Turns out, the saying goes, “fake it ‘til you make it,” may not be so far-off after all. In fact, there are a number of simple hacks you can try to quickly boost your IQ. And after a long summer soaking up the sun, it’s not a bad idea to take a few extra steps to get your mind back on track and ready for a successful autumn.
By taking naps, chewing gum, and simply telling yourself you are smart, you are on your way to a sharper mind and a laser-like focus. In order to get out of that summer haze, here are six simple science-back tricks to make yourself smart and back on your game.
1. Tell yourself you’re smart
While it might sound cheesy, it’s actually true. By simply telling yourself you’re smart, you will actually be smarter. That’s according to a study conducted by professors from Stanford University and Columbia University who found that when students were simply told they were smart, they performed better than people who didn’t do the same.
2. Take a nap
Feeling tired? Forget the coffee—instead, try taking a quick nap. According to a recent study, chances are you’ll wake up feeling refreshed and restored.
In the study, researchers examined a group of napping and non-napping students at the University of California, Berkely. Turns out, the students who took naps, often performed better on exams. They also retained information much better than those who didn’t snooze.
3. Write things down
Lose the computer for a moment and grab a pen and paper. According to research by Princeton University and the University of California, Los Angeles, writing things out by hand is proven to make you smarter.
In the study, the researchers found that students who took notes by-hand retained more information and had a better grasp on lessons than those who took notes on their computers.
4. Daydream
It’s time to let your mind wander. According to an experiment conducted by the Georgia Institute of Technology, people who let themselves indulge in daydreaming actually have greater intellectual and creative capacities that in turn, help them to be more successful in school or the workplace.
5. Socialize with friends
From boosting happiness to improving your physical health, socializing has a variety of benefits. And another benefit to add to the list is boosted intelligence.
According to a study by the University of Michigan, people who engage in social interactions more often typically display higher cognitive performance than people who don’t.
6. Eat chewing gum
Pop in a piece of chewing gum, and you might notice a slight increase in your brain’s performance. Additionally it will lower stress levels and a better mood. In a recent experiment, researchers found that people who chewed gum often had greater alertness, quicker response times and increased attention spans.
Rose Leadem
Rose is a writer and artist living in New York City. She writes for magazines, startups and websites, including Entrepreneur Magazine, Frontrunner Magazine, Homepolish and more.