10 habits that will make you smarter every day

In a world of workplace rivalry and challenges, outshining peers and staying well-informed is crucial. That’s why developing daily habits to enhance intelligence is key to maintaining that competitive edge.

Unlocking the power of smart habits propels you toward your goals, fueling knowledge, honing skills, and unraveling the mysteries of the world.

In this blog, I’ll reveal 10 habits that will make you smarter every day.

1) Lifelong learning: Embrace the scholar within

To start your day feeling intellectually empowered, embrace the simple habit of lifelong learning. No need for full-time university courses, unless it’s your cup of tea.

Instead, consider starting your day by watching a couple of TED talks or reading an intriguing article. You learn a little bit of everything from vocabulary to developing a new skill.

Smart people read for pleasure too. It keeps you sharp, exercises your brain, and requires a daily commitment to casual reading.

By regularly exposing yourself to new ideas, you’ll be improving your intellect and expanding your knowledge in no time.

Plus, with content like these free and readily available online, there’s really no excuse not to harness the scholar within you.

2) Get physical: Energize your body, enlighten your mind

While our world revolves around words, it’s crucial not to overlook our physical well-being.

Maintaining a daily habit of regular exercise routine offers benefits beyond just physical fitness.

First of all, you develop a mindset of discipline and consistency. Smart people value self-discipline’s power over time.

Moreover, regular physical activity increases your brain power and concentration, resulting in a more alert mind. With increased energy, you’ll process information more quickly throughout the day.

Finally, physical exercise releases endorphins, which are the body’s natural feel-good hormone. Endorphins help reduce stress levels, enhancing clarity and insight.

Remember, a healthy body and mind are vital for improving intelligence.

Related: 7 signs you have a unique personality that stands out from the crowd

3) Engage in mindful meditation: Connect with your inner Buddha

Mindfulness means being present, enhancing focus and clarity.

So, between editing that complex manuscript or planning your next business strategy, take a few moments to simply breathe and be. 

Meditation and yoga are examples of how you can care for your mental health. Smart people understand this because it allows them to be more alert and productive if done right.

You can apply this practice in stressful situations for a clearer perspective on how to tackle any problem. 

When done correctly, a mental cool-down is always a good thing.

Trust me, your brain will thank you for it.

Related: People with high emotional intelligence often share these 9 habits

4) Venture into the world of books: Your passport to intellectual growth

For intelligent people, books are magical portals to different worlds and ideas. 

You see, reading not only enhances your IQ but also improves empathy and critical thinking. And I’m not talking about restricting your library to just business and self-help books.

Consider non-fiction titles, biographies, classics – even comic books. Each genre has its own unique benefits for expanding your intelligence.

Exploring various genres and authors enhances your understanding of the world.

As mentioned, reading’s a pleasant way to unwind after a long day.

Yes, ignorance is bliss, but knowledge is freedom.

Make it a habit to read a few pages daily. It’s like giving your brain a mini-workout!

5) Get creative: Unleash your inner Da Vinci

Creativity isn’t just for artists; it boosts your brain power no matter who you are.

Smarter people enhance their creative skills by taking on new skills. It could be sketching, cooking a new recipe, or even gardening. It could even be learning a new musical instrument.

Here’s the deal: self-development through conventional wisdom is important, but creative thinking leads to innovation. Regardless of how you express your creativity, it’s a great exercise that trains the brain for critical and divergent thinking. 

Creativity also feeds your imagination and unleashes new ideas and possibilities.

Next time you’re stuck, switch up your routine and take a creativity break.

Who knows, you might return with the next big idea!

6) Have intellectual conversations: Engage in a battle of wits

Did you know that your social networks make you smarter?

Conversing with diverse people helps us learn and grow. It forces your mind to think on its feet, as opposed to scrolling through the same articles online.

As the saying goes, more minds are better!

Bounce ideas, gain insights on diverse topics, and step out of your comfort zone. They sharpen reasoning skills and open minds to new perspectives!

