The 5 key tricks to increase your intelligence

We explain five scientifically proven tricks to increase your intelligence. Get to know them!

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

This latter idea of intelligence was formulated by the psychologist and researcher Howard Gardner and is called The Theory of Multiple Intelligences.

Five scientifically proven ways to increase your intelligence

There are other theories that attempt to define intelligence, such as the Theory of Emotional Intelligence by Daniel GolemanSpearman's G Factor Theory.

Be that as it may, and without adopting the interpretative framework of any particular theory, the truth is that there is no scientific consensus on the definition of intelligence, but we do know that cognitive capacity is strictly linked to it. So, what can we do to become more intelligent? what can we do to become more intelligent?

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

Let's increase your intelligenceAre you ready?

Meditation and Mindfulness

Although the practice of meditation can take different forms and specific techniques, in general what is pursued is to surround yourself with a relaxing environment, work the breath (breathing in and out deeply) and ultimately achieve a calm state of mind. If you do not believe that meditation or Mindfulness (mindfulness techniques) can lead you to a state that some define as "nirvana", what is indisputable is that relaxation generates many benefits to increase our intelligence.. 

In fact, MRI scans performed on people during a state of meditation have shown that this practice, if performed regularly, can cause positive changes in the brainThe brain's capacity for attention and concentration improves, memory increases, and even increases the activity of certain regions of the cerebral cortex.

2. Train the brain

Our brains also need regular exercise to operate and function optimally.. To maintain the freshness of our cognitive abilities, it is interesting to perform activities such as puzzles, solving Sudoku puzzles or entertaining ourselves with classic word games.. By dedicating only half an hour a day to these types of exercises and games, we can keep our brains in top shape. It has also been reported that playing "Brain Training" video games can increase intelligence.

In addition, 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 about the great importance of getting enough rest, and we even discovered a controversial study that linked the posture 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.

Not resting the hours we should 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 to increase cognitive and brain functions, as well as the ability to concentrate. Experts say that the ideal is to rest about 8 hours a day.

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

If we take care of our body, we will achieve benefits for our brain.. Moderate physical exercise is very positive for health, including mental health, because it facilitates better Blood circulation, allowing all regions of the body to receive more oxygen and glucose, and the brain is no 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 are fish, eggs, green vegetables or nuts and also some beverages such as herbal tea.

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

"The 10 psychological benefits of practicing physical exercise".

5. 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 several studies that some types of bacteria are able to calm anxiety and increase our ability to assimilate new knowledge. These bacteria also have the have the ability to optimize neuron growth and serotonin levels..

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