While most people understand that physical exercise is crucial for long-term health, very few people exercise the mind.

Mental exercises aren’t just great for your brain but science has proven they can make you more intelligent.

If you think you’re ‘too old’ or can’t learn something new – we know this is false.

The magic of brain neuroplasticity tells us your brain can learn new skills, and you can become more intelligent. Here’s how..

5 Ways to Become More Intelligent

1. Become an Avid Reader | Make You Smarter

Reading has endless benefits. Sure, it’ll help you learn new skills and potentially earn more money but it also reduces stress.

Reading has shown to increase all three types of intelligence and easy to see why it’s a habit of successful people. 

Consistent reading has been proven to help with problem-solving, detecting patterns, and communicating more effectively leading to stronger relationship with others.

Plus, the more you learn, the more you earn!

2. Exercise Consistently | Make You Smarter

Regular exercise produces BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic function) and your brain loves it! BDNF is a protein that helps with memory, learning, focus, concentration, and comprehension. This is why you feel so sharp and laser-focused during and after a strenuous workout.

But studies found that it’s more helpful and effective if done regularly, say 3-5x per week than 1-2x per week. So don’t skip more than a day or two for the most benefit. 

3. Start Playing a Musical Instrument | Make You Smarter

Playing a musical instrument is another great habit that can make you more intelligent. Instead of listening to music so much, try to make your own.

Playing music can help with math, fine motor skills, creativity, analytical skills, and more. You can go back to your school days or try a new instrument, either way, it can help you relax and train your brain!

4. Learn a New Language | Make You Smarter

If you’re like me, you probably gave up on learning new languages once school was over. But successfully learning new languages enables your brain to perform harder tasks much easier.

Plus, studies have shown that speaking at least two languages positively affects your ability to monitor your environment and redirect your attention to learning new processes.

Learning another language might not be easy but it’s well worth it.

Not only can you challenge your mind but you’ll be a more valuable resource at work. Plus, you can enjoy travel and might open up doors you might not have the chance at before.

5. Exercise Your Mind | Make You Smarter

The brain loves a good challenge. Yet we live in an Instagram world where people mindlessly scroll instead of actively trying to exercise the mind.

Instead, switch to a brain game. Things like riddles, board games, sudoku, puzzles, video games, card games, and similar activities all help increase neuroplasticity.

These games will make nerve cells respond in new ways and will actually allow you to see problems from different points of view.

Bonus: Meditation

Meditation allows you to control your brain waves and become more aware of your thoughts. If you’re experiencing stress for a job interview or business negotiation, meditation can help. It’s a common practice from some of the most successful people on the planet and easy to start.  

Use these tricks to start evolving your mind and constantly pushing yourself. Your brain is a powerful machine, don’t forget to exercise it as much as your body!

The post 5 Scientifically Proven Habits That Will Make You Smarter appeared first on Fearless Motivation - Motivational Videos & Music.

Despite what you’ve been told your entire life your intelligence is not pre-determined. You can upgrade your intelligence by improving your brain function with intentional lifestyle changes and habits.  If you follow these seven steps you can learn how to improve your brain function starting today!

7 Powerful Habits To Improve Brain Function

1. Intermittent Fasting

IF (intermittent fasting) is the new trend that is here to stay. Not only will it help you lose weight it will drastically help improve your brain function.

Some other benefits of fasting include:

• Improved blood sugar levels
• Improved mood
• Decreased risk of heart disease
• Decreased risk of cancer 
• Reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease

Try to do a 16/8 fast (eat eight hours per day, fast the other 16) or a weekly or monthly fast to start seeing the benefits of IF.

2. Exercise Frequently | Improve Brain Function

Not only is your health important to enjoy your wealth, it’s also crucial for your brain function. Sure, your body needs physical activity but exercise is equally as good for your mind as well.

When you exercise you release BDNF, a brain-derived neurotropic function which makes you feel good. Exercise can also make you feel creative, focused, and even help suppress your appetite.

Start making exercise a regular habit and you’ll notice the results with your body and mind.

3. Eat Omega 3’s | Improve Brain Function

The easiest way that I have found to get sufficient amounts of Omega-3s each day is a daily supplement of fish oil. Vitamin D is also an important supplement to help support improved mental performance.

One recent study found that the lower Vitamin D levels the more negative your performance on mental tests. 

4. Get Enough Sleep | Improve Brain Function

Humans sleep nearly a third of their life but if you’re burning the candle at both ends, eventually your brain will need to rest. While meditation can offset some of the effects of not sleeping, there is still no replacement for high-quality sleep.

To sleep better each night try these:

• Power down your electronics 60 minutes before bed
• Don’t eat a big meal before sleep
• Try to go to bed at the same time every night.

Create habits to make falling asleep easy.

5. Eat a High Fat Diet | Improve Brain Function

Fat doesn’t make you fat. Fat actually makes you smart.

Whether you go all out on the keto diet or just eat more “fatty” foods you’ll notice an increase in brain function. Stick with monosaturated fats like avocados, fish, and olive oil. Not only will it help you lose weight but also increase your mental performance.

6. Practice Meditation | Improve Brain Function

As Buddha said “Your mind is a powerful thing. When you filter it with positive thoughts, your life will start to change.”  If you want a limitless brain you have to cultivate it and meditation can help tremendously.

Spend 10-20 minute each day practicing mindfulness or meditation. Learn to become more aware of your thoughts and connect with your inner self. 

7. Challenge Your Brain | Improve Brain Function

Most people wake up at the same time, do the same workouts, drive the same way to work and have the same conversations. Day after day, week after week. This mind-numbing activity is horrible for your brain function.

Don’t forget as Jim Kwik said, “Your brain is a supercomputer.” But if you stare at social media or Netflix you’re not giving your brain a challenge. Instead, start reading each day, learn something new or do brain exercises like Sudoku.

Start improving your brain function immediately by adding in these habits of success.

If you’re not doing any start slow by adding one or two habits. As they become part of your routine keep adding until you have all seven to become limitless.

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