100 Simple Ways to Change your Life / 10 Ways to Improve your IQ

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10 Ways to Improve your IQ

Posted: 07 Sep 2008 07:58 AM CDT

Your brain needs exercise just like a muscle. If you use it often and in the right ways, you will become a more skilled thinker and increase your ability to focus. But if you never use your brain, or abuse it with harmful chemicals, your ability to think and learn will deteriorate.

Here are 10 simple ways anyone can squeeze a bit more productivity out of the old gray matter.

1. Minimize Television Watching

This is a hard sell. People love vegetating in front of the television, myself included more often than I'd like. The problem is watching television doesn't use your mental capacity OR allow it to recharge. It's like having the energy sapped out of a muscle without the health benefits of exercise.

Don't you feel drained after a couple hours of TV? Your eyes are sore and tired from being focused on the light box for so long. You don't even have the energy to read a book.

When you feel like relaxing, try reading a book instead. If you're too tired, listen to some music. When you're with your friends or family, leave the tube off and have a conversation. All of these things use your mind more than television and allow you to relax.

2. Exercise

I used to think that I'd learn more by not exercising and using the time to read a book instead. But I realized that time spent exercising always leads to greater learning because it improves productivity during the time afterwards. Using your body clears your head and creates a wave of energy. Afterwards, you feel invigorated and can concentrate more easily.

3. Read Challenging Books

Many people like to read popular suspense fiction, but generally these books aren't mentally stimulating. If you want to improve your thinking and writing ability you should read books that make you focus. Reading a classic novel can change your view of the world and will make you think in more precise, elegant English. Don't be afraid to look up a word if you don't know it, and don't be afraid of dense passages. Take your time, re-read when necessary, and you'll soon grow accustomed to the author's style.

Once you get used to reading challenging books, I think you'll find that you aren't tempted to go back to page-turners. The challenge of learning new ideas is far more exciting than any tacky suspense-thriller.

4. Early to Bed, Early to Rise

Nothing makes it harder to concentrate than sleep deprivation. You'll be most rejuvenated if you go to bed early and don't sleep more than 8 hours. If you stay up late and compensate by sleeping late, you'll wake up lethargic and have trouble focusing. In my experience the early morning hours are the most tranquil and productive. Waking up early gives you more productive hours and maximizes your mental acuity all day.

If you have the opportunity, take 10-20 minute naps when you are hit with a wave of drowsiness. Anything longer will make you lethargic, but a short nap will refresh you.

5. Take Time to Reflect

Often our lives get so hectic that we become overwhelmed without even realizing it. It becomes difficult to concentrate because nagging thoughts keep interrupting. Spending some time alone in reflection gives you a chance organize your thoughts and prioritize your responsibilities. Afterwards, you'll have a better understanding of what's important and what isn't. The unimportant stuff won't bother you anymore and your mind will feel less encumbered.

I'm not saying you need to sit on the floor cross-legged and chant 'ommm'. Anything that allows a bit of prolonged solitude will do. One of my personal favorites is taking a solitary walk. Someone famous said, "All the best ideas occur while walking." I think he was on to something. Experiment to find the activity that works best for you.

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6. Cultivate friendships with people who think differently.

I enjoy talking to people who really challenge my conception of the world. Artists (I'm not one), medical staff (I'm not one), construction workers (I'm not one) and so on.

7. Get outside your own culture through travel, social gatherings, etc

Travel is great (but the hit on the environment is large, soÂ…. do a few long trips rather than many short ones perhaps?) especially if you immerse locally. Going to Cuba and staying in a western hotel is not travel. Going backpacking in Nepal is. Doing voluntravel (going somewhere to help, e.g. Medicins Sans Frontiers) is ideal. But in any event the challenge to your sense of normalcy is fabulous. I spent a month in western China with my kids. Watching them take in the local environment and adapt was a real eye opener to how stuck-in-my-own-ways I'd become.

8. Learn that it is okay to turn off your cell phone and email.

Reflective thought and deep reading take time. Oh excuse me, just got an email, be right back. Nope, that doesn't work. Its okay to be unreachable for hours a day. I aim to answer email for an hour at the end of the day, at most. For many hours I'm unreachable except by family. Since I started that my time for thinking and reading has risen dramatically.

9. Do less better.

There's always another project that we rush to, never finishing the one we were doing. Sorry, great works of science and art take great dedication, polish, and repolish! Sure, we're not all Darwin or Monet, but we should ASPIRE to be. Just say no to some projects. Focus on a few (make your family a projectÂ… for extra points!).

