The Quickest Way to Increase Your IQ – (Science-Backed Methods)

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The Quickest Ways to Increase Your IQ (Science-Backed Methods)

Yes, you can increase your IQ! Recent science shows that intelligence isn’t fixed. With the right techniques, anyone can boost their brain power. This article shows you how to make yourself smarter using methods backed by real research.

What is IQ and Can You Really Increase It?

IQ stands for “Intelligence Quotient.” It’s a score that shows how smart you are compared to others your age. The average IQ is 100. Anything above 110 is considered “above average,” while scores over 130 are “very superior.”

Quick IQ Facts: IQ is calculated by dividing your mental age by your actual age and multiplying by 100. For example, if a 10-year-old child has the mental abilities of a typical 12-year-old, their IQ would be 120 (12/10 × 100).

For a long time, people thought IQ was fixed from birth. But science now shows that’s not true. Your brain can grow and change throughout your life. While some aspects of intelligence are genetic, many parts can be improved with the right activities.

Standard IQ tests measure different mental skills like:

  • Memory
  • Problem-solving
  • Logical reasoning
  • Verbal skills
  • Mathematical ability
  • Spatial awareness

Remember that IQ tests don’t measure all types of smarts. Things like creativity, emotional intelligence, and street smarts aren’t captured by IQ scores.

What Science Really Says About Increasing IQ

Recent research gives us hope that IQ can actually improve. A 2023 study published in the Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science found that specific training can boost IQ scores significantly. Let’s look at what really works according to science.

As neuroscientist Dr. Wendy Suzuki explains in this video, aerobic exercise is one of the most effective ways to boost brain function. She recommends 30 minutes of heart-pumping activity at least 3-4 times per week.

Daily Puzzles

Improves memory, spatial reasoning, and problem-solving skills. Start with 15 minutes daily.

Aerobic Exercise

30 minutes of cardio 3-4 times weekly increases oxygen to the brain and grows new neurons.

Learning Languages

Creates new neural pathways and improves verbal intelligence and memory.

Relational Training

Special programs like SMART can boost IQ by improving how your brain makes connections.

Increase Your IQ by Doing Jigsaw Puzzles

Jigsaw puzzles are more than just fun games. They’re powerful brain builders. When you work on a puzzle, you use many parts of your brain at once:

  • Memory: Remembering shapes, colors, and patterns
  • Spatial awareness: Understanding how pieces fit together
  • Problem-solving: Finding strategies to complete the puzzle faster

A 2023 research study published in BMC Geriatrics found that regular puzzle solving can improve cognitive function, particularly visuospatial skills, which are strongly linked to IQ scores.

Puzzles also help reduce stress and anxiety, which is important because stress can actually shrink parts of your brain and lower your cognitive abilities. When your brain is relaxed, it works better!

Try This Now: Start with a 500-piece puzzle. Work on it for 15 minutes each day. As you get better, move up to 1,000 pieces or try 3D puzzles for an extra challenge.

Play Online Brain-Training Games

Brain training games and apps have become very popular for boosting IQ. These games focus on improving your working memory, which scientists have linked directly to higher intelligence.

Brain coach Jim Kwik demonstrates five simple exercises you can do anywhere to boost your memory and concentration. These activities help create new neural connections that strengthen your brain power.

A key 2022 study in the British Journal of Educational Technology found that students who used specialized brain training programs showed improvements in both IQ scores and academic performance.

When choosing brain training games, look for ones that target these skills:

  • Working memory
  • Processing speed
  • Attention span
  • Problem-solving
  • Logical reasoning

The key is consistency. Short daily practice works better than long sessions once a week.

Play Scrabble and Other Word Games

Word games like Scrabble, Boggle, and crossword puzzles are excellent for boosting verbal intelligence. These games improve your vocabulary, help you see word patterns, and enhance your language skills.

Playing Scrabble activates what scientists call “executive control functions,” which include:

  • Working memory – holding information in your mind while using it
  • Mental flexibility – switching between different concepts
  • Self-control – focusing on your goal despite distractions

A 2020 study published in the Journal of Cognitive Enhancement found that regular word game players scored higher on verbal IQ tests than non-players.

