12 Everyday Habits to become smarter: Few qualities hold as much personal, professional, and social value as intelligence. Simply put, intelligence encompasses the capacity to comprehend knowledge, solve problems, generate ideas, and critically analyze the world around us. Individuals who possess high intelligence tend to experience greater success in relationships and garner more respect from their peers.
On a broader scale, highly intelligent individuals play a crucial role in shaping the development of our society. Visionaries like Steve Jobs have laid the groundwork for generations of progress, while geniuses such as Albert Einstein and Stephen Hawking have revolutionized our understanding of the universe.
From artists and philosophers to scientists and engineers, history’s greatest minds have left an indelible mark on the world because they had the determination and courage to fully utilize their intelligence. They dedicated themselves to learning, working tirelessly, and continuously pushing the boundaries of their knowledge.
While some were naturally gifted, many others were average thinkers who reached the pinnacle of their fields through sheer dedication and relentless pursuit of knowledge. This highlights a crucial point: intelligence is not fixed.
For example, Albert Einstein was once labeled a “slow learner” by one of his teachers, yet he went on to win the Nobel Prize in Physics and become one of history’s most celebrated geniuses. In essence, high intelligence is not innate; rather, it can be cultivated through mental stimulation and consistent intellectual growth.
With perseverance and the adoption of effective habits, anyone can harness the power of intelligence as their superpower. By honing their ability to think critically and creatively, individuals can train themselves to emulate the brilliance of the smartest minds in history.
Here are 12 everyday habits that will make you smart:
1. Meditation Increases IQ
For centuries, people worldwide have turned to one simple practice to boost their brainpower: meditation. This ancient technique has been scientifically shown to enhance memory, sharpen concentration, and even elevate IQ levels. In a study, dedicated meditators were asked to undergo an IQ test, the results of which were compared to those who had never practiced meditation.
Remarkably, the meditators scored an average of 20% higher than their non-meditating counterparts. Not only that, but they also displayed greater creativity and performed better under pressure, maintaining a calm and focused demeanor while others faltered. By incorporating just a few minutes of meditation into your daily routine, you could experience a newfound ability to think, concentrate, and solve problems like never before.
2. Expand your brain: learn new things and explore more
Warren Buffet, the billionaire investor, believes that we can enhance our intelligence significantly each day. He advocates for what he calls the high-exposure method, a strategy employed by many highly successful individuals like himself. Essentially, this method involves saturating our minds with productive content on a daily basis. This could mean staying updated on current events, engaging in conversations with interesting people, and staying informed about developments in our respective fields.
By constantly exposing ourselves to new information, we stimulate our minds, spark creativity, and uncover opportunities for personal and professional growth. While it’s impossible to know everything, Buffet suggests that actively seeking out inspiring materials can lead to a surge in innovative ideas. So, immerse yourself in learning each day, and watch as your capacity for generating ideas expands like never before.
3. Exercise
Engaging in physical exercise isn’t just about getting fit; it’s also a powerful way to boost your brainpower. Research suggests that there’s a strong connection between staying active and enhancing your cognitive abilities. When you do activities like cardio or strength training, your brain produces more neurons, the cells responsible for transmitting signals. This process of growing new neurons helps to expand and enrich your brain, ultimately leading to improved intellectual performance over time. So, by breaking a sweat, you’re not just strengthening your body—you’re also giving your brain a workout and increasing your overall intelligence.
4. The Illusion of Knowledge
Many folks tend to accept things as they are without delving deeper. They just go with the flow and trust whatever information comes their way. However, merely asking more questions can enhance your intelligence. Make it a routine to question everything, regardless of how widely accepted or traditional it may appear. Cultivate curiosity each day and pose as many inquiries as possible. Even if a question seems trivial, each one you ask enriches your perspective, making it more profound and distinctive.
5. Einstein’s Principle of Learning
Albert Einstein once wisely remarked, “If you can’t explain something simply, you probably don’t understand it well enough.” This insight sheds light on how we often approach learning. We often grasp the basics enough to get by, to answer questions or achieve good grades, but we may not delve deep enough to truly comprehend and master each concept. Without mastery, our knowledge remains shallow, making it challenging to retain information or make meaningful connections.
Einstein’s simple test is profound: to truly understand a concept, try explaining it to someone else in the simplest terms possible. If they struggle to grasp what you’re saying, it’s a sign that you may need to revisit and deepen your understanding. After all, as Einstein suggests, the ability to explain something simply is a hallmark of true wisdom.