10. In all things seek balance.

I agree that exercise is good. So is reading. So is relaxation - and if a bit of TV is what works, great. I for one watch old romantic comedy movies when I'm brain dead (well, okay, when I'm especially brain dead). I also enjoy blending my activities - go for a long walk that ends up at a coffee shop where I read a paper or book and stare out the window.

Conclusion - I hope you aren't disappointed that none of the techniques I've proposed are revolutionary. But simple, unexciting answers are often the most valid. The challenge is having the will to adhere to them. If you succeed in following these 5 tips, you'll be rewarded with increased mental acuity and retention of knowledge.

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Making the Most of Life

Posted: 07 Sep 2008 07:59 AM CDT

Contributed by: Asian Woman (i_asianwoman )

If I can throw a single ray of light across the darkened pathway of another; if I can aid some soul to clearer sight of life and duty, and thus bless my brother; if I can wipe from any human cheek a tear, I shall not have lived my life in vain while here.

If I can guide some erring one to truth, inspire within his heart a sense of duty; if I can plant within my soul of rosy youth a sense of right, a love of truth and beauty; if I can teach one man that God and heaven are near, I shall not then have lived in vain while here.

If from my mind I banish doubt and fear, and keep my life attuned to love and kindness; if I can scatter light and hope and cheer, and help remove the curse of mental blindness; if I can make more joy, more hope, less pain, I shall not have lived and loved in vain.

If by life's roadside I can plant a tree, beneath whose shade some wearied head may rest, though I may never share its beauty, I shall yet be truly blest--though no one knows my name, nor drops a flower upon my grave, I shall not have lived in vain while here.

--Author Unknown

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100 Simple Ways to Change Your Life for the Better: Part 1

Posted: 07 Sep 2008 08:01 AM CDT

Contributed by: Asian Woman

By Hupp

No matter how perfect you may think you are, the fact this there's always some small way you can improve upon yourself. Whether it's broadening your knowledge or reducing your impact on the earth, there are seemingly endless little things you can do to make a change for the better. Here, we'll discuss 100 of these steps, and how you can go about doing them.

Health

Good health is the foundation of a good life, so make these improvements, and they'll resonate out to the rest of your life.

· Eat breakfast every morning: Eating breakfast is important for your health and mental power, supplying essential vitamins, minerals, and energy for your day.

· Get a good night's rest: You just can't have a happy and productive life if you're tired all of the time, so get some quality shut eye.

· Drink water: Step up your water intake to lose weight, feel better, and improve your skin.

· Eat slowly: Slow down when you eat, and you'll find that you consume less while still feeling satisfied.

· Cut down on junk food: Junk food has a nasty way of bringing your health down, so avoid it whenever possible, opting instead for healthy food like fresh fruits and vegetables.

· Practice good dental hygiene: Researchers have found that dental hygiene is important for more than cosmetic reasons-it can help you chew food and even avoid heart disease.

· Drink tea: Be sure to check out the powerhouse of benefits that tea can deliver, which includes improved memory and prevention of ills such as cavities, cancer, and heart disease.

· Get some exercise: Whether you need to lose weight or not, exercise will have a positive effect on your overall health and quality of life.

· Improve your energy: If you're feeling sluggish all day, chances are you're just not going to feel good about yourself. So take a few steps to boost your energy, and you'll be better in your daily life.

· Intensify your workouts: Researchers have found that by doing more intense workouts, you can enjoy similar benefits that you would with a more relaxed workout for a longer period of time.

· Enjoy fish a few times a week: Eat fish, and you'll get a serving of Omega-3 fatty acids, which can help reduce heart disease.

· Wear better shoes: Don't torture your toes with restrictive shoes all the time-limit the amount of time you spend in uncomfortable shoes.

· Protect your skin: Stay out of the sun to avoid skin damage, or use sunblock to help.

· Eat at home: It's easier and cheaper to prepare healthy foods on your own at home, and skillfully cooking a meal is sure to impress just about anyone.

· Get tested for prediabetes: Diabetes is a disease that many Americans are susceptible to, and by discovering it early on you can prevent it or lessen its impact.

· Take a daily walk: Get a little bit of movement and clear your mind with a walk every day.

· Lose weight: One of the best things you can do for your health and overall quality of life is to shed a few pounds.

