5 unconventional ways to increase your intelligence (and become a sharper version of yourself!)

While intelligence can be genetic, it is also heavily influenced by factors like studies, exposure to different cultures, travel, family dynamics and much more. On the other hand, a lot of people equate intelligence with bookish knowledge, but that could not be farther from the truth. The way you react to situations, your problem solving skills, and other factors determine your intelligence, and not always how you ace exams at school. And yes, the good news is that with time, you can even increase your intelligence. Here's how...

Just like your muscles, your brain needs exercise too. Playing puzzles, crosswords, Sudoku, or brain games can make your thinking sharper. These activities improve your memory, problem-solving skills, and attention. You can also try learning a new skill or hobby, like playing a musical instrument or a new language. These challenges help your brain create new blocks, and stay active.

Yes, just like a child is curious about the world around him/her, you too, should be highly inquisitive and ask the right questions. Learning as a process should never stop, no matter how old you get, so it is important to constantly keep learning about the world around you. Ask questions, seek answers, and increase your knowledge of basically anything under the sun (even if it is not of your core interest/area of expertise)

Reading is one of the best ways to improve your intelligence. When you read, you learn new words, ideas, and facts. This helps your brain make new connections and understand the world better. Try to read different kinds of books, like stories, science, history, or self-help. Even reading articles or newspapers can help. Make reading a daily habit, even if it is just for 10-15 minutes.

Yes, you heard that right. Not many people know that silence boosts intelligence. For this, one must spend a few minutes in complete silence everyday. No agenda, no chores, nothing. Once you have no agenda, your brain is still at work, ideating, thinking, and coming up with solutions to your everyday problems. This is called growth in action, and is in fact, so simple to do! Try it.

Young, old, poor, rich, cross state or cross nation - it does not matter. Each and every individual who comes into your life will teach you something, good or bad, that will better your outlook in life. For this, it is important that you befriend a diverse group of people, one who can teach you about their varying culture, personality, food, and so much more. Even traveling will open your eyes to a whole new world, so don't hold back.