The 5 key tricks to increase your intelligence

There are multiples techniques for measuring human intelligence. Some scientists understand the concept of intelligence as an entity that is based on the capacity for logical and linguistic reasoning (the one usually measured by standardized tests), while others conceive intelligence as a globality made up of a series of categories independent of each other.

This last idea of ​​intelligence was formulated by the psychologist and researcher Howard Gardner and receives the name of The theory of multiple intelligences.

Five scientifically proven ways to increase your intelligence

There are other theories that claim to define intelligence, such as Theory of Emotional Intelligence from Daniel goleman, the Spearman's G Factor Theory.

Be that as it may, and without adopting the interpretive framework of any specific theory, the truth is that there is no consensus scientist in defining intelligence, but we do know that cognitive ability is strictly linked to her. Then, What can we do to be smarter?

In another article by Psychology and Mind that we recommend reading, we verify that there are 5 foods that help increase intelligence. Today we are going to try to recommend five scientifically proven ways to this end. From healthy habits that improve the quality of our brain connections to little scientifically endorsed tips and advice.

We will increase your intelligence, you are ready?.

1. Meditation and Mindfulness

Although the practice of meditation can adopt different forms and specific techniques, in general what is sought is to surround oneself with relaxing, work your breath (inhaling and exhaling deeply) and ultimately achieve a mental state of Calm down. If you do not believe that meditation or Mindfulness (techniques of full consciousness) can take you to a state that some define as "nirvana", what is incontestable is that relaxation generates many benefits to increase our intelligence.

In fact, MRIs performed on people during a state of meditation have shown that this practice, if done regularly, can cause positive changes in the brain, improving attention span and concentration, increasing memory, and even increase the activity of certain regions of the cerebral cortex.

2. Train the brain

Our brain also requires regular exercise to operate and function properly. To maintain the freshness of our cognitive abilities, it is interesting to carry out activities such as Assemble puzzles, solve Sudoku puzzles or play classic word game puzzles. Only by dedicating half an hour a day to these types of exercises and games, can we keep our brain in top shape. It has also been reported that playing “Brain Training” video games can increase intelligence.

Also, mathematical or geometric exercises are very beneficial. But there are more routine ways to train the brain: try brushing your teeth with the opposite hand to the one you usually use. It is also often said that there is no better way to exercise our abilities than to have fun and have a good mood.

3. Sleep well and the necessary hours

We have already talked in previous articles about Psychology and Mind on the great importance of rest enough hours, and we even discovered a controversial study that related the position in which we sleep with our personality. But let's focus: How does adequate sleep help increase intelligence? The truth is that when we sleep, our brain does not disconnect, but structures and shapes all the stimuli, ideas and emotions that have happened to us during the day.

Do not rest the hours that we must rest can cause some cognitive and health problems, as you can see in our article 7 psychological signs that you are not getting enough sleep. Thus, adequate sleep helps increase cognitive and brain functions, as well as the ability to concentrate. Experts point out that the ideal is to rest around 8 hours a day.

4. Mens sana in corpore sana: Taking care of your body

If we take care of our body, we will get benefits for our brain. Moderate physical exercise is very positive for health, including mental health, because it facilitates a better circulation of the blood, allowing all regions of the body to receive more oxygen and glucose, and the brain is not exception. The way we eat and the quality and quantity of what we eat is also closely linked to brain health. Some foods that improve our intelligence they are fish, eggs, green vegetables or nuts and also some drinks such as herbal teas.

Do you want to delve into this point? I recommend the following article:

“The 10 psychological benefits of practicing physical exercise“

5. The bacteria

It may sound like a joke, but it is totally true: ingesting bacteria can help you increase your intelligence. What is the reason for this strange relationship? It has been shown in various studies that some types of bacteria are capable of calming anxiety and increasing our ability to assimilate new knowledge. These bacteria too have the ability to optimize neuron growth and serotonin levels.

It is also often said that having an active sex life increases intelligence, an interesting topic that we will probably develop in a future article.