Admit it. It feels good when people think you’re intelligent. If you were ever on the honor roll as a kid, you remember how good it felt to hear your mom brag to the rest of the family about how smart you were (the good ol’ days). Today, while some relate being smart to having the traits of a human dictionary or earning a high-level degree, it’s really just a matter of how well you comprehend and your ability to make the best decisions with the information you retain. The simplest way to do this? Develop good daily habits. Here are 11 habits to help you become your smartest self.
1. Take up a Productive Hobby
The pursuit of knowledge doesn’t start and end with what you learn in a classroom. Engaging in a productive hobby is a great way to do something you enjoy while boosting your overall intelligence. (Yes, there are other ways to be productive besides being a workaholic.)
Exploring new interests like painting, cooking, or learning to play an instrument can enhance your creativity and help improve your focus. So take a break from the workload to stimulate your mind with your next passion project.
2. Expose Yourself to Different Cultures
Interacting with people from different cultures and other walks of life really gives you a broader perspective on the world, which expands your mind and heightens your intellect. It can also help you become a more effective mediator and improve your communication and conflict-resolution skills.
Travel more, attend a cultural event, or simply have a conversation with someone who comes from a different background. If you really want to up your game, try learning a new language. This type of exposure is a valuable asset in a world that values global perspective and cultural competence, and it can be your key to becoming a truly smarter, more worldly individual.
3. Play Strategic Games & Puzzles
Playing games that require planning, strategy, and problem-solving is a great way to sharpen your wits. You will encounter obstacles, challenges, and riddles that will require creative solutions, and by identifying and implementing these solutions, you’ll be able to approach real-world issues with efficiency.
Games like chess, sudoku, and crossword puzzles are great stress relievers and are fun ways to challenge the mind and improve your concentration, memory, and critical thinking skills.
4. Have a Healthy Diet & Exercise
What you eat and how you treat your body can make or break your intellectual ability. A nutrient-rich diet helps your brain function at its absolute best and paired with regular exercise, this increases blood flow and stimulates the growth of new brain cells.
Move your body for at least 30 minutes daily (break it up if necessary) and try adding brain-boosting foods like