Even if you weren’t born to be the next Einstein, you’re probably still a reasonably bright person. After all, you are reading an article entitled “Simple Ways to Make the Most of Your Brain,” and that’s a pretty good indication of intellectual leanings. But however smart you think you are, you’re most likely a good deal smarter. Most people do not live up to their full potential. If you are one of these people, apply the following tips to your everyday life and see yourself transform into a brighter, happier you.

Start with Your Body

Your brain is part of your body. If you want a healthy mind, work towards a healthy body. No, this does not mean that you have to work out for three hours a day sculpting the perfect body; otherwise, society would have a much different opinion of scientists and mathematicians. But you do need to make sure that your body gets everything it needs.

You need to sleep, too. In addition to making you grouchy, lowering your metabolism, and weakening your immune system, a lack of sleep will also slow your mental functions. If you are not well rested, you will become forgetful and your reactions will become slower. You will be less likely to think of creative solutions. In other words, you will be less intelligent. Most people need eight hours of sleep to function optimally.

You also need food to function properly. Hunger pains can easily reduce your ability to concentrate, especially if you are prone to becoming light headed when hunger kicks in. Have you ever noticed that some people seem less intelligent when they are on a diet? It’s because they’re hungry. So while overeating certainly won’t help your physical health, under eating won’t do you any good, either. What you eat can make a difference, too; fish, vegetables, and certain vitamins have all been linked to good mental health.

Exercise is good for your brain, too. A good workout can do wonders to relieve stress and anxiety, leaving your mind free to concentrate on a word puzzle or finding the cure to cancer.

A Little Something Extra

Sleep, food, and exercise are pretty essential for mental and physical health; however, you can go beyond the basics. Many people find that a little morning caffeine does wonders for their brain. Of course, too much caffeine can lead to health problems, anxiety, and an inability to concentrate, but taken in moderation, caffeine can be very helpful. As long as you do not have any health problems that could mix badly with stimulants, go ahead and have that morning cup of joe.

Other supplements are also thought to increase mental clarity. Ginseng, Ginko, and St. John’s Wort have all been used for their possible affect on mental functions. Although not all the claims made about herbal supplements have been proven, many people are satisfied with their results. However, some herbal supplements do have potentially dangerous side effects, so discuss the supplements with your doctor before you start taking them.

Use It or Lose It

If you want to be smart, then act smart. Use your brain. Mentally challenging activities are the best way to maintain and increase mental ability. So read a book, take a class, or play a word game. It really does not matter what you do, so long as you stimulate your brain regularly. Even an intellectual conversation at your favorite coffee shop can be beneficial.

You should also try to increase your vocabulary, assuming it is not already phenomenal. Although a large vocabulary will not make you intelligent, it will make you sound intelligent, and that’s pretty nice, too. Additionally, learning vocabulary is learning; you will be exercising your mind. The best way to build a strong vocabulary is to read books and newspapers written for intelligent, educated people. When you come across a word you do not know, try to figure out the meaning based on the context and then look the work up in the dictionary. Try to use the words you learn in every day conversation, but be careful not to over do it. You do not want to come off as pedantic or make others think that you are floccinaucinihilipilificating them.

Pick a Subject to Master

If you want to be smart, you need to be knowledgeable about something. Some people are interested in, and study, everything. Unless such a person is lucky enough to be a genius, he or she will likely become a jack of all trades. In other words, he or she will know a little about a lot of things, but will not be an expert on anything. On the other hand, some people are obsessed with one subject and never give a thought to anything else. This is unfortunate because there are a lot of very important subjects out their.

You need to find a happy medium. You should make sure that you know at least the basics of math, science, literature, and history. You should also pick a couple of subjects that you want to study in depth. This way, you will never appear ignorant, regardless of what topic is being discussed. You will also develop a reputation among your friends as being an excellent source of information about whatever you have chosen to focus on. Basically, you will seem smart.

Believe in Yourself

If you label yourself as stupid, no one will argue with you. But if you act intelligent, people will assume that you are. Now, this does not mean that you should go around claiming to be smarter than everyone else; this will only make you seem arrogant, annoying, and rather stupid. Just don’t put yourself down, either.

If you are faced with a difficult task and you are not sure that your brain is up to the challenge, try your best anyway. You might surprise yourself. Even if you do not succeed, you are still exercising your mind; you might be better prepared for the next challenge.