Social

Take these steps to change your social life for the better.

· Join a book club: Get some social interaction while improving your knowledge with a book club.

· Get out of the house: Believe it or not, the world just isn't going to come to you. You've got to get out of your "zone" for social interaction.

· Volunteer: For a rewarding social experience, look into volunteer opportunities.

· Ignore minor irritations: Whether it's some jerk in traffic, or incessant Facebook application requests, some things just aren't worth dealing with.

· Start a blog: Spark an online discussion and network with new people through a blog.

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· Talk to strangers: Don't hesitate to spark a conversation with someone you don't know-you just might enjoy yourself, or even make a new friend.

· Don't stereotype or label people: Avoid dismissing people based on factors you don't fully understand, and you may find that they have something to offer you.

· Call old friends: You'd be surprised how many people would be overjoyed to hear from you, especially if it's been a while since you've seen them.

· Go to church: Make new friends and get in touch with your spiritual side at church or temple.

· Host a party: Spend some time with good friends and enjoy yourself at home by inviting others over for a party.

· Enjoy a hobby: Having a regular, relaxing activity will bring you joy.

· Join a club: Whether you're into board games or photography, there's a group out there for you.

Emotional

Improve your emotional life with these simple strategies.

· Make an effort to be happy: Whether you actually feel happy or not, make it a point to attempt happiness. It will help you feel better, as well as others around you.

· Consider religion: If you're not a spiritual person, consider becoming more involved with religion to improve your emotional well-being.

· Stop taking things personally: Although it may seem to the contrary, know that not everyone is out to make your life harder.

· Be optimistic: Put a positive spin on things and feel better about the future.

· Know when to lose sleep: Sometimes, you have more important things to do than sleep, but they key is knowing when that should happen.

· Step out of your comfort zone: Make it a point to step out of your comfort zone once in awhile. It's a great way to advance yourself.

· Get rid of ill-fitting clothing: Clothes that don't fit right will just make you look bad and feel worse about yourself. If you love a piece, but it just doesn't look good, consider getting it tailored.

· Spend time with a child: Look at the world through a child's eyes and get inspired. You'll learn to appreciate simple things and see life with excitement.

· Pamper yourself: Take care of yourself, whether that means getting a pint of ice cream now and then, or just getting a spa treatment.

· Celebrate your successes: When you've accomplished something great, take a moment to feel good about it!

· Quit your technology addiction: Although you may love your BlackBerry, you'll feel a whole lot better if you just step away from the screen for a while.

· Set goals: By setting goals, you'll give yourself something to strive for and look forward to.

· Feel good about yourself: Make a decision to improve your self-confidence, and you'll feel better. Others will notice it, too.

· Be thankful: Every now and then, take some time to acknowledge all of the good things you have in your life, big and small.

· Cut yourself some slack: Avoid inventing your own impossible, stringent rules that you have to stick to-they'll only make you feel nervous and guilty.

· Let go of the past: Don't hold grudges-let go, and you'll free up emotional space.

· Don't be dramatic: Stop inflating small problems, or you'll make yourself more anxious than you need to be.

· Express yourself: Let your emotions come out through art, writing, or other forms of expression.

· Meditate: Take some time out every day to have an inner dialogue with yourself.

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100 Simple Ways to Change Your Life for the Better: Part 2

Posted: 07 Sep 2008 08:02 AM CDT

Contributed by: Asian Woman

By Hupp

Financial

Make these changes to improve your life's financial outlook.

· Pay off debt: Nothing will improve your finances better than simply getting rid of debt.

· Build an emergency fund: Keep an emergency fund to save yourself from plummeting into the red when something pops up, and you'll be much more secure.

· Track your spending: At some point in their lives, nearly everyone has wondered where all their money goes. Try this exercise to finally get to the bottom of it, and identify spots where your money could be better spent.

· Be frugal: Embrace frugality in your life, and you'll save money while living more simply.

· Make extra payments: Pay off mortgage and other large debts early, and you'll take a load off.

· Diversify your income: Provide yourself with some financial security by finding multiple sources of income.

· Save: The concept is simple-save money, and you'll have more financial power to do the things you'd like to do.

· Eat at home more often: Eating out all the time may be fun, but preparing meals at home is a better financial strategy.

· Invest: Investing is not only fun, it's an excellent way to make your money grow.

· Set a goal: Give yourself a financial goal to achieve, whether it's saving for a particular item, or doubling your investments.

