10 PROVEN WAYS TO INCREASE IQ
Even though IQ is not the definitive measure of intelligence, there are many reasons why you might want to increase your IQ score anyway.
You may need to take an IQ test as part of a job application.
You may enjoy the personal challenge or are interested in joining Mensa, a worldwide organization for people of above average intelligence.
If you are actively working to upgrade your intelligence, your IQ score can help you determine if your efforts are paying off.
Here’s a look at activities proven to boost general intelligence and IQ scores in adults.
1. the flow of oxygen, glucose, and nutrients to your brain.
It’s also one of the best ways to s
GET PHYSICAL EXERCISE
Physical exercise promotes timulate neuroplasticity (brain plasticity), the brain’s ability to alter its structure and function.
Brain plasticity is associated with increased intelligence and larger brain volume.
Even as little as one 30-minute exercise session can enhance brain plasticity.
A landmark study that involved over one million young men linked physical fitness with higher IQ.
2. PLAY DUAL N-BACK
Dual n-back is the first brain exercise proven to raise a player’s general level of intelligence.
By increasing working memory capacity, it can boost your IQ.
Biohacker Dave Asprey claims that he gained an impressive 2.75 IQ points for every hour of dual n-back training he performed.
If you want to try dual n-back, there are several sites that let you play for free or you can download one of the many dual n-back apps.
3. PLAY CHESS
If dual n-back isn’t to your liking, consider taking up chess instead.
Chess increases concentration, problem-solving skills, and stimulates both sides of the brain.
It gives your working memory a good workout and can increase IQ.
4. CONTINUE LIFELONG EDUCATION
If you are a teen or young adult, stay in school.
Students who stay in school longer have higher IQs.
Continuing your education does not necessarily mean continuing your formal education.
Being open to new experiences and seeking out new things to do and learn is a personality trait associated with higher intelligence.
You might want to resume music training you started as a child.
The brain-enhancing benefits of music lessons taken during childhood can follow on to adulthood and last a lifetime.
The benefits of visual arts programs are equally impressive.
Art lessons improve brain plasticity, fluid intelligence, IQ, and attention in both adults and children.
5. HAVE A MENTALLY CHALLENGING CAREER
Having a career that involves complex relationships, elaborate systems, or solving difficult problems will help keep you mentally sharp.
When a group of 250 middle-aged adults was followed for six years, those in mentally demanding occupations performed better on cognitive tests.
6. MEDITATE
Practicing meditation increases learning ability, memory, and problem-solving skills.
Meditation makes you more efficient at processing information, so it should come as no surprise that it also can boost IQ.
One study found that those who meditated using brainwave training, such as binaural beats, experienced a remarkable 23% increase in IQ.
7. TRY NEUROFEEDBACK
Biofeedback is a technique that teaches you to manage functions such as heart rate and brainwave activity that are normally not under your control.
Neurofeedback is a type of biofeedback that works by learning to alter brainwave patterns.
When adults and children with attention deficit disorder (ADD) received two neurofeedback sessions per week, the average IQ gain was a substantial 12 points.
8. DO THE MENSA IQ CHALLENGE
You need to score in the 98th percentile on an approved IQ test to join Mensa.
But anyone can take Mensa’s 30-minute practice IQ test.
You can try the Mensa IQ Challenge for free online at Mensa International.
9. FEED YOUR BRAIN THE RIGHT FUEL
If you want your brain to work its best, feed it high-powered fuel.
Some of the best foods for the brain include berries, walnuts, avocado, eggs, olive oil, coconut oil, dark chocolate, cold water fish, and turmeric.
And make sure the bulk of your diet consists of unprocessed foods.
Eating junk food has been shown to lower IQ in children and may do the same in adults.
One huge study of one million students found that eating a clean diet free of preservatives and artificial dyes and flavorings resulted in an impressive 14% boost in IQ.
10. TAKE FISH OIL
There are many supplements that have a positive effect on brain health and function, but only one so far has been shown to raise IQ in adults — fish oil.
Researchers in Scotland followed study participants for over 50 years, from childhood through their senior years.
You must be logged in to post a comment.