People worldwide have been fascinated by IQ scores for many decades as they associate them with real-life success and the ability to knock out problems like peanuts. However, many people still wonder whether it’s quite possible to actually increase the score, or if it’s a fixed score from birth.
Certainly, this question is far more complex than a one-word answer. Genetics plays a significant role in this regard. However, numerous scientific works suggest that such factors as environment, lifestyle, education, and mental strength can affect our cognitive abilities with the passage of time.
Inspired by this idea, you can check out MyIQ questions, get your score, and then try different methods to improve your cognitive abilities. After some time, you can take the test again to see if anything has changed for the better.
Let’s explore what there is behind IQ, how it develops, and what you can do to improve your score.
What do such tests measure?
Such tests are made to assess different skills that include logical way of thinking, critical thinking, memory, and verbal comprehension. Classical tests suggest that the average score is 100. If the score is higher, it means above-average intelligence.
Yet, these tests don’t measure other skills that are as important for real-world success. Those skills are imagination, creativity, emotional intelligence, and other practical skills. Besides, we shouldn’t forget that intelligence consists of several types. We’re talking about the ability to think abstractly and combat new challenges, and knowledge that we acquire with experience and education/learning.
Is IQ fixed from birth?
From the early days, IQ was believed to be unchangeable and genetic. However, modern experts in neuroscience and psychology have challenged this concept. Many of them come to the conclusion that our genetics most certainly influence our intelligence, while it’s impossible to disagree that the surrounding medium, mental stimulation, education, nutrition, and other factors should also be given consideration.
If the greatest minds on the planet believe so, then there must be ways to increase IQ. Let's take a look at the areas in which you can develop to boost your score.
Ways to boost IQ score
1. Lifelong learning and mental challenges
As they say, live it, learn it. Every day brings us new lessons and challenges that stimulate our brains. When you engage in tasks and activities that require sorting problems out and critical thinking, it keeps your cognitive functions sharp. Here are the activities you can engage in:
- Learn new languages;
- Play games like Sudoku, chess, Scrabble, etc;
- Solve puzzles;
- Try to understand new and unfamiliar topics/subjects;
- Engage in intellectual discussions.
2. Physical exercise and brain health
Exercising is not just about keeping your body fit. It’s also about keeping your brain healthy. There are exercises that increase blood flow to your brain. In turn, it promotes the growth of new neurons meaning that your memory improves and you boost your problem-solving skills.
Try these exercises:
- Running;
- Swimming;
- Dancing.
These exercises play a crucial role in boosting the level of protein that is responsible for brain cell growth and function.
3. Proper nutrition for brain power
Fitness enthusiasts have been promoting healthy eating in recent years. Many do it to keep their skin elastic and youthful for years, to avoid digestive issues, and simply to stay slim instead of regularly indulging in burgers.
Only a few people know that a well-balanced diet affects cognitive performance. There are several nutrients you should include in your diet:
Omega-3 fatty acids. It can be found in seeds, fish, and different nuts. And they’re prominent for the way brain cells communicate;
Antioxidants. They can be found in chocolate (only the dark one), various berries, and leafy greens. They all reduce stress in our brains;
Vitamin B. This complex of vitamins supports mental clarity. They can be found in dairy products and eggs.
Magnesium. Learning abilities can be enhanced with the help of this nutrient. You can find it in nuts, bananas, and spinach.
4. Social interaction and intellectual conversations
Yes, yes, you thought right. Those late-night kitchen debates with friends about politics, religion, and other topics are exactly what can contribute to the development of your intelligence. When such discussions challenge your perspective and encourage critical thinking, it stimulates your brain.
Besides, you can try the following activities:
Participate in book clubs;
Attend lectures;
Join hobby clubs, and so on.
5. Mindfulness and stress reduction
Have you ever noticed how your brain functions when you’re under chronic stress? It reduces focus, memory, and ability to tackle challenges. Whenever you find yourself under stress, you should know how to relieve it. Try mindfulness techniques like deep breathing, meditation, yoga, and other activities.
A study found in the National Library of Medicine confirms that regular mindfulness practices like meditation can actually increase gray matter. It’s not about hours of practice, but about 10-15 minutes of your time that will help you enhance focus and cognitive function.
Final verdict
Consistent brain training can lead to improvement in cognitive function. It all means that the score on the IQ test you take today can be different from the test you take after a certain period of time that you spend on different brain-boosting techniques.