Read on to learn what science has to say about the different ways you may be able to boost both your crystallized and fluid intelligence. Staying physically active is one of the best ways to improve brain functioning.

If you’re an experienced musician, challenge yourself by learning new songs or genres. If you don’t know how to play an instrument, remember that it’s never too late to start. You can find plenty of free how-to videos online to get you started. Research shows that <a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/benefits-of-reading-books">reading </a>may also help boost your intelligence.

Continuing your education doesn’t mean you need to get a degree. You can: <ul><li>watch TED talks </li><li>attend lectures or workshops </li><li>pick up a new hobby </li><li>learn a new language </li><li>read books on a new subject </li> </ul>

If you find it difficult to meet new people or create relationships, you may want to consider the following: <ul><li>volunteer in your community </li><li>join a club, gym, or sports team </li><li>take a class </li><li>join a book club </li><li>reconnect with old friends </li> </ul>

Practicing certain lifestyle habits may help improve your overall intelligence, which includes two types: <ul><li>Crystallized intelligence. This refers to your vocabulary, knowledge, and skills. Crystallized intelligence typically increases as you get older. </li><li>Fluid intelligence. Also known as fluid reasoning, fluid intelligence is your ability to reason and think abstractly. </li> </ul>

Playing an instrument is a fun and creative way to boost your intelligence. It involves skills like: <ul><li>auditory perception </li><li>physical coordination </li><li>memory </li><li>pattern recognition </li> </ul>

That’s because it requires multiple cognitive functions, including: <ul><li>attention </li><li>predicting </li><li>working memory </li><li>long-term storage memory </li><li>abstract reasoning </li><li>comprehension </li><li>visual processing of letters </li> </ul>

Remember, intelligence isn’t about knowing more than other people. It’s about stimulating your brain, being able to solve problems, and learning new things. By staying curious and following the tips outlined above, you may be able to boost your brain health and enhance your intelligence over time.

It’s common to think of <a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-increase-iq">intelligence </a>as something that you’re simply born with. Some people, after all, make being smart look effortless. Intelligence isn’t a set trait, though. It’s a changeable, flexible ability to learn and stimulate your brain that can improve over time. The key is to practice lifestyle habits that support and protect your brain.

Practicing certain lifestyle habits may help boost your intelligence and stimulate your brain. Research has shown that when done regularly, these activities and habits may help make you smarter in specific ways.

Understand yourself and those around you.

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12. Playing an Instrument