How to Increase My IQ? 7 Proven Ways to Boost Your Intelligence

Understanding IQ and the Possibility of Improving It

You’ve probably wondered at some point, "Can I increase my IQ?" If you’re like most people, the idea of getting smarter is appealing. Maybe you’ve heard that intelligence is fixed, that some people are just born with it. But, here’s the thing: intelligence isn’t set in stone. Sure, genetics play a role, but there are ways to boost your cognitive abilities. I remember having this conversation with my friend Sarah the other day. She was frustrated because she felt like her IQ was limiting her career prospects. After diving into the topic, we both learned some surprising ways to work on it.

The Science Behind IQ

IQ, or Intelligence Quotient, is a measure of a person’s intellectual abilities in relation to others. It typically includes logical reasoning, problem-solving skills, and even memory. While there's no magic formula to drastically increase your IQ overnight, research suggests that consistent mental and physical effort can enhance your cognitive abilities. It's not about becoming a genius overnight, but improving your thinking over time.

1. Practice Brain Exercises

The first thing that comes to mind when you think about increasing IQ is probably brain training. And you're not wrong. Just like physical exercises build muscle, cognitive exercises strengthen your brain.

Puzzles and Games

Remember that time when you were hooked on Sudoku or crossword puzzles? Well, these types of games don’t just pass the time—they actually help improve memory and problem-solving skills. I’ve started doing brain puzzles daily, and trust me, they make a noticeable difference in how quickly I can think on my feet.

Chess or Strategy Games

I recently started playing chess again after years of not touching the board, and wow, I can already tell it's making my brain work differently. Games that require strategy, like chess or Go, help enhance logical thinking, pattern recognition, and memory—all key components of IQ. I was skeptical at first, but now I swear by it. If you're into games, this is definitely a fun way to boost your brainpower.

2. Engage in Physical Exercise

Here's a twist: improving your IQ isn’t just about your brain—it’s also about your body. Physical exercise has been shown to boost brain function and cognitive performance. It might sound counterintuitive, but trust me, it's true.

The Power of Aerobic Exercise

I was chatting with my friend Tom, a fitness enthusiast, about how exercise can affect brain function. He’s a firm believer in the link between physical health and mental clarity. Studies support this—cardio activities like running or cycling increase blood flow to the brain, improving memory, concentration, and even your ability to solve complex problems. So, even if you’re not a gym person, a simple daily walk could make a big difference.

Weight Training and Mental Agility

Weight training isn’t just about bulking up—it also benefits the brain. I didn’t believe it at first, but strength training helps with neurogenesis (the growth of new brain cells). Over time, this can improve your learning ability and memory retention. Seriously, don’t underestimate the power of a good workout!

3. Get Enough Sleep

If you’re pushing yourself to improve your IQ, but you’re skimping on sleep, you’re shooting yourself in the foot. We all know sleep is important, but it’s even more crucial for cognitive function.

Why Sleep Matters for Your Brain

My colleague Rebecca once told me she used to stay up late working on projects, thinking it would help her get ahead. After a while, she realized that, instead of making her smarter, it was just making her more forgetful and sluggish. Sleep consolidates memories, repairs brain cells, and helps your brain process information better. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night if you really want to improve your IQ.

4. Nourish Your Brain with the Right Foods

You are what you eat, right? Well, that applies to your brain too. Certain foods can help your cognitive function, and others can hinder it. I was amazed when I started focusing on brain-boosting foods. I used to think caffeine was the only way to keep my brain sharp, but there’s so much more to it.

Foods Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines are packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for brain health. These healthy fats can improve memory and cognitive function. I started incorporating more fish into my diet, and honestly, I’ve noticed a difference in my mental clarity.

Antioxidants and Brain Health

Fruits like blueberries and nuts, especially walnuts, are loaded with antioxidants that protect the brain from oxidative stress. I was skeptical about how much of a difference antioxidants could make, but after including them in my diet, I felt sharper. A small change in diet can lead to big results over time.

5. Learn New Skills and Keep Challenging Yourself

Your brain is like a muscle—the more you use it, the stronger it gets. If you’re not actively learning or challenging yourself, your cognitive abilities can stagnate.

Take Up a New Hobby

Whether it’s learning a new language or picking up an instrument, challenging yourself with something new forces your brain to grow. A few months ago, I decided to learn the basics of coding. At first, it was frustrating, but over time, I noticed my problem-solving skills improving. It doesn’t matter what skill you choose—just make sure it’s something that challenges your brain in a different way.

Continuous Learning

Even if you’re not learning something completely new, reading regularly, or engaging with new content, helps keep your brain active. I try to read a chapter of a non-fiction book every night, and I’ve noticed it helps me think in new and creative ways.

6. Reduce Stress

Stress is an IQ killer. I learned this the hard way when I was juggling too many tasks and not giving myself a break. High stress can actually shrink the brain, affecting memory and decision-making abilities.

Meditation and Mindfulness

I started meditating a few months ago, and it’s been a game-changer. Meditation helps reduce stress and increases the gray matter in your brain, which is responsible for muscle control and sensory perception. I know, I know—it sounds like a lot of fluff, but trust me, taking just 10-15 minutes to meditate every day can make a huge difference in your focus and clarity.

Conclusion: It’s All About Consistency

So, can you increase your IQ? The short answer is yes, but it takes effort, consistency, and the right approach. It’s not about quick fixes or magic pills—it’s about making small, sustainable changes to your lifestyle. Whether it’s through brain exercises, physical activity, or eating the right foods, every step you take brings you closer to unlocking your brain’s full potential.

As my friend Sarah realized, boosting IQ is a journey, not a race. But with the right mindset and dedication, you’ll definitely notice improvements in how you think, solve problems, and learn new things. So, why not start today?

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.