It’s common to think of intelligence 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 improve your overall intelligence, which includes two types:Crystallized intelligence. This refers to your vocabulary, knowledge, and skills. Crystallized intelligence typically increases as you get older.
Fluid intelligence. Also known as fluid reasoning, fluid intelligence is your ability to reason and think abstractly.
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.
1. Exercise regularly
Staying physically active is one of the best ways to improve brain functioning.

According to a 2018 study, light exercise promotes activity in the hippocampus, which is involved in memory. It also enhances the connection between the hippocampus and other brain regions that regulate memory.Beginner-friendly exercise ideas include:

walking
yoga
hiking
bodyweight workouts
2. Get enough sleep
Sleep is also essential for supporting optimal cognitive function. When you sleep, your brain consolidates memories you created throughout the day. It also enhances your brain’s ability to learn new information when you wake up
3. Meditate
Another way to become smarter is to practice meditation.

In an older 2010 study, meditation was associated with better executive functioning and working memory. These effects were observed after just four days of meditation.The researchers speculated that these cognitive effects were due to the emotional benefits of meditation.

There are many ways to meditate. You can:

use meditation apps
listen to guided meditation videos
attend a meditation class
4. Eat nutrient-rich foods
Another way to boost your brain health is to eat foods with nutrients that support brain function. This includes foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, flavonoids, and vitamin K.

Omega-3 fatty acids
fatty fish
shellfish
seaweed
flax
avocados
nuts
5. Read
Research shows that reading may also help boost your intelligence.That’s because it requires multiple cognitive functions, including:

attention
predicting
working memory
long-term storage memory
abstract reasoning
comprehension
visual processing of letters
6. Continue learning
If you’d like to increase intelligence, aim to be a student for life. A longer duration of education is linked to higher intelligenceContinuing your education doesn’t mean you need to get a degree. You can:

listen to podcasts
watch TED talks
attend lectures or workshops
pick up a new hobby
learn a new language
read books on a new subject