While research shows that genetics contributes 40-80% to your current IQ, it's not a fixed number. With a few tricks, you may be able to increase your IQ by up to one standard deviation. The right routine and diet can do wonders – the only thing standing in your way to becoming the next world genius is yourself. Ready?
Step
Part 1 of 3: Changing Routines
Step 1. Perform daily activities in a different way
Challenge your brain to form new connections and pathways by doing things it normally does automatically differently. Brush your teeth with your other hand. Act like you came back from the future. Talk to yourself in a different language. Anything you can do differently, do it!
This will form new pathways and connections in your brain. Often we take for granted how easy life is, especially when we know the basics. When you make a change, the brain has to relearn that ability, so it will be more challenging
Step 2. Meditate
Many studies show that meditation is not only good for stress and mood, but also good for brain function. Meditation has been shown to increase blood flow to the brain, patience, concentration, and memory. And also really relaxes us.
Try 30 minutes every day. You can divide this time into 15 or 10 minutes 2-3 times a day. Better to do it when you wake up in the morning, after exercise, and at night right before bed
Step 3. Consider supplements
A safer alternative to "smart" drugs are natural supplements. Make sure you drink the right amount by talking to your doctor first. All of the supplements below are backed by scientific research:
- Caffeine
- Creatine
- Ginkgo Biloba
- Omega-3 fatty acids
Step 4. Start doing aerobic exercise
Win Wenger's research shows that breath is correlated with attention span. Try swimming underwater or running. Otherwise, other aerobics can too. Do exercise twice a day for 45 minutes when you wake up and before going to bed. It's better if you combine meditation after exercise.
It's also great for your waistline and fitness, and in turn, will improve your mood. The more endorphins you release during a workout, the more active your brain will be and the better you'll feel
Step 5. Sleep when your brain wants it
Some people are in their prime thinking zone at 9am. Some at 9pm. Others at 3am or whenever they finish their third cup of coffee. Since everyone is different, sleep when your brain wants it to. Do you work better at night? Sleep more at night. You are not lazy, you are wise!
And also make it a goal to get 7 hours of sleep every night. When you are tired, the brain cannot function 100%. The brain only does what it thinks it can do, such as putting you into hibernation and doing only what it has to do to keep you alive and breathing
Step 6. Consider stimulants carefully
Adderall and Ritalin are psychostimulants that can make you (if you don't have ADHD) more energetic and put your brain on high alert, temporarily enhancing your senses. People drink more and more of these stimulants to compete in competitions, making them temporary "superhumans" – sometimes to the detriment of themselves.
It is very easy to abuse these drugs, so they are not highly recommended. Know your tolerance level and be aware that this drug can be very dangerous. Also know that nothing lasts forever – eventually you will crash
Part 2 of 3: Training Skills
Step 1. Read more
Apart from genetics, education is a big factor that contributes to IQ. Try to read science, such as math and physics. Science improves your understanding of the world, which will improve your comprehensiveness, vocabulary, spatial and mathematical abilities, and logic.
You can try MIT OpenCourseware, which offers notes, syllabus, and tests of more than 1,800 official MIT courses. You can also try Coursera, KhanAcademy, or even YouTube
Step 2. Do the word puzzle and problem solving game
To prevent dementia and keep your brain spinning at a high speed, make sure you do puzzles and games regularly – which means (in this day and age) more time in front of the internet and mobile phones! Download apps like Lumosity, What Saying, Quiz Up, and other games that make your brain race. Stop playing Candy Crush and instead invest time increasing your IQ!
The Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale and the Stanford-Binet do not measure intelligence in a simple, singular form. Instead, they provide a set of problems that measure the ability to process things quickly, understand what is being told, and recognize sequences
Step 3. Take the test again and again
Just like the chemistry test you have to take four times to pass, the IQ test is no different. IQ tests have the same basic structure and question types over and over again. Therefore, the more often you do it, the better the results.
The test you take online for free is not the same as the actual test you might take through a career center or psychiatrist. If you want a real IQ, you have to take a real test. These tests generally cost money, so always try your best
Step 4. Get a new experience
When you do the same thing every day, the brain seems to move automatically. The brain stops taking in stimulants, it gets comfortable with it. But when you get a new experience, the brain wakes up and puts it all in, spinning for a change. So instead of watching a DVD tonight, find a new museum, show, or place to go to keep your mental clock ticking wild.
Even just visiting a new place or trying a new food is a great experience. You expand your knowledge, thus equipping yourself better for future decisions. However, the more different, the better. Think of it as an excuse to take an exotic vacation
Step 5. Teach yourself something new
Actively learning something new will help your brain learn and help you make connections that were previously impossible. Learning new skills like how to play chess or lacrosse, how to throw and catch multiple balls at once, or anything you've never done before – will help your brain in ways you never dreamed possible.
Learning a foreign language is a great way to get your brain working on new paths. Not only will these centers run in the brain that are not being used, these skills are impressive and can be applied in the real world
Part 3 of 3: Changing Diet
Step 1. Eat lots of protein for breakfast
Protein has the ability to increase the brain's production of neurotransmitters, and in turn increase levels of norepinephrine and dopamine – all of which increase alertness and problem-solving abilities.
Protein is very important for breakfast so you are ready and excited for the day. Sugar for breakfast will only make you sleepy for a few hours, make you sluggish, and even make you hungrier than ever
Step 2. Eat dark chocolate as a snack
Dark chocolate is full of antioxidants and contains flavanols. It is also high in magnesium, vitamins A, B1, B2, D, and E. Dark chocolate is a great source of antioxidants that help fight free radicals. This snack ensures our body stays healthy and strong.
But of course not too much. It is good to consume between 30 and 150 grams
Step 3. Get more B vitamins
This little nutrient increases blood flow to the brain. You can find B vitamins in green leafy vegetables, whole grains, meat, eggs, and cheese. But make sure you don't consume too much! Talk to your doctor what amount is right for you.
Folic acid, riboflavin, thiamine, and niacin are part of the structure of the B vitamins. When you get the B vitamins, you get a storehouse of goodness in one package
Step 4. Avoid processed and non-nutritive foods
Many studies have shown that a healthy diet is associated with a higher IQ, especially in children. To keep your brain sharp, stay away from non-nutritious foods like cookies and chips and processed foods – it's better to cook your own to help your brain and your budget.
Vegetarians have a higher IQ overall, about 5 points for both sexes. For an extra boost, make a "Meatless Monday" rule every week
Step 5. Consider intermittent fasting (IF)
IF has been shown to increase brain power and support higher brain function. IF means not eating for 16 hours, and eating a lot for 8 hours. It can also be used as calorie restriction, depending on how you do it.
