Intelligence has a hereditary component, but it can also be enhanced through different strategies. Next, we explain some of them.
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Traditionally, intelligence has been conceived as a unique quality and closely related to cognitive and linguistic abilities. However, experts have shown that it is a much broader construct. Therefore, if you want to be smarter, you have to work on a wide variety of skills.
Intelligence could be defined as the ability to function properly in the environment that surrounds you . The smartest people are those who have the flexibility to adapt to change and respond to environmental demands. Here are some strategies that will help you increase your intelligence at a general level.
Sleep well and the necessary hours
Good rest is essential for information processing.
While you sleep, many important processes take place at the brain level. The information received during the day is processed and organized, certain data is discarded and others are consolidated .
In addition, mental energy is restored and you work unconsciously to find solutions to issues that concern you. Therefore, it is essential to enjoy sufficient quality rest to function optimally.
Take care of your body
Surely you know that diet and physical activity have a great impact on health. Now, did you know that they can also help you be smarter? For example, it has been shown that a diet rich in vitamins and minerals not only increases alertness, concentration and memory but also prevents cognitive decline.
Physical exercise, for its part, has also been shown to be effective in enhancing intellectual functions by improving blood circulation and, therefore, the supply of oxygen and glucose that the brain receives . Thus, it is important to do moderate physical activity on a regular basis.
Train your brain
The brain, like the muscles, requires training and practice not to atrophy. Thus, to be smarter it is important to face new challenges that challenge cognitive ability.
Spending ten minutes a day doing activities such as solving puzzles , sudoku puzzles or riddles will keep you mentally active . In addition, there are a multitude of mobile applications that can facilitate this task.
Discover more: The 8 best exercises to train and increase brain power
Seek to develop a deeper understanding
Generally, in schools, children are graded on the basis of their performance on a specific test. However, the acquired information tends to fade from his mind quickly, as a deep understanding did not develop.
To be smarter, you have to make significant learning, actively develop information and put it into practice. Understanding how the world works will allow you to navigate it more effectively.
Write and review everything that is learned
Active learning allows you interior knowledge.
Regarding the above, writing what you learn is a great way to consolidate that knowledge. In the first place, because you will be actively acting on it, instead of receiving it passively. But, also, because doing so gives you the opportunity to later review that information and keep it fresh in your memory.
Do different things every day
The routine provides a pleasant sense of familiarity and security. However, by performing the same tasks every day, you end up acting on autopilot.
Therefore, it is highly recommended to introduce small variations in daily life that keep you alert . Each day you can choose a different route to go to work, interact with different groups of friends or try different classes that attract your attention.
Read every day
Reading is an excellent habit that improves language skills and enhances creativity . In addition, it fosters social and emotional intelligence by allowing you to put yourself in the shoes of the characters who star in each story. Also, it is an ideal way to explore various topics of your interest and thus increase curiosity and open-mindedness.
Keep track of ideas
When you begin to nourish your mind with new information and habits, you will notice how it begins to activate. Your creativity will be heightened and you will find yourself having lots of new and original thoughts .
Write down those that catch your attention and take them back later, polish and shape those ideas that come out of nowhere; they will become novel ways to expand intellectually.
Do things differently
Trying new activities or varying your routine can help you be smarter.
Normally, when you have learned to do something efficiently, you stop exploring that field and continue repeating the steps you already know . Why would you change something that already works?
In fact, looking for new ways to approach the same activity helps us create new neural pathways in our brain . For example, starting to use your non-dominant hand for everyday tasks like eating or cleaning can be very stimulating.
Talk and question yourself
Do you think talking alone is a sign of insanity? Nothing could be further from the truth: it is a very healthy exercise that can lead you to be more intelligent.
When you voice your concerns, your thoughts and your emotions, you process them at a deeper level and activate new resolution strategies. Therefore, get used to talking with you, questioning the content of your mind at all times and you will become someone much more flexible psychologically.
Read on: Talking alone can be a sign of good psychological health
Learn another language
Lastly, learning another language will significantly expand your cognitive abilities. Bilingualism improves verbal fluency, enhances attention, concentration and memory. On the other hand, it helps to develop other perspectives when it comes to perceiving the world, giving you a greater breadth of vision.
How to be smarter?
In short, to be smarter you have to nurture and exercise your mind, face challenges and stay active. The worst enemies of brain plasticity are routine and comfort. Therefore, make sure to introduce small challenges in your day to day.
Remember that intelligence is not just a score on paper, but your best ally when it comes to successfully adapting to reality. Without a doubt, it is worth working on it.
