1. 5 Simple Ways to Increase Your
Intelligence
Your brain needs exercise just like a muscle. If you use it often and in the right ways, you
will become a more skilled thinker and increase your ability to focus. But if you never
use your brain, or abuse it with harmful chemicals, your ability to think and learn will
deteriorate.
Here are 5 simple ways anyone can squeeze a bit more productivity out of the old gray
matter.
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.

2. 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.
Conclusion – I hope you aren’t disappointed that none of the techniques I’ve proposed
are revolutionary. But simple, unexciting answers are often the most valid. The challenge
is having the will to adhere to them. If you succeed in following these 5 tips, you’ll be
rewarded with increased mental acuity and retention of knowledge.