Here is the perfect excuse for you to use the next time your boss gives you a hard time for making small talk with co-workers instead of finishing that budget analysis ...

A recent study, led by Dr. Oscar Ybarra, found that chatting with others help us to store and sort information. In effect, according to Dr. Ybarra, these little conversations actually make us smarter.

In the study, Dr. Ybarra and a team of researchers had a group of college students discuss social issues before taking a test to measure mental acuity. They found that these students scored much better than students who were not told to speak to each other before the test.

So, as I said before, you now have the ultimate excuse for chatting up your co-workers. If your boss gives you a hard time, just tell him or her that you're busy making yourself smarter!!

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FitSpirit explores the mind-body connection and the intangible benefits we gain from our efforts to stay physically fit.

I don't do well with sitting still. Truth be told, it makes me tired. If I keep moving, I stay awake. So in general, I keep moving. On occasion, I do give in to relaxation. I love pedicures, a good massage, vegging in front of the TV at night, and sometimes, I might even be caught sitting silently, soaking up the peace around me. If done properly, this practice is known as meditation.

Meditation means sitting quietly and focusing on one neutral thing, like your breathing or a single repeated word. The long-term goal of meditation is to become less dependent on the ego and its constant cravings for novelty, attention, power, sex, food, and so on. Proper meditation makes us more centered and less stressed out. It can make people happier, maybe even smarter. One study showed that meditators shift their brain activity to different areas of the cortex -- brain waves in the stress-prone right frontal cortex move to the calmer left frontal cortex. This shift decreases the negative effects of stress, mild depression, and anxiety. Meditators also enjoy less activity in the amygdala, where the brain processes fear.

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In our thin-obsessed society, being curvy isn't exactly seen as a good thing, but according to recent studies, it puts you at an advantage in one respect at least: Recent research shows that curvier women are smarter, and they have smarter kids, too.

It all comes down to high levels of omega-3 fatty acids in the extra padding around the hips and waist of women with a hourglass figure. Not only are omega-3s good for a woman's own brain power, but they're essential to the development of baby's brain during pregnancy.

So next time you loathe your curves, consider this study and count yourself lucky.

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Who doesn't want to be a bit smarter? I know I do, if only to avoid misplacing my keys or forgetting someone's birthday. Becoming smarter is within your reach -- there are a number of things you can do to not only improve your mental functioning but improve your knowledge.

Here are some tips that will make you smarter in 30 days courtesy of Potential 2 Success:

• Limit your TV-watching time to 1 1/2-hour show a day. TV really is a brain drain -- half of your brain literally falls asleep
  
• Stop procrastinating
• Reduce your stress. When you're stressed, you can only think about one thing, meaning your brain rejects any new information. Relax.
  
• Expose yourself to new experiences, new cultures and new activities.
  
• Avoid people who might hinder your intelligence growth. Spend time with those who challenge you.
  

And like any muscle, if you don't use your mind, you'll lose it. So do the crossword or something else that challenged you. I swear you'll notice a difference. What do you think?

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