Word games also have a social benefit. Playing with others helps you learn new words and strategies while reducing stress through fun interaction. Lower stress levels protect your brain from damage and maintain cognitive function.

Try This Now: Download a word game app or set up a weekly Scrabble night with friends. Even 15 minutes of daily word puzzles can improve your verbal IQ over time.

Learn a New Language

Learning a new language is one of the most powerful ways to increase your IQ. When you study a language, your brain physically changes through a process called neuroplasticity.

This leads to growth in your brain’s gray matter, especially in areas responsible for:

  • Memory
  • Emotional processing
  • Movement control
  • Decision making

Scientists have discovered that people with higher IQs typically have more gray matter in their brains. By learning a language, you’re literally building a bigger, more powerful brain!

Interesting Fact: The best age to start learning a second language is between 18 months and 2 years old, but adults can still see significant benefits. It just takes more consistent practice.

For the biggest brain boost, don’t just memorize vocabulary. Practice having real conversations, reading books, and watching shows in your new language. This creates stronger neural pathways.

The Exercise-Intelligence Connection

Exercise isn’t just good for your body—it’s amazing for your brain too! Recent research has revealed a strong link between physical fitness and higher IQ scores.

A 2024 study published in Pediatrics found that children who participated in regular aerobic exercise programs showed an average IQ increase of 4 points compared to sedentary control groups.

How does exercise make you smarter? When you work out, especially with cardio activities, your heart pumps more oxygen-rich blood to your brain. This fuels your brain cells and helps them work better. Exercise also:

  • Increases brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which helps grow new brain cells
  • Improves your mood, reducing stress that can damage brain cells
  • Enhances sleep quality, which is essential for memory consolidation
  • Boosts attention and focus throughout the day

Based on neuroscience research, the best exercise for brain health is aerobic activity like brisk walking, jogging, swimming, or cycling for 30 minutes, 3-4 times per week.

Try This Now: Start with a 10-minute brisk walk in the morning before work or school. Gradually increase to 30 minutes. You’ll notice improvements in focus and thinking speed within weeks.

Relational Skills Training: A Breakthrough Method

One of the newest and most promising ways to increase IQ is through relational skills training. This method teaches your brain to make better connections between ideas and concepts.

A groundbreaking 2023 study in the Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science tested a program called SMART (Strengthening Mental Abilities with Relational Training). The results were impressive—participants showed significant IQ score increases after completing the program.

Relational skills training works by improving how your brain:

  • Compares things (bigger than, smaller than)
  • Recognizes patterns
  • Makes logical connections
  • Applies rules to new situations

These skills form the foundation of logical reasoning, which is a key part of IQ tests. By strengthening these mental connections, you can boost your overall intelligence.

According to Reddit discussions among people who’ve tried relational skills training, most users report noticeable improvements in their problem-solving abilities and test performance after 3-4 months of consistent practice.

Nutrition’s Role in Brain Power

What you eat directly affects how smart you are. Your brain uses about 20% of your body’s energy, so it needs the right fuel to work well.

Recent research from the Frontiers in Nutrition journal (2024) found that certain macronutrients are strongly associated with intelligence and neural development in adolescents.

Foods that boost brain power include:

  • Fatty fish (salmon, trout) – Rich in omega-3s that build brain cells
  • Blueberries – Contain antioxidants that improve brain cell communication
  • Eggs – Provide choline for memory and brain development
  • Dark leafy greens – Supply brain-protecting nutrients
  • Nuts and seeds – Deliver vitamin E that slows cognitive decline

Nutritional deficiencies can actually lower your IQ. For example, iodine deficiency causes an average drop of 12 IQ points! Making simple dietary changes can help preserve and boost your brain power.

Brain Power Tip: Research shows that eating breakfast regularly is linked to higher IQ scores in children. Starting your day with protein and complex carbs fuels your brain for better thinking.

Conclusion: Your 5-Step IQ Boosting Plan

Increasing your IQ is possible! Science shows us that with consistent effort, you can build a smarter brain. Here’s your action plan:

  1. Move more – Do 30 minutes of aerobic exercise 3-4 times weekly to fuel your brain with oxygen.
  2. Train your brain daily – Spend 15 minutes on puzzles, word games, or memory exercises.
  3. Learn something new – Study a language or pick up a complex skill to build neural pathways.
  4. Eat brain foods – Include fatty fish, berries, and leafy greens in your diet.
  5. Practice relational thinking – Work on seeing patterns and making logical connections.

