12 Habits to Boost Your Intelligence and Improve Your Overall Wellbeing

We all want to be smart, but what does that really mean? Being smart is about more than just having a high IQ or getting good grades. It’s about being able to think critically, make informed decisions, and understand how the world works. The good news is that you don’t have to be a genius or spend hours in the library to get smarter. There are simple habits that anyone can adopt to increase their intelligence and improve their overall wellbeing.

Here are 12 habits that can help you get smarter every day.

1. Question, Don’t Just Assume

One of the most important habits for becoming smarter is to question things, rather than just assuming they are true. We are bombarded with information every day, but not all of it is accurate or relevant. By questioning what you read, hear, or see, you can avoid making poor decisions and gain a better understanding of the world. This habit applies not only to new information, but also to interpersonal relationships. Before accepting someone else’s point of view, take the time to clarify and consider all sides of an issue.

2. Read Something You Normally Wouldn’t

Reading is a great way to expand your knowledge and vocabulary, and it’s one of the most effective ways to get smarter. To take your reading to the next level, try reading something that you wouldn’t normally read. This could be an article or book that differs from your usual perspective or even directly opposes it. By exposing yourself to different ideas, you can broaden your understanding of the world and challenge your own assumptions.

3. Diversify Your Day

Having a routine can be beneficial, but it’s easy to get stuck in a rut. To be both happy and productive, you need to mix things up and keep your brain active. Try taking a different route home from work, trying a new recipe for dinner, or going for a walk outside. By introducing novelty into your day, you can not only make life more interesting, but also help your brain become smarter and more creative.

4. Expose Yourself to Different World Views

Smart people are curious and they expose themselves to as many cultures, places, and perspectives as possible. Interacting with people from different backgrounds can broaden your understanding of the world and keep your mind active. It’s important to approach these interactions with an open mind, even if you don’t agree with everything you hear or see. Keeping an open mind can help you grow as a person and become smarter.

5. Make a Point of Learning Something New Each Day

Learning something new every day, no matter how small, can have a big impact on your brain. There are many ways to do this, from watching educational shows to listening to audiobooks, podcasts, or thought-provoking newsletters. You can even use a word-of-the-day app to expand your vocabulary. By taking the time to learn something new every day, you can keep your brain active and improve your overall intelligence.

6. Apply New Knowledge

Learning is only useful if you apply what you’ve learned. Don’t just learn for the sake of learning, make sure the knowledge you gain improves your life in some way. Whether it’s learning about nutrition, technology, or anything else, take the time to put your new knowledge into practice. You’ll find that by doing this, you’ll retain the information better and see real benefits from your learning.

7. Get Enough Sleep

Getting enough sleep is crucial for your mental and physical health. Poor sleep patterns can result in fatigue, decreased focus, and impaired memory.

Studies have shown that sleep is important for memory consolidation and learning new information. Aim to get between 7-9 hours of sleep per night, and try to stick to a consistent sleep schedule.

8. Challenge Your Brain

Challenging your brain is a great way to keep it sharp and prevent boredom. You can engage in different activities, such as solving puzzles, playing games, or learning a new language.

These activities will not only keep your brain engaged, but they can also help build new neural connections and improve your problem-solving and critical thinking skills.

9. Keep Your Mind Active

Staying active mentally is important for a healthy brain. Engage in activities that challenge your brain and keep it active, such as reading, writing, and solving puzzles.

You can also join a class or club that interests you, or try something new, like learning a new skill. Keeping your mind active will help prevent boredom, and improve your overall cognitive function.

10. Stay Organized

Being organized can help improve your productivity and reduce stress levels. Having a well-organized environment will help you be more focused, and make it easier to find what you need when you need it.

Create a system for organizing your daily tasks, and keep your workspace clutter-free. This will help you focus on the task at hand and improve your overall productivity.

11. Take Breaks and Relax

It’s important to take breaks and relax, especially when you’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed. Taking a break can help you recharge, refresh your mind, and reduce stress levels.

Try to step away from work or other tasks, and engage in activities you enjoy. Whether it’s reading a book, going for a walk, or listening to music, taking a break can help you feel more refreshed and ready to tackle your next task.

12. Surround Yourself with Positive People

Surrounding yourself with positive, supportive people can have a huge impact on your mental health and overall well-being. Positive relationships can provide support, encourage growth, and inspire you to be your best self.

Negative relationships, on the other hand, can bring you down, decrease your confidence, and create stress and negativity in your life. So, make sure to surround yourself with positive, supportive individuals who will help you grow and achieve your goals.