· Save for retirement: Don't give your future self a huge mess to take care of-save now, and you'll enjoy it later.

Mental

Improve your mind by taking these simple steps.

· Go back to school: Continuing your education does not have to be a complicated endeavor. Take an online class, or just a weekend seminar.

· Read classic books: Improve your mind by finally picking up all those books you were supposed to read in school.

· Plan: Always have a plan for your life, so you'll know what you're working toward.

· Quit procrastinating: Resolve to get moving, and you'll find that you have much more time than you originally realized.

· Get inspired by a book: Read a book that will help you spark positive changes in your life.

· Learn from your mistakes: Don't let mistakes get you down. Instead, consider what you did wrong, and how you can avoid doing so again in the future.

· Stop worrying: Let go of worry, and know that the future will come no matter what you do about it.

· Learn to play a musical instrument: Pick up a guitar, or even a harp, to improve your mental capacity and have something fun to do.

· Work to your own advantage: Improve upon what you can, and let the rest fall away.

· Think slowly: Instead of jumping to conclusions, carefully calculate what a situation means. Doing so can help you save relationships that might be damaged by rash thinking

· Participate in a debate: Have a rational discussion with someone of similar intellect to improve your knowledge.

· Learn a new language: Broaden your horizons by learning how to speak a new language.

· Visit Wikipedia: Spend some time on Wikipedia learning lots of interesting facts you've never realized before.

Habits

Make these changes in your daily life to improve upon yourself.

· Quit smoking: It's the single most important thing you can do for your health, appearance, and energy. You'll smell better, too.

· Wake up early: Be an early riser, and you'll find that you have more time to get things done.

· Spend more time outside: Head outside to become more active and enjoy the world around you.

· Be organized: Make things easier on yourself by living a more organized life.

At Work

· You spend so much time at work, but probably don't often consider how you can improve upon this important facet of your life. Take these steps to make things just a little bit better.

· Make friends with your coworkers: One of the easiest and most important things you can do to improve your career is to practice inner networking. Socialize with your coworkers, and they'll be more willing to help you when you need it.

· Improve your writing skills: If you improve upon your writing skills, you'll instantly sound more intelligent and persuasive.

· Collaborate: Don't go it alone-ask for help, and give help in return.

· Keep your inbox empty: Reduce anxiety and simplify by clearing out your inbox as much as you can.

· Leave work at the door: Don't bring work home with you, or you'll stress yourself out at home.

· Join a professional association: Network with others in your field for fun and career advancement.

· Ask for a raise: Simply asking for a raise you deserve is a no-brainer way to feel better about work and your paycheck.

· Improve your resume: If you're not happy with your job, give your resume a facelift and consider seeking a new position.

· Improve your system: If you've got a messy desk, or generally lead a disorganized work life, take charge by reorganizing.

· Start your own business: One of the best ways to improve your career is to go into business for yourself.

In Your Community

Getting involved in your community is a great way to improve upon your life. Try these methods for getting out there.

· Vote: Impact your community's future by participating in the election of officials.

· Donate unused items: Instead of holding a garage sale, pass your old items on to people who need them-like books to schools, and clothing to shelters.

· Support charitable endeavors: Whether it's with money or time, do what you can to help out charities in your community.

· Be a coach: Offer to coach a youth sport, and you'll shape young lives while having fun.

· Visit your local library: Take advantage of your community's library to both save money and broaden your mind.

In the Environment

An excellent way to improve upon yourself is to reduce the negative impact you have on the world. Take these steps to get greener and change your life for the better.

· Work to reduce your carbon emissions: Find out about the many things you can do to help cut your carbon emissions, and then take action on them.

· Improve your gas mileage: Drive more slowly and coast as much as you can to improve your gas mileage.

· Turn off the lights: Cut your waste and energy bill by turning off your lights whenever you don't need them.

· Get a reusable water bottle: Keep plastic water bottles out of our landfills by getting a container you can use over and over again.

· Reduce your trash: Take steps to cut down on the waste you put in landfills.

· Buy local and organic food: Support your health and local farmer by purchasing local, organic produce.

· Adjust your thermostat: Let your heater and AC take a small break by adjusting your thermostat to reduce waste.

· Stop using plastic bags: Quit using plastic bags, and you'll both reduce your impact and save animals.

· Take shorter showers: Save a precious resource by reducing the amount of water you use in your daily shower.

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