5 Simple Ways To Improve Your Intelligence

By Correspondent:
 
1. Minimize Television Watching – This is a hard sell. People love vegetating in front of the television, myself included more often than I’d like. The problem is watching television doesn’t use your mental capacity OR allow it to recharge. It’s like having the energy sapped out of a muscle without the health benefits of exercise.

Don’t you feel drained after a couple hours of TV? Your eyes are sore and tired from being focused on the light box for so long. You don’t even have the energy to read a book.

When you feel like relaxing, try reading a book instead. If you’re too tired, listen to some music. When you’re with your friends or family, leave the tube off and have a conversation. All of these things use your mind more than television and allow you to relax.

2. Exercise

I used to think that I’d learn more by not exercising and using the time to read a book instead. But I realized that time spent exercising always leads to greater learning because it improves productivity during the time afterwards. Using your body clears your head and creates a wave of energy. Afterwards, you feel invigorated and can concentrate more easily.

3. Read Challenging Books

Many people like to read popular suspense fiction, but generally these books aren’t mentally stimulating. If you want to improve your thinking and writing ability you should read books that make you focus. Reading a classic novel can change your view of the world and will make you think in more precise, elegant English. Don’t be afraid to look up a word if you don’t know it, and don’t be afraid of dense passages. Take your time, re-read when necessary, and you’ll soon grow accustomed to the author’s style.

Once you get used to reading challenging books, I think you’ll find that you aren’t tempted to go back to page-turners. The challenge of learning new ideas is far more exciting than any tacky suspense-thriller.

4. Early to Bed, Early to Rise

Nothing makes it harder to concentrate than sleep deprivation. You’ll be most rejuvenated if you go to bed early and don’t sleep more than 8 hours. If you stay up late and compensate by sleeping late, you’ll wake up lethargic and have trouble focusing. In my experience the early morning hours are the most tranquil and productive. Waking up early gives you more productive hours and maximizes your mental acuity all day.

If you have the opportunity, take 10-20 minute naps when you are hit with a wave of drowsiness. Anything longer will make you lethargic, but a short nap will refresh you.

5. Take Time to Reflect

Often our lives get so hectic that we become overwhelmed without even realizing it. It becomes difficult to concentrate because nagging thoughts keep interrupting. Spending some time alone in reflection gives you a chance organize your thoughts and prioritize your responsibilities. Afterwards, you’ll have a better understanding of what’s important and what isn’t. The unimportant stuff won’t bother you anymore and your mind will feel less encumbered.

I’m not saying you need to sit on the floor cross-legged and chant ‘ommm’. Anything that allows a bit of prolonged solitude will do. One of my personal favorites is taking a solitary walk. Someone famous said, “All the best ideas occur while walking.” I think he was on to something. Experiment to find the activity that works best for you.

Top Performing Students - What They Do Different.

1. Self Discipline. Students who excel in examinations are always self disciplined. They have learnt that work comes before play and therefore do all their assignments on time and religiously adhere to the school rules and regulations. Their self discipline translates to respect for others and property. They treat their fellow students, teachers and members of the society the same way they expect to be treated.

 2. Focus and Willingness to be assisted. They do what is right, at the right time, in the right way and in the right place. They are always open and free with their teachers. They therefore readily ask for assistance amongst themselves and from teachers in areas of their weaknesses. They view their teachers as individuals who are out to help them be better persons and not strict authoritarians who are quick to punish them.

  

3. Passion for Learning. They are ever thirsty for more learning and have developed undying ability to read comprehensively, to write effectively and to speak fluently. They utilise their learning time effectively and gather as varied information as possible on different subjects or topics.

 4. Curious and able to Persevere. They always ask questions in class and go the extra mile to research on topics they are been taught. They are always inquisitive, work extra hard and never give up until their curiosity is satisfied.

 5. Responsible. They are always responsible and their teachers and parents can comfortably rely on them. Should they make any mistake, they are quick to report to teachers. They do not wait for teachers to investigate and find them on the wrong side.

 6. Strong Self Belief.  They have undeterred belief in their capability to perform well in any given examination. They also believe in their teachers, their parents and also in their society.

 7. Grateful and Prayerful.  They acknowledge the importance of prayer and gratitude.  They always appreciate everyone within and around their learning environment, and have trust and faith in their maker; God.