Remember, intelligence isn’t fixed! With these science-backed methods, you can boost your brainpower and perform better on IQ tests. Start today, be consistent, and watch your intelligence grow over time.

References

Yes, you can increase your IQ! Recent science shows that intelligence isn’t fixed. With the right techniques, anyone can boost their brain power. This article shows you how to make yourself smarter using methods backed by real research.

What is IQ, and Can You Increase It?

IQ stands for “Intelligence Quotient.” It’s a score that shows how smart you are compared to others your age. The average IQ is 100. Anything above 110 is considered “above average,” while scores over 130 are “very superior.”

Quick IQ Facts: IQ is calculated by dividing your mental age by your actual age and multiplying by 100. For example, if a 10-year-old child has the mental abilities of a typical 12-year-old, their IQ would be 120 (12/10 × 100).

For a long time, people thought IQ was fixed from birth. But science now shows that’s not true. Your brain can grow and change throughout your life. While some aspects of intelligence are genetic, many parts can be improved with the right activities.

Standard IQ tests measure different mental skills, such as:

  • Memory
  • Problem-solving
  • Logical reasoning
  • Verbal skills
  • Mathematical ability
  • Spatial awareness

Remember that IQ tests don’t measure all types of smarts. IQ scores don’t capture things like creativity, emotional intelligence, and street smarts.

What Science Says About Increasing IQ

Recent research gives us hope that IQ can improve. A 2023 study published in the Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science found that specific training can boost IQ scores significantly. Let’s look at what works according to science.

[insert video]

As neuroscientist Dr. Wendy Suzuki explains in this video, aerobic exercise is one of the most effective ways to boost brain function. She recommends 30 minutes of heart-pumping activity at least 3-4 times per week.

Daily Puzzles

Improves memory, spatial reasoning, and problem-solving skills. Start with 15 minutes daily.

Aerobic Exercise

30 minutes of cardio, 3-4 times a week, increases oxygen to the brain and grows new neurons.

Learning Languages

Creates new neural pathways and improves verbal intelligence and memory.

Relational Training

Special programs like SMART can boost IQ by improving how your brain makes connections.

Increase Your IQ by Doing Jigsaw Puzzles

Jigsaw puzzles are more than just fun games. They’re powerful brain builders. When you work on a puzzle, you use many parts of your brain at once:

  • Memory: Remembering shapes, colors, and patterns
  • Spatial awareness: Understanding how pieces fit together
  • Problem-solving: Finding strategies to complete the puzzle faster

A 2023 research study published in BMC Geriatrics found that regular puzzle solving can improve cognitive function, particularly visuospatial skills, which are strongly linked to IQ scores.

Puzzles also help reduce stress and anxiety, which is important because stress can actually shrink parts of your brain and lower your cognitive abilities. When your brain is relaxed, it works better!

Try This Now: Start with a 500-piece puzzle. Work on it for 15 minutes each day. As you get better, move up to 1,000 pieces or try 3D puzzles for an extra challenge.

Play Online Brain-Training Games

Brain training games and apps have become very popular for boosting IQ. These games focus on improving your working memory, which scientists have linked directly to higher intelligence.

Insert this video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KVm5QuXSxxA

Brain coach Jim Kwik demonstrates five simple exercises you can do anywhere to boost your memory and concentration. These activities help create new neural connections that strengthen your brain power.

A key 2022 study in the British Journal of Educational Technology found that students who used specialized brain training programs showed improvements in both IQ scores and academic performance.

When choosing brain training games, look for ones that target these skills:

  • Working memory
  • Processing speed
  • Attention span
  • Problem-solving
  • Logical reasoning

The key is consistency. Short daily practice is more effective than long sessions once a week.

Play Scrabble and Other Word Games

Word games like Scrabble, Boggle, and crossword puzzles are excellent for boosting verbal intelligence. These games improve your vocabulary, help you see word patterns, and enhance your language skills.

Playing Scrabble activates what scientists call “executive control functions,” which include:

  • Working memory – holding information in your mind while using it
  • Mental flexibility – switching between different concepts
  • Self-control – focusing on your goal despite distractions

A 2020 study published in the Journal of Cognitive Enhancement found that regular word game players scored higher on verbal IQ tests than non-players.

