Many people choose a hobby based on their interests and often seek to increase their skills or knowledge, for example by playing football, creative writing or sailing.
Having a hobby is great for mental health, however, there are multiple hobbies that are also thought to raise intelligence. By using your brain in a certain way, you can learn new skills, memorise more information and develop your expertise.
We’ll take a look at some hobbies and interests that could help you become more intelligent.
Playing a musical instrument
Learning a musical instrument uses the same part of the brain that’s relied upon for problem-solving. It also improves connections in the brain, leading to increased memory and quicker accessing of stored information.
Not only that, but it’s also great for hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills (and a great skill to have up your sleeve at a party).
Learning a new language
Learning a new language can be challenging for many of us. And whilst it’s true that young children are more likely to pick up a new language quicker than adults, it’s still a skill worth learning, even as we get older.
As well as being handy for foreign holidays, learning a language also has other benefits. These include increased focus, creative thinking, and improved concentration. Plus, you’ll get to impress your friends with your bilingual capabilities.
Learning a new language can be a daunting task, but it is a skill worth acquiring, even as we grow older. Although young children tend to learn languages faster than adults, the benefits of language learning apply to all ages. Increased focus, creative thinking, and improved concentration are just a few examples. Moreover, being bilingual can impress your friends and make traveling abroad easier. Thanks to language study online, anyone can learn a new language from the comfort of their home. Online courses, learning apps, and virtual language exchange programs provide flexibility and personalized learning opportunities that fit any schedule or learning style. So why not challenge yourself and embark on a new linguistic journey?
Coding and programming
Learning to code takes plenty of concentration and focus and requires the ability to retain information. It also involves a certain way of thinking and problem-solving. That’s why learning to code and program your own designs and creations, using devices such as single board computers, can lead to high cognitive function and increased memory.
Reading
As well as acquiring new knowledge, reading is excellent for stimulating your creativity and imagination. It can keep you focused, help your memory, and increase empathy. Reading also tends to make people better writers, so by improving one skill set, you can enhance another.
Reading is also a fairly cheap hobby and one which can be enjoyed just about anywhere. So, whether you’re into crime, history, horror, or romance, it’s easy to reap the benefits.
Gardening
Whilst not the first hobby that springs to mind for raising intelligence, gardening can have a positive impact on your brain. It can help with clearer thinking, increased awareness, and focus, and can also improve brain connections.
Whether you want to learn a new skill, or you’re looking for ways to spend your free time, choose a hobby that’s good for your brain and you might just discover some surprising benefits.
