Let’s start this article with a fact that you might never know before: Our IQ is constantly changing over time. Sometimes it goes up, and sometimes it goes down, for better or worse. While IQ may not be the only predictor of anyone’s success, it is something that can still be affected by our lifestyle and habits. In fact, according to some studies, your age can even make a difference. You may be asking, “How does IQ change with age? What are the other factors that could actually make my IQ go up and down?” Well, keep reading to find out the answer. Today, we’re going to walk you through four factors that highly affect your IQ.
Nutrition
Did you know that a study conducted by the National Institutes of Health found that those who consume healthy diets with good nutrition saw an increase in their IQ? This is because nutrition plays a vital role in overall brain health and cognitive abilities. Eating nutritious foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help improve your cognitive functions. You may often hear your Mom screaming at you to eat your veggies. And that’s for a good reason – your brain needs them.
Education
You may not be so surprised to learn that education is one of the most important factors that can affect your IQ. Therefore, it’s no surprise why many parents invest so much time and money into their children’s education. Studies suggest that early and consistent exposure to educational materials such as books, puzzles, and games can help improve a child’s cognitive abilities, leading to an increase in IQ. As a matter of fact, one study from the Harvard Graduate School of Education even found that educational interventions can help boost a child’s IQ by at least 5 points.
Languages
We live in a world where languages vary, and all of them are beautiful. But did you know that certain language-speaking groups have higher IQ scores than those who don’t speak the same language? The vast word choice, syntactic complexity, and the semiotic development of a particular language allows people to think and express more complex ideas, which in turn helps them increase their IQ. So, if you wish to become smarter, why not try learning a new language? A study even showed that becoming bilingual can raise your IQ by 7 points.
Stress Levels
We can’t talk about IQ and not mention your mental state. High levels of stress can have a negative effect on your mental health and cognitive abilities, leading to a decrease in IQ. Simply put, experiencing too much stress over time reduces your ability to think clearly and solve problems. Therefore, it is highly advised to try and manage your stress levels as much as possible. This can be done by engaging in calming activities such as yoga, meditation, and even journaling.
Sure, things like premature birth, genetics, pollution, and poverty can also affect a person’s IQ. But if you take care of the things mentioned above, you can still boost your IQ and live a better life. So, try to focus on what you can control, such as improving your nutrition, getting the proper education, learning new languages, and managing stress levels. With consistent effort and dedication, you might be able to reach your full potential.…