Practical Ways To Getting Smarter Now that we know that a rich environment, filled with learning and stimulating tasks is the real path to getting smarter — how about we learn some basic tasks that will induce neurogenesis. Meditation: Through advanced imaging and MRI’s of people during meditation, scientists discovered that even 10 minutes a day of quiet mindfulness induces the creation of new brain cells. The reason being because during our earlier forms in evolution, it was an essential skill to be mindfully present in the moment. In fact, those who spent too much time “in their heads” were more likely to get attacked and ultimately die. So because of this, our brain evolved so that it not only likes being present in the moment but actually grows when you are focused and absolved in the present second. Cardiovascular Exercise: Many of you may have noticed that people who regularly exercise tend to be happier and capable of computing at a higher speed. This is no coincidence and it has to do with the fact that working out your heart strengthens your nerve cells. Which in case you didn’t notice, Neuro actually means nerves. Meaning that your brain cells are actually called nerve cells. And the reason that recent research now supports that doing at least 30 minutes of cardio a day, significantly boosts your brain’s ability to create new neurons. Positive Flow of Thoughts: Yes, you heard me right, thinking positive thoughts can literally grow your brain cells. And a surpassingly large amounts of people don’t seem to understand how toxic thinking and feeling negatively actually is. Let me explain stress for a second, when your body begins to go into fight or flight mode, your brain releases a chemical called cortisol. Now this neurotransmitter is great when fighting off a tiger — but deadly when sitting at your office. The reason being because cortisol not only shuts down the parts of the brain that create new brain cells, but actually begins killing off matured neurons. So stop the negative thinking and start thinking of the cup as half full. You brain literally delights in the feelings of warmth and assurance. That’s what allows your olfactory bulbs and hippocampus to create new brain cells. And ultimately increase your intellect so that you no longer get stumped at where your keys are or how to feel better after a break up.

Read more at: http://www.learning-mind.com/the-neuroscience-behind-increasing-your-intellect/