Can we improve our intelligence and actually become smarter as adults? Psychologist Raymond Cattell hypothesized that there are two types of intelligence: crystallized and fluid. Fluid intelligence is the ability to reason, identify patterns, solve problems and think abstractly while crystallized intelligence is the ability to use learned knowledge and recall raw data. Luckily for us, both types of intelligence can be improved through different paths. Here are five ways to improve your crystallized and fluid intelligence daily.
Channel Your Inner Book Worm
Read everything and anything you can get your hands on. Enhancing crystallized intelligence requires you to fill your mind with data, facts and numbers. Start with the good old fashioned newspaper in the morning or download a digital copy onto your e-reader. The New York Times, Bloomberg Businessweek and Time have high-quality content that can increase your general knowledge and keep you up-to date with current events. During your lunch break, catch up on your favorite blogs. You might be most interested in following fitness and business-related blogs, but branch out and diversify your reading. Venture outside of your scope by reading about the newest medical research or current foreign affairs. In the evening, read from your book, soak up the knowledge and vocabulary and let your imagination go wild.
Train the Brain
According to a study from 2008, fluid intelligence can be improved and even increased through training on working memory. So how do you train your brain? Think of your brain as a muscle and in order to train this muscle, you’ll need to play games and engage in exercises to stimulate motor skills while improving logical thinking and cognitive abilities. Download brain game apps on your smartphone or tablet such as Elevate and Lumosity for daily brain exercises. The New York Times crossword puzzle is known for its brain tickling and mind boggling properties. And if you’re looking for something more customized, create a puzzle of your own.
Fuel Your Brain
If your brain is a muscle, exercising it is not enough. You must fuel your brain with a healthy and balanced diet full of essential nutrients, vitamins and amino acids to ensure it performs at maximum efficiency. To reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and memory loss, eat oily fish that contain omega-3 fats such as EPA and DHA. Foods that serves as a great source of vitamin E such as nuts, brown rice, whole grains, seeds and eggs may help prevent cognitive decline.
Question Everything and Seek Answers
Question everything you learn, then follow through with the curiosity and seek the real answers. Question everything your parents tell you, supervisors, teachers and role models. When you begin your journey to finding answers, you’ll learn more along the way then you could have imagined.
Adopt Productive Hobbies
Fill your free time with productive hobbies that engage your mind rather then leaving it idle. Choose an educational documentary when looking for something to watch on television. Physical exercise improves blood flow and oxygenation of the brain and is a healthy and beneficial hobby. Learn a new language to reap the benefits of a bilingual brain including improved functionality, memory and decreased risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia. If a new language doesn’t tickle your fancy, consider picking up a new instrument as a hobby and challenging your mind through music.