The intellect, like the body, requires proper nutrition and regular exercise. Keep it in good shape - moreover, you have several proven IQ trainers at your disposal.
We know that memory can be trained by studying foreign languages or memorizing poetry, the body - by yoga and physical activity. But all this requires will and considerable ability to work. Scientists offer us 11 less obvious ways to get smarter without much effort. And they tell you how sugar, water and computer games affect our mental abilities.
1. Within 30 minutes after waking up, drink two glasses of water
Our body needs water to filter out toxins and maintain fluid balance. When we sleep, we do not drink for 6-9 hours straight. Two large glasses of water make up for this deficiency. Research with children1 also shows that when students drink a lot of water, they perform better on intellectual tasks.
2. Read book reviews during breakfast
Newspapers and news feeds are not the best choice for a good morning. A brief retelling of new publications in the area that interests you will help to keep abreast of the most useful book novelties. To subscribe to reviews, use apps such as smartreading or knigikratko (books in Russian), Blinkist, and getAbstract.
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Reading the news is not the best choice for a good morning. But book reviews read during breakfast will help the brain wake up.
3. Listen to podcasts or audiobooks on the way to work
It's an easy and enjoyable way to keep learning. TED lectures will be an excellent source of valuable information (their mobile application allows you to download audio files in advance, without extra spending on the mobile Internet).
4. Drink green tea at work
Green tea (especially powdered Japanese matcha) contains L-theanine. This amino acid improves concentration and relieves stress without causing drowsiness.
5. Have a siesta
Taking a nap during the day refreshes the thought process and increases learning efficiency. On average, most people need sleep between noon and 4 pm, and around 6 pm. This is the perfect time to relax.
Raising and then lowering blood sugar is bad for thinking, so it's best to limit your intake.
6. Limit sugar intake
It is best to give it up altogether. But if you are not ready for such drastic measures, try at least not to eat sweets during intense work. An increase and subsequent sharp drop in blood sugar levels negatively affect thinking ability. Fatty acids, which are found in eggs or fish, "invigorate" the brain.
7. Go to social networks and entertainment sites only once or twice a day
The brain adapts to the type of information you load it with. If you bombard them with fast-paced, non-stimulating content, their focus will inevitably drop. If you are prone to procrastination, turn on the timer: this way, it won't take hours and days to scrolling mindlessly on social media.
8. Instead of watching TV shows and TV, play games
Watching TV is passive and often completely useless. Try switching to video games. German researchers2 have found that even a simple game like Super Mario has a noticeable effect on the plasticity of brain structures.
Programming is like solving puzzles. It is a powerful stimulator of logical abilities.
9. Learn programming
Programming is like solving puzzles. It is a powerful stimulator of logical abilities. Thanks to new online resources (for example, scratch.mit.edu or the Russian-speaking Foxford), even a schoolchild can master it. And you can do it for sure …
10. Chat with polymaths
Habits are contagious, and not just bad ones. The lifestyle and thinking of the people around you will definitely leave an imprint on you. Let those who have something to learn from get into your circle of friends.
11. Take a walk
Walking improves blood circulation and oxygen supply to the brain, and levels of stress hormones are greatly reduced. Walking in the middle of the day is a recharge until late evening.