It is common to think of intelligence as something you are simply born with. However, it is not an established trait; it is a changeable and flexible ability.
It is common to think of intelligence as something you are simply born with. However, intelligence is not a set trait. It’s a flexible, changing ability to learn and stimulate your brain that can improve over time.
The key is to practice activities that support and protect your brain.
Following certain hobbies can help improve your general intelligence, which includes two types:
- Crystallized intelligence. This refers to your vocabulary, knowledge and skills. Crystallized intelligence generally increases as you age.
- fluid intelligence. Also known as fluid reasoning, fluid intelligence is your ability to reason and think abstractly.
Here are a number of hobbies that benefit your mind:
Play a musical instrument
Research suggests that regularly playing a musical instrument positively influences the brain and can improve cognitive abilities.
Various researchers have shown that both listening to music and playing a musical instrument increase memory capacity. Playing a musical instrument also teaches you patience and perseverance, as it takes time and effort to learn to play a musical instrument. It also sharpens your concentration.
Read
Research shows that reading can also help increase your intelligence. According to a 2015 study, reading stimulates every part of your brain, along with the neural connections between them.
This is because it requires multiple cognitive functions, including:
- attention
- work memory
- long term storage memory
- abstract reasoning
- understanding
- visual letter processing
Additionally, a 2013 study also found that reading improves connectivity between brain regions involved with comprehension. This effect may last for a couple of days after the reading, suggesting long-term benefits.
Exercise
Staying physically active is one of the best ways to improve brain function.
According to a 2018 study, light exercise promotes activity in the hippocampus, which is involved in memory. It also improves the connection between the hippocampus and other brain regions that regulate memory.
Also, research from 2014 found that exercise increases the volume of the hippocampus. The study authors speculated that aerobic activity promotes neuron growth, which increases brain structure and function.
To enjoy the cognitive benefits of exercise, it’s important to do it regularly. The good news is that you don’t have to do vigorous exercise to reap the benefits, such as jogging, yoga, or hiking.
Playing video games
Playing video games has been shown to have several positive effects on the brain. Researchers in Germany found that playing 30 minutes of Super Mario a day for two months rresulted in an increase in brain regions responsible for spatial orientation, memory formation and strategic planning.
In another study, people who played action games saw an increased ability to track multiple objects at the same time and pay attention to fast-moving events.
To meditate
Another way to become smarter is to practice meditation.
In a 2010 study, meditation was associated with better executive functioning and working memory. These effects were seen after just four days of meditation.
A 2019 study found similar results. After the participants completed 8 weeks of 13-minute guided meditation sessions, their attention, recognition ability, and working memory all increased. Participants’ anxiety and mood also improved.
The researchers speculated that these cognitive effects were due to the emotional benefits of meditation. (I)
Paul is a talented author and journalist with a passion for entertainment and general news. He currently works as a writer at the 247 News Agency, where he has established herself as a respected voice in the industry.