So, don’t shy away from that intense debate at your next family dinner or book club meeting. Remember, as long as it’s respectful, a little intellectual sparring is healthy.

7) Stay curious and Google it: Be the cosmic explorer

If you didn’t know, curiosity didn’t kill the cat; it made it smarter! 

Asking questions about new topics, exploring and studying different subjects, and seeking new experiences can enhance intellectual flexibility. 

The internet offers numerous valuable resources; it’s your responsibility to utilize them effectively.

Why not read the recent Quora thread that caught your attention? Or take up Coursera or Udemy online courses on the side? Perhaps the trending Podcast episodes piqued your curiosity?

These days, you can find whatever interests you online. From history to politics, the digital world is ripe with valuable knowledge.

Smart people are never afraid to learn something new. Don’t let information slip away; stay curious and Google it!

Your inner Einstein will appreciate it.

Related: 13 things you do because you’re a highly sensitive person

8) Get plenty of sleep downtime: The elixir of cognitive vitality

Many people underestimate the power of a good night’s sleep because they think that the more things you accomplish in a day, the smarter you get.

But guess what?

Getting plenty of rest is essential for optimal brain function and performance. It helps us focus better and improves memory retention. 

Sleep deprivation leads to fatigue, impeding our cognitive skills and inhibiting decision-making.

So, make sure to take a pause from responding to that work email and turn off your digital devices well before bedtime.

I know, the pressure to tick off more boxes on your to-do list can be overwhelming. But let’s face it, smart people prioritize a good night’s rest for a reason!

So, resist the temptation and prioritize some quality shut-eye.

Don’t forget: tomorrow is another day to make a difference.

9) Regularly educate yourself: Install a smartphone educational app

While social media provides learning opportunities for some, smart people invest in their brains with educational apps. 

These apps offer quizzes and learning resources to help you kickstart your journey into the world of knowledge.

Why not learn a new language on Duolingo or Livemocha? Short on time? Chose a word-of-the-day app such as Wordscapes, Vocabulary, or Word of the Day.

They’re designed to captivate users with interesting content and facilitate daily learning.

The bottom line is that educational apps make learning easy, convenient, and fun. 

Smart individuals recognize the significance of nourishing the brain with fresh knowledge and information.

With countless educational apps out there to help you stay on top of your intellectual game, why not make it a habit to install one and feed your mind regularly?

Unplug and step away from the addictive allure of Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn feeds. With a few smartphone taps on your educational apps, you’re halfway to becoming the brains of the room.

10) Play and strategize: Get out the scrabble boardgame

Did you know that participating in mental stimulation by means of games has been substantiated by scientific research to improve critical thinking and problem-solving capabilities? It’s an enjoyable and efficacious method to enhance your cognitive abilities.

From Sudoku and Crosswords to Chess and Scrabble, there are plenty of board games that challenge the mind. You can even opt for video games that get you engaged with new ideas and scenarios.

That’s right: the joint exercise of playing games sharpens the mind and increases brainpower. 

So, next time you’re hosting a game night with friends and family members, make it stimulating for everyone. Spend as much time as you can strategizing and playing!

Besides, a little competitive fun will not only be entertaining, but you might even gain a few brain cells in the process.

The bottom line

Building good habits boosts cognitive abilities, through learning new information and techniques, and engaging in brain-stimulating activities. 

Make a list of the important things that will effectively contribute to your intellectual goals.

The key is to discover a passion that truly ignites your soul and commit to it wholeheartedly as a daily routine. Find excitement in physical challenges and intellectual pursuits that push you beyond your comfort zone, propelling you toward your mental goals.

Let your passion guide you on this remarkable journey of growth and fulfillment.

In a knowledge-driven world, cultivating smart habits is crucial for staying ahead. By challenging your mind and staying entertained, you foster enhanced mental growth.

It’s never too late to develop new habits. A great way to invest in your brain!

So, begin now and reap the rewards of being smart.

Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later.

Related: 

• 13 things you do because you’re a highly sensitive person
• 7 signs you have a unique personality that stands out from the crowd
• People with high emotional intelligence often share these 9 habits