6. Intelligence Is Contagious
The people you hang out with play a big role in how sharp your mind stays. It’s not a strict rule, but your social circle can really shape how smart you become. If you’re always around folks who aren’t all that sharp, you might not get pushed to think harder or learn new stuff. But if you chill with people who are brainy or even brainier than you, just one chat can totally level up your thoughts. Sure, chatting with super smart folks isn’t always a breeze – it can even feel kinda intimidating at times. But here’s the thing: smarts are catchy. Befriend the brainiest person you know, and trust me, their brainpower will start rubbing off on you.
7. The Power of Reflective Writing
Our minds can only hold so much at once, making it challenging to tackle complex issues or big ideas on our own. This is especially true when it comes to our personal lives. We might mull over our direction or the root causes of our worries, but finding resolutions solely through thinking is often elusive. That’s why many turn to journaling or writing about their experiences.
Through writing, we can solidify our thoughts and make sense of the jumble in our minds. It’s like problem-solving with each stroke of the pen, guiding us to fresh insights and gradually reshaping our perspectives. You don’t need to be a literary genius to reap the benefits of daily writing. Dedicate just a paragraph each day to reflecting on your life, and you might be surprised at the clarity it brings.
8. Reinvent Your Distractions
Life is often crowded with distractions and activities that drain our time and energy. However, these distractions don’t have to hinder our intellectual growth. If you’re aiming to boost your intelligence, why not turn those distractions into opportunities for learning? Instead of allowing yourself to be consumed by mindless activities, try substituting them with pursuits that stimulate your mind and expand your knowledge.
For instance, rather than spending hours watching a shallow TV show, consider switching to a thought-provoking documentary. You’re still taking a break from your responsibilities, but now you’re using that time to gain valuable insights and broaden your understanding of the world.
9. Activate Your Musical Brain
Did you know that playing a musical instrument, whether it’s a piano or guitar, can have a profound impact on your brain? Researchers conducted a study where they scanned the brains of musicians while they played, and what they found was fascinating. The music itself triggers emotional responses in parts of the brain like the amygdala and cerebellum. But it doesn’t stop there.
Activity in your motor, auditory, and visual cortexes also skyrockets while you play. Learning an instrument even improves communication between the hemispheres of your brain, boosts your memory, and sharpens your motor skills. The benefits are endless! So, if you’re looking to enhance your cognitive abilities, picking up an instrument might be the way to go. Whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned pro, playing music can train your brain in ways you never imagined.
10. Bite-sized Reading
Engaging in certain activities can actually boost your intelligence, and one of the most powerful among them is reading a book. Not only does reading provide you with valuable knowledge, but it also has the remarkable ability to alter the structure of your brain. MRI scans have revealed that even just reading a single book can lead to improvements in brain performance and connectivity. The challenge for many individuals lies in finding the motivation to dedicate time to reading.
However, it doesn’t have to be a daunting task that consumes a significant portion of your day. By committing to the simple act of reading just two pages a day, you can reap the numerous benefits of this enriching habit. While it may seem like a small effort, this bite-sized habit has the potential to significantly expand your knowledge and positively impact the way your brain functions.
11. Outsmart Your Devices
How many hours do you find yourself glued to a screen every day? It’s easy to get lost in our devices, but spending excessive time staring at screens can actually harm your cognitive abilities. It can shrink your attention span, impair your memory, and even stifle your creativity. Taking breaks from screens for a few hours each day can make a world of difference. Just reducing your screen time by 20% can inject a surge of energy and focus into your day. Not only will you feel sharper and more alert, but you’ll also find yourself more driven to explore new ideas and expand your horizons.
12. Unlock Your Imagination
Often, the brightest minds are also the most imaginative. Being creative enables us to come up with fresh concepts, break away from conventional thinking, and tackle problems from unique angles. Therefore, if you’re aiming to boost your intellect, it’s beneficial to dedicate some time to nurturing the free-thinking and inventive aspects of your mind.
One effective way to do this is by embracing a creative hobby such as writing, painting, or engaging in hands-on crafting. Research indicates that these pursuits not only sharpen cognitive abilities but also foster the birth of novel and captivating ideas. Hence, set aside at least fifteen minutes daily to let your creativity roam free. By unlocking your imagination, you may discover a whole new realm of thinking.