Do you assume that people are either smart or not so smart, and that’s just the way it is? Do you think that IQ is set in early childhood, and nothing will change it? If so, smarten up! Your brain has an amazing ability to grow and improve—a property called neuroplasticity—throughout your life. There are even specific steps for increasing intelligence. In fact, cognitive scientists can list them for you.
Although different experts may propose different lists, there are some concepts about which they agree. One basic recommendation is to learn new things that are difficult for you, whether that is another language, how to play a musical instrument, or a deep understanding of Shakespeare’s plays. Another general guideline is to confront ideas—political, cultural, religious, whatever—that contradict your long-held beliefs. You may still feel the same way in the end, but you will have exercised your brain by examining other viewpoints. Physical activity also affects mental ability. Even mild exercise, such as walking, stimulates production of a molecule that helps build new neurons and synapses.
Improving short-term memory appears to be a key to raising overall intelligence. To sharpen yours, try building a “memory palace,” which associates new pieces of information with vivid mental images. Or simply write down your to-do list in longhand; studies show you’re more likely to remember the list. Keep in mind that IQ can also decline. Watch hours of reality TV, surround yourself with people who are just like you, read as little as possible, and avoid new experiences, and you may find out just how much!
Image credit: ©Andrea Danti/Fotolia
Related Links
- 31 Ways to Get Smarter in 2012
Learn background information about intelligence and see how many of these recommendations you already practice, or see how many you can work into your daily life.
(Source: Newsweek, January 9 and 16, 2012) - 5 Simple Ways to Increase Your Intelligence
If 31 ways to get smarter is too many, try 5.
(Source: Pick the Brain; accessed January 31, 2012) - Method of Loci
Read how people through the centuries have used the memory palace concept to remember vast amounts of information.
(Source: Wikipedia; accessed January 31, 2012) - No Gain from Brain Training
Are you hoping to increase your brain power by using commercial brain-training programs? Read why those efforts may be wasted.
(Source: Nature, April 20, 2010)
im a not so funny bunny HAHA
Well hello there miss’
This is pretty cool(:
good
Wow
WOW this is so cool J.K
ya
shut up
🙁
Unlieebvable how well-written and informative this was.
thats what its all about
its going to help u meet new people.
Hmmm… And this is going to help my social life???
ok
its good
woww this is very awesome, MAN is this a good website or what? I got smart quick in exactly 3 days 4 hours and 33 minutes
that was the most awsome thing thst i read in my life
lolol
awesome bdg
I DO MOST OF THE THINGS THAT THEY SUGGEST. I DID NOT KNOW THAT THE LESS YOU READ THE LOWER YOUR IQ WOULD BE
I THINK IT IS GOOD TO WORK OUT TO BE HEATH.
i think that it is a good ideal because a lot of people in the world dont know that. And plus its useful because i know people want to be smart
this is an very educational site it tells you alot about your education.
I BELIVE THAT THIS IS A TRUE ARTICLE WHO AGREES WITH ME
i think it is cool. how it tell us how to get smart
U SHOULD READ LEST FOR YU BRAIN.AND YOU SHOULD EXRASIZIES SOMTIMES OR MORE3 OFFTINE.
ya this website is cool. It talks about how you can help your brain grow.
ehh..this is okay, this what i do at home
geting smart makeing your salf smart about u do and life
this was a GOOD story and a GREAT thing for people to know .
i thought it was ok.
this is some good reading and this is what i had learned to-day yeah oooooooooooo 🙂
i think this was great thing for people to know and i will try that and i might get smarter than i am
I think this is a good idea for kids who choose to get smarter.Also people who choose to give up on school they also should read this.
THIS A GOOD THING
YOU CAN USE THIS I WILL WHO WILL USE IT?
I think that this is a great thing that people should know and i’m going to do this to night and i might get smarter then i am now
itz time to get smart n quit the foolishness
its cool its kind of like an inspiration to me
wat idont get this
neither does me.
I think it will chage
dont get this either.
wow
This is what I think considering this passage to be unrealistic!!!
My main reason as to why I think this is because human beings should recognize themselves as their true selves and not focus or believe any ad(s) or such that may ruin people’s esteem.
REAL TALK!!!
Take a long slow drive through dnreffeit neighborhoods and check out the color schemes along the way this helps in the real world Personally I like earth tones have fun!
Awsome