Brainy Dose Presents: 13 Everyday Habits That Make You Smarter A lot of people think that being smart means
getting good grades and having that degree. However, to be smart is to be able to think
critically and make decisions that benefit you. It's not just about memorizing information
or being able to recite facts; it's about understanding how the world works and using
that knowledge to your advantage. You don't have to be a genius or spend hours
in the library to get smarter! Regardless of your age or level of education,
you can become smarter by following some simple habits. Here are some of our favorites: Number 1 - Question, Don't Just Assume This is a habit that applies to every aspect
of your life from the way you take in new information to how you approach interpersonal
relationships. Many people tend to take things at face value. They don’t question things; they just assume
that if something is presented as fact in the media or by a source they trust, then
it must be true. Unfortunately, this can lead to bad decision-making
because you can miss out on information that could help make better choices. Don't just assume that something is true because
someone told you so. Always clarify and look at all sides of everything
before making up your mind. Number 2 - Read Something You Normally Wouldn't Reading is a great way to expand your knowledge
(and your vocabulary), and if you want to be smarter, you should definitely read every
day. You should also consider reading something
that you normally wouldn't even if it directly opposes your own perspective! Whether it's an article or book, reading something
that differs from what you would normally read can potentially be an eye-opening experience
as you will likely be forced to consider another point of view. It can certainly help expand your mind and
challenge some of your ideas! Number 3 - Diversify Your Day While a routine can be great and beneficial,
it's easy to get stuck in a rut. To be both happy and productive, you need
to mix things up - so that you are constantly doing new things and keeping your brain active. Get yourself off of autopilot. Take a different route home from work, try
a new recipe for dinner, or go for a walk outside instead of walking on a treadmill. Inviting a little novelty into your daily
life will not only help keep things fresh and interesting, but it can actually help
make you smarter and more creative! Number 4 - Expose Yourself to Different World
Views Smart people are curious. They interact with different people, and expose
themselves to as many cultures, places, and perspectives as possible. It's a great way to get your mind working. Of course, it's also important that you are
open-minded about the information you receive from these sources. You may not agree with everything you hear
and see, but if you keep an open mind, it will help broaden your understanding of the
world around you. Number 5 - Make A Point of Learning Something
New Each Day Learning something new every day (no matter
how small or seemingly insignificant), can have a big impact on your brain. Watch educational shows, listen to audiobooks
or podcasts, or subscribe to thought-provoking newsletters. You can even use a word-of-the-day app and
have fun learning new words. Number 6 - Apply New Knowledge When you learn something new, don't let it
go to waste. If you don't apply what you've learned, then
what's the point? Don't just learn for the sake of learning;
make sure it betters your life somehow! Whether it's learning about nutrition or technology,
if you take the time to learn something, put that knowledge into practice. Number 7 - Think of New Ways to Do Old Things Another way you can challenge your brain is
to look at things you do every day - and think about how you could do them slightly differently. Finding new ways to do things will fend off
boredom and help your brain stay sharp and focused, as well as make life more interesting
and fun. You could also use this habit to find better,
more efficient ways of doing something you do often, such as packing lunches or folding
clothes. Number 8 - Play Games That Make You Think To keep your brain sharp and engaged, do something
that requires you to think. Board games, card games, video games, and
puzzles are all good options. As a matter of fact, studies show that playing
strategy-based games helps improve memory function. That’s because they require you to think
on the spot. And by giving your brain practice with this
type of thinking process over time, you also improve your ability to deal with different
scenarios in everyday life. Number 9 - Increase Mental Intensity The more you challenge yourself, the smarter
you become. The key to doing this is to push yourself
beyond what you think are your limits. Try picking up a new skill or studying a subject
that you're unfamiliar with for at least 30 minutes a day. You could also try entertaining a different
thought pattern by reading self-help books or listening to podcasts about personal development. By doing these things on a regular basis,
you will continue building neural pathways in your brain, which will ultimately increase
your capacity for learning. Number 10 - Take Up A Productive Hobby It's important to have interests outside of
work, even if you're a busy professional. Hobbies are more than merely a way to fill
your free time; they're creative outlets that keep your brain engaged and they can even
improve cognitive function. Whether it's writing, playing a musical instrument,
painting, knitting, woodworking, or gardening, hobbies are essential for your mental health
and can help you learn skills that will make you a more well-rounded person. They can also serve as a great way to meet
people with similar interests, which can be helpful if you're looking to make new friends. Number 11 - Hang Out with People Who Are Smarter
Than You This is a big one! It's easy to surround yourself with those
that agree with your views or offer the same level of intelligence as yours. But if you want your brain to evolve into
something greater and more complex, you need to learn from those who can teach you new
things or show you another way of looking at an issue. When you surround yourself with people who
are smarter than you, they'll challenge and inspire you. They will make you think critically about
your own beliefs and actions, which can help you become more effective. Number 12 - Get Some Physical Exercise You already know that exercise is one of the
best things you can do for your body and brain, which is why it's so important to make physical
activity a habit in your life. In addition to helping improve your overall
health and well-being, exercise helps improve blood flow to the brain. Consistent exercise also produces BDNF (brain-derived
neurotrophic factor) which helps with memory, learning, focus, concentration, and comprehension. As an added bonus, it also promotes better
sleep! Number 13 - Set Aside Some Quiet Time If you want to be smarter, it's important
to take time to reflect on your days. Smart people learn from their experiences
so they don't make the same mistakes again and again. And by reflecting on your days, you can also
start seeing patterns that might contribute to unhealthy habits or behaviors. This will help you become more self-aware
and mindful of the way you think, act, and live. So, there you have it. If you want to get smarter, try adding these
habits into your life. If you already do some of these things, keep
up the good work! And remember: It's not about being perfect
all the time, it's about making progress. Don't be too hard on yourself if something
doesn't work out the way you'd hoped. Just keep learning and moving forward. If you enjoyed this video, give it a thumbs-up,
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