Word games also have a social benefit. Playing with others helps you learn new words and strategies while reducing stress through fun interaction. Lower stress levels protect your brain from damage and maintain cognitive function.

Try This Now: Download a word game app or set up a weekly Scrabble night with friends. Even 15 minutes of daily word puzzles can improve your verbal IQ over time.

Learn a New Language

Learning a new language is one of the most powerful ways to increase your IQ. When you study a language, your brain physically changes through a process called neuroplasticity.

This leads to growth in your brain’s gray matter, especially in areas responsible for:

  • Memory
  • Emotional processing
  • Movement control
  • Decision making

Scientists have discovered that people with higher IQs typically have more gray matter in their brains. By learning a language, you’re building a bigger, more powerful brain!

Interesting Fact: The best age to start learning a second language is between 18 months and 2 years old, but adults can still see significant benefits. It just takes more consistent practice.

For the biggest brain boost, don’t just memorize vocabulary. Practice having real conversations, reading books, and watching shows in your new language. This creates stronger neural pathways.

The Exercise-Intelligence Connection

Exercise isn’t just good for your body—it’s amazing for your brain too! Recent research has revealed a strong link between physical fitness and higher IQ scores.

A 2024 study published in Pediatrics found that children who participated in regular aerobic exercise programs showed an average IQ increase of 4 points compared to sedentary control groups.

Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HX8rq3pk44U

How does exercise make you smarter? When you work out, especially with cardio activities, your heart pumps more oxygen-rich blood to your brain. This fuels your brain cells and helps them work better. Exercise also:

  • Increases brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which helps grow new brain cells
  • Improves your mood, reducing stress that can damage brain cells
  • Enhances sleep quality, which is essential for memory consolidation
  • Boosts attention and focus throughout the day

Based on neuroscience research, the best exercise for brain health is aerobic activity like brisk walking, jogging, swimming, or cycling for 30 minutes, 3-4 times per week.

Try This Now: Start your day with a 10-minute brisk walk before work or school. Gradually increase to 30 minutes. You’ll notice improvements in focus and thinking speed within weeks.

Relational Skills Training: A Breakthrough Method

One of the newest and most promising ways to increase IQ is through relational skills training. This method teaches your brain to make better connections between ideas and concepts.

A groundbreaking 2023 study in the Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science tested a program called SMART (Strengthening Mental Abilities with Relational Training). The results were impressive—participants showed significant IQ score increases after completing the program.

Relational skills training works by improving how your brain:

  • Compares things (bigger than, smaller than)
  • Recognizes patterns
  • Makes logical connections
  • Applies rules to new situations

These skills form the foundation of logical reasoning, which is a key part of IQ tests. By strengthening these mental connections, you can boost your overall intelligence.

According to Reddit discussions among people who’ve tried relational skills training, most users report noticeable improvements in their problem-solving abilities and test performance after 3-4 months of consistent practice.

Nutrition’s Role in Brain Power

What you eat directly affects your cognitive abilities. Your brain uses about 20% of your body’s energy, so it needs the right fuel to work well.

Recent research from the Frontiers in Nutrition journal (2024) found that specific macronutrients are strongly associated with intelligence and neural development in adolescents.

Foods that boost brain power include:

  • Fatty fish (salmon, trout) – Rich in omega-3s that build brain cells
  • Blueberries – Contain antioxidants that improve brain cell communication
  • Eggs – Provide choline for memory and brain development
  • Dark leafy greens – Supply brain-protecting nutrients
  • Nuts and seeds – Deliver vitamin E that slows cognitive decline

Nutritional deficiencies can lower your IQ. For example, iodine deficiency causes an average drop of 12 IQ points! Making simple dietary changes can help preserve and boost your brain power.

Brain Power Tip: Research shows that eating breakfast regularly is linked to higher IQ scores in children. Starting your day with protein and complex carbs fuels your brain for better thinking.

