Fun Ways to Increase or Keep Your Intelligence

Learn to Play a Musical Instrument

Learning to play instruments, such as piano, or guitar, can help to increase a persons intelligence and keep their mind sharp as they grow older. In addition to the mental benefits of playing a musical instrument, there is the added increase in manual dexterity. Playing an instrument can also add to spiritual and interpersonal growth, as it can help a person connect on a deeper level with their ideal of the divine, and music can become a activator of social encounters.

Listen to a Variety of Musical Types

Many people have a very limited range of music that they listen, to on a regular basis. They may hear other types of music in films, through relatives or friends, or a places they visit, but they do not consciously listen to a variety of music with any regularity. Listening to a wide variety of music is one of the best ways to keep our minds sharp. The act of searching for new types of music to listen is another great mental exercise. Try a little bit of everything from Classical to Cajun, even listening to some of the complexities of Appalachian Snake Handlers music can be a catalyst for synaptic gymnastics. World beat music is also something that should stir the brain cells into activity.

Go, Chess, and Backgammon

The games of go, chess, and backgammon make us use our minds. These games have been around for centuries and have been used mental and even spiritual enrichment by some over the years. These games have sublime complexities that are conducive to growth in both of these areas. Any other strategy game is going to have similar value too.

Go To Museums or Art Galleries

Going to museums serves a few purposes of mental development and upkeep. One thing that may not be as apparent is that walking around a museum is physical activity and physical activity is good for brain function. If a person utilizes Museums, or Art Galleries, properly they can be a springboard from mental exploration that exercises the brain, thus at a museum you are exercising mind, body, in some cases spirit. On a side note, sharing these experiences with family and friends can also create lasting memories that will be treasured for years to come. Seeing new things stimulates you brain.

Movies or Films

Going to the movies doesn’t have to be a passive experience that only serves purposes of mindless entertainment. You can have fun at movies and still feed your mind in the midst of the escapism of film. Even a comedy can have a positive impact on your brain beyond the obvious adage of laughter being the best medicine. With movies or films a person can enjoy the escapist aspect of it all while viewing, and then after think about the film, how it was made, or why it was made. This is an enjoyable activity to do with those you have viewed the film with or later with others whom have also seen that film. Some films, especially mysteries, and those layered with conspiracies, make you think, thus giving your gray matter a workout. Seek out such films when possible.

Idiot Box To Intelligence Box

Even watching television can be turned into a positive experience for one’s mind if approached properly. Turn this passive experience into an active one with your family, friends, or even by ourself. Try analyzing the television shows you watch during the viewing or after the fact. Shows such as “Lost” naturally give themselves to noetic sweat equity. The reality shows of the past few years can be turned from a cheesy indulgence into a study of human relationships and an exploration of their strategies into fodder to fuel further intellectual development. It is all in the perspective you have while engaging yourself in such shows. You may wish to change your television habits altogether and begin to watch educational shows as they can be a great way of expanding your knowledge base that become a springboard for further exploration of various subjects in other mediums. There are even a few entertaining shows out there that deal with history in unique ways. Two that I love are Rome and The Tudors.

Crosswords and Other Puzzles

Puzzles are viewed as one of the best ways of fending off mental disorders associated with age. Crosswords in particular are like a Bow-flex for the brain. Keeping the mind active is just as important as keeping the body active as for development as we grow and as we grow older. If you do not like crosswords then try Sudoku, a Rubik’s cube or some other puzzles of the like that you can play around with from time to time.

Arts and Crafts

Working of craft projects, or artwork, can keep a person’s mind acute. Certain types of arts and crafts are also physical which also indirectly maintains proper brain function as we grow or grow older. Even if you do not have natural artistic talent you can participate in crafts such as pottery or woodworking. You may find that you have a hidden talent for drawing or painting. If you wish to explore drawing, painting, or sculpting, start by learning to become more observant of small details. This will not only improve your artistic skills, but will also help your mind expand too.

Reading and Web Surfing

Indeed these two popular past times will stimulate your mind and help keep parts of your deteriorating brain from going stale too quickly, so click a few links and see what is out there, or pick up a good book and explore through that.

Try a few combining a few of these suggestions together for greater results.