We all aspire to be smarter, brighter, and sharper. This desire to enhance our cognitive abilities is a universal human trait, and being intelligent isn’t just about acing tests or solving complex equations.
But what if I told you that boosting your intelligence could be as easy as altering your daily habits?
According to scientific studies, there are certain habits we can incorporate into our daily routines that can actually elevate our level of intelligence.
These aren’t magical shortcuts, but rather small but consistent lifestyle changes that can have a profound impact over time.
In this article, we will delve into seven daily habits that science says can make you smarter. Get ready to unlock your potential and step up your brain game!
1) Read daily
Reading isn’t just a leisurely activity or a way to pass time. According to numerous studies, it’s actually a powerful way to boost your intelligence.
That’s because reading:
- Broadens your horizons and introduces you to new ideas
- Boosts your vocabulary
- Improves your comprehension and cognitive skills
In a nutshell, it exposes you to different perspectives and stimulates the brain, encouraging it to think, analyze, and comprehend.
You might find that you’re too busy to read. But even just 20 minutes a day can make a significant difference. Whether it’s a novel, a newspaper, or an informative article – all reading counts!
So, start incorporating reading into your daily routine. Maybe you can start your day with a chapter of a book or wind down at night with an interesting article.
The goal is to make reading a daily habit because science says it’s good for your brain.
2) Practice mindfulness
You’ve probably heard of mindfulness before. It’s a term that’s been buzzing around for a while. But did you know that it can actually make you smarter? And happier, too!
Mindfulness is essentially about being present in the moment. It’s about observing your thoughts and feelings without judgment.
It’s about taking in the world around you without being distracted by past regrets or future worries.
When you practice mindfulness, you’re training your brain to focus and concentrate. This can significantly improve your cognitive abilities and overall intelligence.
Start with just five minutes a day. Sit in a quiet space, close your eyes, and focus on your breathing. Notice how your body feels and what thoughts come into your mind.
Don’t judge or analyze these thoughts – just observe them.
Not only will this habit help raise your intelligence, but it will also reduce stress and increase your sense of wellbeing. A total win-win!
3) Embrace boredom
In our fast-paced, technology-driven world, we’re constantly stimulated. We rarely experience true boredom.
But believe it or not, allowing yourself to be bored can actually enhance your intelligence.
When you’re bored, your mind isn’t distracted by external stimuli. This gives it the freedom to wander, explore, and engage in what scientists call “autobiographical planning.”
This involves revisiting past experiences, reflecting on them, and making future plans.
So, the next time you find yourself reaching for your phone to kill time, resist the urge.
Instead, let your mind wander freely. You might be surprised at the ideas and insights that come from a few moments of boredom!
4) Get enough sleep
This might not be the sexy, groundbreaking habit you were probably hoping for, but it’s the truth – sleep is vital for optimal cognitive functioning.
We’re all guilty of sacrificing sleep to squeeze in an extra hour of work, TV, or social media. But when you shortchange your sleep, you’re shortchanging your intelligence.
While we sleep, our brains are busy processing the information we’ve learned throughout the day, making connections, and consolidating memories.
When we deprive ourselves of the rest we need, this process is interrupted.
You can’t expect to function at your best if you’re running on empty. So be honest with yourself about your sleep habits.
Are you getting 7-9 hours of quality sleep a night? If not, it’s time to make a change.
5) Stay curious
Remember when you were a child, and the world seemed full of wonder and endless possibilities? You were naturally curious, always asking questions and eager to learn new things.
As adults, we often lose this sense of curiosity in the hustle and bustle of life. We get caught up in our routines and responsibilities, forgetting to explore and question the world around us.
But tapping into this innate curiosity can significantly boost your intelligence.
When you’re curious, you’re open to learning new things, understanding different perspectives, and ultimately expanding your knowledge.
So start asking more questions. Be eager to learn something new every day.
Whether it’s asking your coworker about their hobby or Googling that random thought that popped into your head – every bit of curiosity counts!
Being curious keeps your brain active and engaged, helping you become a smarter, more well-rounded individual. So go ahead, embrace your inner child and stay curious!
6) Laugh and have fun
Yes, you read that right! Having a good laugh isn’t just fun; it’s also beneficial for your brain.
Science tells us that laughter stimulates multiple regions across the whole brain and enhances our problem-solving skills.
It also releases a cocktail of hormones that help manage stress and increase feelings of happiness.
Moreover, engaging in fun activities that you enjoy can stimulate your creativity and help you think outside the box.
So go ahead, watch that funny video, tell a joke, play that board game with friends or family. Remember, it’s not just about having fun; you’re also giving your brain a delightful boost!
Who knew becoming smarter could be such a joy? Keep smiling, keep laughing, and keep having fun. Your brain loves it!
7) Limit screen time
Finally, it’s time for some tough love. We’re all guilty of spending too much time in front of screens, be it our phones, laptops, or televisions.
But the harsh truth is, excessive screen time is doing your intelligence no favors.
According to research, excessive screen time can reduce your attention span and memory, hinder your ability to concentrate and learn, and disrupt your sleep – all of which are detrimental to your cognitive abilities.
So here’s the tough love: it’s time to cut back. Set boundaries for yourself. Schedule specific times for checking social media or watching TV, and stick to them.
Replace some of that screen time with the other habits we’ve mentioned: read a book, practice mindfulness, get some sleep.
It might be tough at first, but your brain will thank you for it in the long run.
Final thoughts
As we draw to a close, it’s important to remember that intelligence is not just about memorization and regurgitation of facts.
So when practicing these daily habits to raise your intelligence, don’t just focus on the cognitive aspect. Embrace the holistic nature of intelligence.
Make sure to nurture your emotional intelligence by being kind to yourself and staying mindful. Allow yourself to have fun, laugh, and embrace your curiosity.
Take care of your physical health by getting sufficient sleep and limiting screen time.
Remember: you’re not doing this to become a walking encyclopedia.
You’re doing this to improve your overall cognitive abilities, your problem-solving skills, your creativity, and most importantly, your ability to adapt and thrive wherever you are.
It’s not about being perfect or becoming the smartest person in the room overnight. It’s about making consistent efforts every day towards becoming a better version of yourself.
