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Expand your creativity and get smarter with these 8 strategies

It is now commonly accepted that collectively our brains function using billions of neural interconnections along an almost infinite variety of pathways to manage our intellectual capabilities. The more interconnections we have, the better or more efficiently our brains will perform functions such as solving problems or developing creative thinking. Scientists know, but they can’t explain exactly how the process works, but if you study math, your musical ability improves. Reading a lot will increase your ability to develop new physical or artistic skills. This being the case, we can literally become “smarter” by increasing the amount of interconnections in our brain.

But how exactly do we go about improving our mental capacity? Strengthening one or more areas of our brain that are less developed. If you are an avid reader, study art. If you love all things musical, increase your studies of nature. Are you an athlete? Increase your musical appreciation and other areas of intellectual skill will follow. It may sound strange and illogical, but it works. Here are six of the nine strongest “intelligences” and how they influence personality, character, and ability. See how each can be strengthened and expanded through simple activities that are practiced on a regular basis.

1. Verbal – linguistic intelligence

People whose brains are highly developed in this area are avid readers, like to write, and

do crossword puzzles. They are also successful language learners. To expand your skills in this

intelligence, crossword puzzles, word search, and other word games and puzzles. Delve into poetry or write essays and articles. (Now there is an idea) Try some types of verbal and linguistic activities online at:

• Puzzle Maker website http://www.puzzlemaker.com

• Hot Potatoes website to create puzzles

[http://web.uvis.ca/hrd/halfbaked/]

2. Visual: spatial intelligence

If you love bright colors, are an artist who paints, draws, creates or crafts, then your brain is highly developed in this area. If not, learn to draw, cartoon, or do puzzles and it will increase the stimulation in this part of your brain. Visit these websites for more information and to try some visual spatial activities:

• Home page of the crossword kit http://www.crosswordkit.com/

• Free puzzle downloads http://zone.msn.com/deluxegames/

3. Musical intelligence – rhythmic

Musicians, singers, rappers and poets unite! They are all focused on rhythmic musical intelligence. These people often play a musical instrument, sing, whistle, and hum. They love songs and music in all its forms. Those who aspire to greater mental capacity can take music lessons, learn and recite nursery rhymes to their children, take a music appreciation course, or simply add more music to their everyday lives. Online, check out these sites to get started:

• Live international music sources http://www.live365.com

• Live international music sources http://www.radiotower.com/

4. Logic – Mathematical intelligence

If you like computers, your brain is housed here. Structured and organized, you delight in order and neatness. You are also likely to be comfortable with numbers. Bookkeepers, accountants, statisticians, and software programmers are strong in this intelligence. Should you wish to strengthen yourself in this intelligence, solve mysteries, learn logic or computer programming, or play strategic board games like chess, checkers, backgammon, or monopoly, anyone? Take the leap to speed up this intelligence by playing games in:

• Free online games http://zone.msn.com/en/root/default.htm

• Free game downloads http://www.freeworldgroup.com/game.html

5. Body intelligence – kinesthetic

This is the reign of sportsmen, as this intelligence presents an innate love for movement and movement. They dance, tap, ballet, or play sports well. Do you go hiking? Swimming? Are you a ballroom dancer, cyclist or marathoner? Any type of athletics will help serve your physical and mental development. Get started surfing, learn ballroom dancing, train for a triathlon, or improve your culinary skills to get smarter. At the very least, you can go to the neighborhood gym for regular exercise or a brisk walk every day. Your mind (and body) will thank you as you improve your health and fitness levels, and get smarter.

6. Naturalistic intelligence

Nature lovers comfortably reside here. They love animals, gardens, flowers, sunsets and the sea. Veterinarians, animal trainers, horticulturists, environmentalists, and biologists are often the strongest in this intelligence. From simply taking regular nature walks to formal study of the biological sciences, you will deepen your mental strengths in this intelligence. The pleasures of orchids and roses await you. Simmer in the secrets of medicinal plants, work or enjoy horses, bees, birds or fish. Volunteer at the zoo or participate in activities that take you and keep you outdoors. Ideas abound online starting with these offers:

• Sea World online http://www.seaworld.org/animal-info/animal-bytes/index.htm

• Ed Web home page http://www.edwebproject.org/

By regularly working on activities in these areas, your collective intelligence, that is, your general ability to think, create, solve problems, and execute mental processes will grow. So have fun while getting smarter.