Would you like to increase your intelligence quotient or IQ? You
can use brain power exercises and techniques designed to help
you long-term, but what if you want a quick brain fix right now?
Maybe you have an important meeting coming up, or a crucial
test, or just a chess game you don't want to lose. If you want
fast results, and not an argument about the definition of
intelligence, try some of the following.
Breath To Increase Intelligence Quotient
Breath deeply through your nose. Breathing deeply relaxes you
and puts more oxygen in your blood (and therefore in your
brain). Since relaxation has been proven to improve brain
function, and low oxygen levels in the blood have been shown to
decrease it, you benefit doubly from deep breathing.
Nose-breathing uses the diaphragm more, drawing air further into
the lungs. This is an easy, effective way to improve the
functioning of your brain immediately.
Meditation also helps, partly because of the deep breathing. A
simple breath-watching meditation allows true relaxation, and is
conducive to creative problem solving. Close your eyes and
breath through your nose, deeply at first, then in whatever way
is comfortable. Thoughts will arise, but just dismiss them and
return your attention to your breath. Continue this for at least
a few minutes.
Move To Increase Intelligence Quotient
Posture affects our state of mind, and helps us to think more
clearly. Here's an experiment to prove this to yourself. First
do math problems in your head while slouching, with your mouth
open. Then try again while sitting up straight with your lips
together. You'll notice that it's easier to think this way.
Exercise, but just enough to get the blood pumping. This can
"wake up" your brain and help you think better. Walking works
best for many, but any aerobic activity can help increase your
IQ.
You probably knew that sleep can help brain function. However,
the evidence shows that the quality of sleep is very important,
not just the quantity.
Eat To Increase IQ
Ginkgo biloba leaves, whether in capsules or tea or off a
neighbors tree, have been shown to increase blood flow to the
brain, helping memory and concentration. The effect is quick,
and doesn't seem to diminish with regular use.
Use caffeine. Everything from test scores on college exams to
chess games have been shown to improve after a cup of coffee or
other drink containing caffeine. However, it is a temporary
effect, and caffeine may have adverse long-term effects for
regular users.
Avoid sugar. Any simple carbohydrates taken in large quantities
can give you a sluggish feeling that makes it difficult to
think. Insulin is dumped into your veins after the sugar is,
giving you the "sugar blues." Avoid white flour, sugar,
potatoes, and other carbohydrates when you need a clear mind.
Results - Not Definitions
Experts can argue about whether you can increase your IQ in any
absolute sense, but we know there are times when you would score
higher or lower on an IQ test, right? If you slept well,
exercised, drank coffee and ginkgo tea, then sat up straight and
breathed deeply as you took the test, don't you think you would
score a few points higher? Even more importantly, wouldn't you
be better prepared for whatever mental tasks you faced? Get
smarter now, and forget the arguments about intelligence
quotient.
About the author:
Steve Gillman has been studying brainpower enhancement, creative
problem solving, and related topics for years. Subscribe to his
free
Creative Problem
Solving Course, and get a free gift at:
http://www.ProblemSolving101.com
