15 Little Things To Do Every Day To Become Smarter.
The brain is a flexible muscle.
And there are plenty of things you can do to give it a boost every day.
To become smarter, your brain needs 3 things:
1. be used to thinking logically
2. have as much information as possible
3. have the ability to focus on a problem or idea.
For example, Thomas Edison was able to invent the electric light bulb because:
1. He had been trained to think logically.
2. He had a great deal of knowledge in electrical engineering.
3. He was concentrating on a single specific problem to be solved.
Here are 15 simple things you can do every day to help your mind think smarter:
1. Drink 2 glasses of water as soon as you wake up
When we sleep, our body functions without drinking water for a prolonged period (6-9 hrs).
However, water is essential for the body to filter toxins and balance body fluids.
By drinking 2 glasses of water within 30 minutes of waking up, you quickly compensate for the loss of fluid caused by a night's sleep.
Researchers at the University of Wales have found that drinking more water significantly improves performance in intellectual tasks.
Therefore, remember to hydrate your brain from the start of the day.
2. Read a book summary before breakfast
Reading has several benefits for the brain.
However, reading a book before breakfast is not for everyone.
And reading the latest news from a newspaper isn't really going to affect your life and your intelligence.
Instead, try this extremely simple technique: read a book summary before breakfast.
You just have to choose a book whose plot you want to know. Then type its name in Google to read a summary.
This tip will allow you to increase your general knowledge every morning, in the space of a few minutes!
To learn more about the benefits of reading, click here to read our article.
3. A motivating audiobook on your journey
Whatever your means of transport (on foot, bike, car, public transport, etc.), make the most of this downtime by listening to an audiobook that stimulates you intellectually.
These days there are several sites with tons of podcasts and audiobooks. A good tip to become cultured!
You will really be spoiled for choice! I use Audible and I am very happy with it.
To learn more about how to download audiobooks for free, click here for our article.
4. Drink green tea during working hours
When you drink coffee, you are anxious - because of the caffeine.
On the other hand, green tea (and in particular, matcha tea) does not contain caffeine, but theanine-L.
This amino acid increases the alpha rhythm of the brain. It is precisely this rhythm that manifests itself when we are relaxed and awake.
This means that unlike coffee which causes anxiety, quality green teas induce a state of concentration and calm and without feeling asleep.
This is why theanine-L is used as a treatment to relax and have good cardiovascular function.
5. Take a nap
When we take a nap, it's like our brain is renewing itself.
Research in the field of sleep is formal. They indicate that we learn faster when we take naps during periods of learning.
Our brain follows a regular sleep-wake rhythm. It is this rhythm that determines when you feel tired or when you really need to sleep.
We know that most people feel tired between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m.. It is also the perfect time to take a nap.
Naps increase your focus and productivity for the rest of the day. In addition, some people benefit greatly from a nap after work, around 6 p.m.
To discover : How Long Does A Nap Take To Be Really Effective?
6. Do not consume sugar during the day
Moreover, it is better not to consume sugar at all.
Can't refrain from eating foods that contain sugar? So at least try not to consume it during times that require your concentration.
The state of excitement associated with sugar consumption (and the subsequent “fall”) is harmful to the proper functioning of your brain.
In contrast, fatty acids are particularly beneficial for brain health.
So instead of eating a treat on your lunch break, try eating fish or eggs instead.
7. Limit the time spent on social networks
The brain is flexible: it adapts easily to the information with which we choose to feed it.
If you feed it with the non-stimulating and wildly varied information from social media, your brain will adapt to it.
On the other hand, your ability to concentrate will drastically reduce.
In order for your brain to continue to function at its highest level, you need to feed it with interesting and stimulating information.
Can't help but check Facebook during working hours?
So at least try to put a time limit on yourself - and stick to it!
For more good reasons to stop using Facebook, check out our article here.
8. Play a video game (instead of watching TV)
Watching TV is a totally passive activity.
Your brain records information from the movie or series you are watching - but there is no interaction between the brain and TV.
The solution ? Replace or complete this activity with a video game.
A study from Humboldt University in Berlin found that even a simple game like Super Mario Bros. has a positive influence on the plasticity of the brain (its flexibility, in other words).
These results are confirmed by a study from the University of Ghent, Belgium. It indicates that video games greatly increase the cognitive capacities of the brain.
The idea is to stimulate and engage your brain when you can.
And while watching TV, all you do is put your brain in a passive state.
9. Read a book instead of watching TV
Like video games, reading a book is a dynamic exercise for the brain.
Here's why: When you watch a movie or a series, the brain records information passively.
But when you read a book, it forces your brain to actively construct mental images from the text. Indispensable to become a nerd quickly!
10. Physical activities during the day
The body and the mind are closely linked. Physical activity helps the brain to function better.
But that doesn't mean you have to go to the gym every day. (But we're not holding you back!)
Try to do simple physical activities during the day: do push-ups, take the stairs instead of the elevator, or skip the steps two at a time.
The idea is simple: try to do a little physical activity every hour.
It is much less difficult than it seems.
For example, you can just stand up, stretch, and contract your muscles as hard as you can for 5 or 10 seconds.
11. Spend time with someone smarter than you
There's a good reason behind this advice: Habits (whether good or bad) are contagious!
For example, did you know that a Harvard University study indicates that obesity is transmitted through social networks?
The habits, the ways of thinking of those with whom you spend time with are transmitted naturally to you.
Take advantage of this mechanism. Spending time with people smarter than you can benefit your own intelligence.
12. Debating with people you don't agree with
Engage in (friendly!) Discussions with people with whom you rarely agree. It can be any topic.
A debate with this kind of person will allow you:
- formulate your arguments well
- and maybe even convince yourself that you are wrong.
In both cases, you are a winner, because you learn to think well!
By making a good argument, you convince the other person with reason and logic.
And if you admit you're wrong, you eliminate the false reasoning you used to defend.
13. Take a walk in the middle of nature
Nature walks have several benefits:
- There is more oxygen, which is highly beneficial to the brain.
- The mind naturally relaxes when you are surrounded by plants.
- Walking increases blood circulation.
If you have a park near your workplace, take the opportunity to walk around during your lunch break.
It will help you work smarter for the rest of the day.
14. Carry a small notepad with you
Great minds, like Leonardo da Vinci, always have a notepad with them.
They use it to write down an idea or question that they can refer to later.
Having a little notebook with you and writing interesting thoughts in it is extremely beneficial. It trains your curiosity and develops your sense of logic. A simple trick to develop your intelligence!
15. Take 10 min at the end of the day to plan for the next day
At the end of the day, take 10 minutes to plan your next day.
By planning your day the day before, you'll start your new day with a goal.
This will allow you to be even more productive.
Because, the truth is, most people have busy days - but they are not productive!
An essential step in becoming smarter is to understand that working tirelessly doesn't have to mean working smart!
The solution ? Take the time to choose the battles the day before.
There you have it, you have discovered 15 things to become smarter :-)
Do you know any other little tips or advice to increase intelligence? Share them with us in the comments. We can't wait to hear from you!
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Also to discover:
The 10 Benefits of Reading: Why You Should Read Every Day.
13 Things Mentally Strong People Never Do.