Conclusion: Your 5-Step IQ Boosting Plan

Increasing your IQ is possible! Science shows us that with consistent effort, you can build a smarter brain. Here’s your action plan:

  1. Move more – Do 30 minutes of aerobic exercise 3-4 times weekly to fuel your brain with oxygen.
  2. Train your brain daily – Spend 15 minutes on puzzles, word games, or memory exercises.
  3. Learn something new – Study a language or pick up a complex skill to build neural pathways.
  4. Eat brain foods – Include fatty fish, berries, and leafy greens in your diet.
  5. Practice relational thinking – Work on seeing patterns and making logical connections.

Remember, intelligence isn’t fixed! With these science-backed methods, you can boost your brainpower and perform better on IQ tests. Start today, be consistent, and watch your intelligence grow over time.

References

  1. What’s the Average IQ? https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-the-average-iq-2795284
  2. What IQ Tests Test http://www.swisswuff.ch/files/richardson2002whatiqteststest.pdf
  3. Clever sillies: why high IQ people tend to be deficient in common sense https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19733444/
  4. Genes don’t just influence your IQ—they determine how well you do in school https://www.science.org/content/article/genes-dont-just-influence-your-iq-they-determine-how-well-you-do-school
  5. Verbal and non-verbal intelligence changes in the teenage brain https://www.nature.com/articles/nature10514
  6. https://www.mensa.org.uk/iq-tests
  7. Jigsaw Puzzles As Cognitive Enrichment (PACE) – the effect of solving jigsaw puzzles on global visuospatial cognition in adults 50 years of age and older: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5588550/
  8. 6 Ways Stress Affects Your Brain https://premierneurologycenter.com/blog/6-ways-stress-affects-your-brain/
  9. Can anxiety damage the brain? https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26651008/
  10. The role of prefrontal cortex in working-memory capacity, executive attention, and general fluid intelligence: An individual-differences perspective https://link.springer.com/article/10.3758/BF03196323
  11. Adaptive training leads to sustained enhancement of poor working memory in children http://jtoomim.org/brain-training/holmes2009-sustained-enhancement-of-wm-in-children.pdf
  12. Fluid intelligence and executive functioning more alike than different? https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26281913/
  13. Executive Function & Self-Regulation https://developingchild.harvard.edu/science/key-concepts/executive-function/
  14. Socialization and Altruistic Acts as Stress Relief https://www.mentalhelp.net/stress/socialization-and-altruistic-acts-as-stress-relief/
  15. Laughter is the Best Medicine https://www.helpguide.org/articles/mental-health/laughter-is-the-best-medicine.htm
  16. Neuroplasticity as a function of second language learning: Anatomical changes in the human brain https://hmlfunctionalcare.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/language.pdf
  17. Neuroanatomy, Gray Matter https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK553239/
  18. Grey matter matters for intellect https://www.nature.com/articles/news040719-11
  19. Foreign language learning in older age does not improve memory or intelligence: Evidence from a randomized controlled study https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32011156/
  20. Language Experience in the Second Year of Life Predicts Language Outcomes in Late Childhood https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6192025/
  21. Why Children Learn Faster than Adults and How You Can Learn Their Tricks https://irisreading.com/why-children-learn-faster-than-adults-and-how-you-can-learn-their-tricks/
  22. How Much Does Education Improve Intelligence? A Meta-Analysis https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6088505/
  23. The influence of reading ability on subsequent changes in verbal IQ in the teenage years https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1878929313000406
  24. Reading Aloud and Child Development: A Cluster-Randomized Trial in Brazil https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5744270/
  25. The effect of SMART relational skills training on intelligence quotients https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2212144723000327
  26. The impact of the SMART program on cognitive and academic skills https://bera-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111%2Fbjet.13192
  27. More Proof That Vigorous Workouts Boost Fluid Intelligence https://neuroscience.illinois.edu/news/2020-10-30t181556/more-proof-vigorous-workouts-boost-fluid-intelligence
  28. Exercise Interventions and Intelligence in Children and Adolescents https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/154/6/e2023064771/199838/Exercise-Interventions-and-Intelligence-in
  29. Regular exercise changes the brain to improve memory, thinking skills https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/regular-exercise-changes-brain-improve-memory-thinking-skills-201404097110
  30. Nutrition and cognitive function https://academic.oup.com/nutritionreviews/pages/cognitive-function
  31. Macronutrient intake is associated with intelligence and neural development https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2024.1349738/full

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