for 30 minutes is more effective for increasing brain power than napping for the same time.
Read Something Challenging
It may be tempting to read things that are easy for you to understand, but to truly increase brain power it's important to do things that require you to focus on things that are hard for you to understand. Re-read difficult passages; look up words that you don't know. You find new ideas and new understanding by reading things that may seem above your head at first.
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