13 Everyday Habits That Make You Smarter

Example: “At night, I’d sit alone for 10 minutes and think about how my day went, what I learned, and what I could do better.”

Application: Spend time in silence. No phones, no distractions. Reflect on your day, your mistakes, and your wins. This makes you more aware and conscious, helping you avoid repeating the same errors.

Example: “I would go for a 30-minute jog or do a quick home workout to get my brain buzzing.”

Application: Physical activity boosts brainpower. Exercise increases blood flow to your brain, improving memory and learning abilities. Plus, it helps with focus and mental clarity.

Example: “I would join a club or group where people know more than I do, so I can learn from them.”

Application: Hang out with people who are smarter than you. It will challenge your brain to rise to their level. Ask questions, listen, and absorb their insights to grow.

Example: “I’d start learning guitar or coding in my spare time.”

Application: Hobbies aren’t just for fun—they stimulate your brain. Choose hobbies that make you think or create, like writing, painting, or learning an instrument. These help your brain grow.

Example: “I would study a topic I find difficult for at least 30 minutes each day, like math or philosophy.”

Application: Push your brain beyond its comfort zone. Whether it’s a tough subject or a new hobby, challenging yourself every day builds new brain connections, making you sharper over time.

Example: “I would play chess or a puzzle game that forces me to think ahead.”

Application: Play games that make you think. Board games, strategy video games, and puzzles train your brain to think critically and solve problems quickly, improving mental agility.

Example: “Instead of doing my homework the same way every time, I’d try setting a timer for short sprints of focus.”

Application: Find smarter ways to do daily tasks. Could you cook a meal faster or study better by changing your approach? Always look for little upgrades to your routine.

Example: “I would try out a new productivity app I just read about in a blog.”

Application: Don’t just absorb information. Use it. If you read about a cool study technique, try it in your next study session. Applying what you learn turns knowledge into skill.

Example: “I would watch a quick YouTube tutorial on a skill I didn’t know, like basic photography.”

Application: Set aside just 10 minutes each day to learn something new. It can be small, like a new word or a tech tip. This habit builds over time, making you more knowledgeable and adaptable.

Example: “I would talk to someone from a different background or belief system and hear their views.”

Application: Challenge your own thinking by talking to people who see the world differently. It helps you think outside the box and understand things from new angles.

Example: “Instead of listening to the same playlist on my walk, I’d take a different route and discover new places.”

Application: Don’t let your brain go on autopilot. Mix things up—new music, new routes, new conversations. It makes you think more creatively and stay engaged with the world around you.

Example: “I would pick up a book about history, even though I usually read fantasy.”

Application: Expand your perspective. If you're into novels, try reading an article on business or science. This keeps your brain flexible and sharp, making you more well-rounded and able to connect ideas faster.