You can increase your IQ (intelligence quotient) in the next ten minutes. On my website www.IncreaseBrainPower.com, there are many brain power exercises and techniques designed to help you long-term, but what if you need a quick brain fix right now? What if there is an important meeting coming up, or a crucial test, or just a chess game you don't want to lose? Can you really boost your IQ quickly? If what you want is results, and not an argument about the definition of intelligence, the answer is absolutely yes.Try some of the following.

Breath deep. This is one of the easiest and most effective ways to improve the functioning of your brain immediately. By breathing deeply we relax and put more oxygen in the blood (therefore in the brain), both of which help. Relaxation has been proven to improve brain function. Low oxygen levels in the blood have been shown to decrease it. Since most of us are in the habit of breathing too shallowly, this is a quick way to increase IQ. By the way, if you breath through your nose, you are more likely to breath deeply.

Meditating also helps, primarily because of the deep breating aspect. The state of mind achieved through a simple breath-watching meditation allows true relaxation, and is conducive to creative problem solving. Just close your eyes and breath through your nose, deeply at first, then in whatever way is comfortable. As thoughts arise, dismiss them and return your attention to your breath. Do this for at least a few minutes.

Sit up straight, and close your mouth. Good posture affects our state of mind, and helps us to think more clearly. Try an experiment to prove this to yourself. Do math problems in your head; first while slouching, with your mouth open; then while sitting up straight with your lips together. You'll get the point.

Exercise a little. Physical activity-just enough to get the blood pumping-can "wake up" your brain enough to help you think better. Walking seems to work best, but any aerobic activity can help increase your IQ.

Sleep well. You knew this one, right? Just remember, the evidence shows us that the quality of sleep is very important, not just the quantity.

Consume ginkgo biloba. Whether in capsules or tea or off a neighbors tree, ginkgo leaves have been shown to increase blood flow to the brain, helping memory and concentration. The effect is quick, and doesn't seem to diminish with regular use.

Drink coffee. Everything from test scores on college exams to chess games have been shown to improve after a cup of coffee or other drink containing caffeine. It is a temporary effect, however, and caffeine may have adverse long-term effects for regular users.

Avoid Sugar. Actually any simple carbohydrates taken in large quantities can give you that sluggish feeling that makes it difficult to think. This is due to the insulin that is dumped into your veins after the sugar is. Don't eat white flour, sugar, potatoes, and other carbs before an important meeting.

Let the "experts" argue about whether you can increase IQ or not, in any absolute sense. We know the tests measure your IQ at a moment in time, and you know that there are times when you would score higher or lower. What you want is a real improvement in brain function. If you slept well, exercised, drank coffee and ginkgo tea, then sat up straight and breathed deeply as you took the test, don't you think you would score a few points higher on an intelligence quotient test? More importantly, wouldn't you be better prepared for whatever mental tasks you faced?

Steve Gillman has been studying brain improvement, creative problem solving and related topics for years. Some of what he has discovered can be found on his website: http://www.IncreaseBrainPower.com