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    How to Get Smarter: Strategies for Increasing Intelligence

    23 min
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    Apr 24, 2026
    PsychologyPersonal DevelopmentHealth

    Explore effective strategies for increasing intelligence and cognitive improvement. Learn how to boost mental performance and brain health for self-improvement.

    How to Get Smarter: Strategies for Increasing Intelligence

    Best quote from How to Get Smarter: Strategies for Increasing Intelligence

    “

    Imagine your brain isn't a solid marble statue, but more like a high-performance engine that you can actually tune and upgrade. The latest research shows that fluid intelligence—your ability to solve brand-new problems—can absolutely be strengthened through a biopsychosocial approach.

    ”

    This audio lesson was created by a BeFreed community member

    Input question

    I wish I was smarter

    Host voices
    Lenaplay
    Eliplay
    Learning style
    Deep
    Knowledge sources
    Functional nutrition: a non-pharmacological approach to supporting cognitive Health
    link
    https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-026-47569-5
    Cognitive Training Combined with Multicomponent Exercise Improves Biopsychosocial Outcomes in Healthy Older Adults: a Randomized Trial | Journal of Cognitive Enhancement | Springer Nature Link
    link
    https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s41465-026-00347-7
    Neural Correlates of Cognitive Gains Induced by Commercially Available Cognitive Training Programs: A Meta-Analysis of Neuroimaging Studies
    link
    https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3425/16/1/78
    Randomized controlled trial of resistance exercise and brain aging clocks | GeroScience | Springer Nature Link
    link
    https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11357-026-02141-x
    Frontiers | Optimal exercise modalities and dose for enhancing intelligence in children and adolescents: a Bayesian network meta-analysis
    link
    https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphys.2025.1685099
    6 science-backed strategies to improve your memory | National Geographic
    link
    https://nationalgeographic.com/health/article/how-to-improve-memory

    Frequently Asked Questions

    To get smarter, you should focus on consistent self-improvement habits that challenge your brain. This includes engaging in lifelong learning, practicing critical thinking, and exposing yourself to new perspectives. By prioritizing cognitive improvement through diverse mental exercises, you can enhance your problem-solving skills and expand your overall intellectual capacity over time.

    Increasing intelligence involves a combination of mental stimulation and healthy lifestyle choices. Focus on activities that promote brain health, such as regular physical exercise, adequate sleep, and a balanced diet. Additionally, engaging in deep work and learning complex new skills can help strengthen neural connections, leading to a measurable increase in your functional intelligence.

    Brain health is the foundation of high-level mental performance. When you prioritize your neurological well-being through proper nutrition and stress management, you improve your focus, memory, and processing speed. Maintaining your brain health ensures that your cognitive functions remain sharp, allowing you to perform at your peak in both personal and professional settings.

    Yes, dedicated self-improvement habits are essential for long-term cognitive improvement. By setting goals for mental performance and sticking to a routine of reading, writing, or strategic gaming, you can keep your mind agile. Consistent effort in these areas helps prevent cognitive decline and fosters an environment where your intelligence can continue to grow throughout your life.

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    "Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

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    "Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

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    "Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

    @Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
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    17

    "Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

    @djmikemoore
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    "BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

    @Pitiful
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    Elon MuskCharlie KirkBill GatesSteve JobsAndrew HubermanJoe RoganJordan Peterson
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    Featured Topics
    ManagementAmerican HistoryWarTradingStoicismAnxietySex
    Best books by Year
    2025 Best Non Fiction Books2024 Best Non Fiction Books2023 Best Non Fiction Books
    Learning tools
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    Featured authors
    Chimamanda Ngozi AdichieGeorge OrwellO. J. SimpsonBarbara O'NeillWinston ChurchillCharlie Kirk
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    Part of a Learning Plan

    Build Confidence, Control & Sharp Mindset

    Build Confidence, Control & Sharp Mindset

    LEARNING PLAN

    Build Confidence, Control & Sharp Mindset

    2 h 49 m•4 Episodes
    Improve memory, cognitive abilities

    Improve memory, cognitive abilities

    LEARNING PLAN

    Improve memory, cognitive abilities

    2 h 34 m•4 Episodes
    Study Nutrition, Sleep & Neuroscience Science

    Study Nutrition, Sleep & Neuroscience Science

    LEARNING PLAN

    Study Nutrition, Sleep & Neuroscience Science

    2 h 27 m•4 Episodes

    Key Takeaways

    1

    Breaking the Myth of the Static Brain

    0:00
    0:27
    0:53
    1:03
    1:25
    1:47
    2

    Fighting the Fog of Digital Overload

    2:03
    2:22
    2:46
    2:57
    3:24
    3:36
    3:55
    4:08
    3

    The Working Memory Engine

    4:27
    4:41
    5:02
    5:08
    5:33
    5:39
    6:04
    6:09
    6:27
    6:38
    4

    The Synergy of Mind and Muscle

    7:02
    7:15
    7:33
    1:03
    7:57
    8:04
    8:30
    3:36
    9:02
    9:13
    5

    Dual-Tasking for Intellectual Growth

    9:37
    9:51
    10:09
    10:11
    10:31
    10:34
    11:09
    1:03
    11:36
    11:42
    6

    Rewiring the Control Centers

    12:04
    12:16
    12:42
    12:48
    13:08
    1:03
    13:40
    13:47
    14:11
    14:27
    7

    The Art of Sticky Memories

    14:44
    14:54
    15:17
    3:36
    15:46
    15:57
    16:19
    16:23
    16:45
    16:54
    8

    Spacing, Struggling, and Strengthening

    17:08
    1:03
    17:37
    17:42
    18:03
    18:09
    18:36
    1:03
    19:02
    1:03
    9

    The Cognitive Resilience Playbook

    19:31
    19:43
    20:08
    20:12
    20:37
    20:41
    21:04
    21:06
    21:30
    21:40
    10

    Closing Thoughts on Your Evolving Brain

    22:05
    22:26
    7:33
    1:03
    23:20
    7:15

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