Many believe that intelligence is determined by birth. However, intelligence can be developed by different practices or activities that could help exercise the brain and improve analytical thinking. There are plenty of activities that could help people become more competent. They can increase memory and help in problem-solving abilities. So here are some hobbies that will help make you smarter:
1. Travel
Traveling is actually a serious workout for the brain. The planning and navigating various locations and the basics of a different culture all engage the brain to work better with others and be more sensitive to cues or social cues. Moreover, travel helps people learn better. Encountering diverse people, food, and culture may open your mind to new ideas and help you get a new perspective on things.
2. Read
Reading helps expand someone’s knowledge on a particular subject matter. It also helps you know more about various topics most of the time. However, reading fiction or even poetry like The Color of Love by Raymond Quattlebaum helps people detect patterns, understand processes, and interpret other people’s feelings accurately.
Moreover, reading will help people get over stress. For many people, reading is an outlet to help people get over issues and clear their heads. This often translates into better understanding for other people, increasing emotional intelligence.
3. Sports
While playing sports may be helpful as a form of exercise, watching sports also helps increase brain function, especially when you learn about various tactics or game plays on how to approach a certain game. Moreover, learning a new game often helps expose the brain to new experiences and increases reaction time to certain stimuli.
4. Meditate
Meditation helps people get to know themselves better and focus on themselves. People engrossed in medication often help individuals transcend to a higher state of being. This helps them solve their problems, reduce stress levels, help get over worries, and remain calm in even the most stressful situations.
Mediation only works if it is done regularly. This usually helps people control themselves and be more aware of distractions that surround them. Moreover, it also helps people practice self-control in stressful situations.
5. Learn a Musical Instrument
Studies show that musical training can change brain functioning and structure. Moreover, playing instruments help improve long-term memory and allows better brain development. People who play music often have better sensory processes and faster reaction times than ordinary people.
Moreover, music can also help people mentally because of the emotional connection people have with music. People who listen to music can be more in touch with their emotions—allowing them to empathize better with other people.
6. Brain Teasers
Just like working out your body to stay fit, working out your brain is also needed to help it stay fit. Challenging your brain to work and think out of the box often helps them enhance memory and critical thinking.
Riddles, puzzles, board games, and crosswords are some simple brain teasers that could help improve analytical thinking and help you form new connections. It also helps people approach things more creatively and help them see things from a different perspective.
7. Exercise
Though exercise may seem to help the physical body more than the brain, exercise keeps the brain regularly functioning and helps the body function optimally. Moreover, it also helps tension and helps people sleep better, which eventually helps the brain. Doctors also say that blood circulation from exercise also increases brain function.
Moreover, the exercise also helps some people focus on their thoughts and helps people concentrate on their thoughts. Many people take a run to sort their thoughts and ideas. Doing this frequently can often give people a way to calm down and find a way to sort out their ideas.
8. Learn a New Language
Learning a new language may be difficult, but it will exercise a new part of your brain and engage your brain more. Learning a new language often enhances verbal-linguistic language and helps people become better at planning, decision-making, and problem-solving.
9. Cook
Cooking often sparks high levels of creativity since you often need to prepare a wide variety of meals. Learning about the cuisine of other cultures also allows you to experience new things and be open to newer experiences.
When cooking, people often learn how to multitask and keep track of multiple things simultaneously, especially if you cook more than one dish at a time. Aside from that, you are also practicing your precision or estimation and quick decision-making.