10 Hobbies That Will Actually Make You Smarter

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10. Playing First Person Shooters. First person shooters often get a bad rap because of the level of violence associated with them. But a study from 2015 showed that when people played 3D games, like first person shooters, they had increased development in their prefrontal cortex, right hippocampus, and cerebellum, meaning they were more likely to avoid distraction better and had improved selective visual attention, spatial memory, navigation, and hand-eye coordination.

2/11 10. Playing First Person Shooters. First person shooters often get a bad rap because of the level of violence associated with them. But a study from 2015 showed that when people played 3D games, like first person shooters, they had increased development in their prefrontal cortex, right hippocampus, and cerebellum, meaning they were more likely to avoid distraction better and had improved selective visual attention, spatial memory, navigation, and hand-eye coordination.

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9. Moderate Drinking. A study from 2010, found that moderate drinking is linked with better brain activity. Moderate drinking not only helps with cognitive functions, but it also helps combat dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Women who drink four or more glasses of wine within two weeks had better brain functionality. Wine was especially helpful, compared to other alcohols.

3/11 9. Moderate Drinking. A study from 2010, found that moderate drinking is linked with better brain activity. Moderate drinking not only helps with cognitive functions, but it also helps combat dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Women who drink four or more glasses of wine within two weeks had better brain functionality. Wine was especially helpful, compared to other alcohols.

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8. Sex. Sex has long been linked to a number of health benefits, but it also may be good for your brain. Findings from an Italian study suggests that sex does make us smarter, but only when you have sex with a new partner. Two other studies also concluded that sex helped mental performance and increased neurogenesis, an important part of the brain where long-term memories are formed.

4/11 8. Sex. Sex has long been linked to a number of health benefits, but it also may be good for your brain. Findings from an Italian study suggests that sex does make us smarter, but only when you have sex with a new partner. Two other studies also concluded that sex helped mental performance and increased neurogenesis, an important part of the brain where long-term memories are formed.

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7. Scrabble. Since the game is challenging, it has the ability to help increase the brain power of people who play it. Researchers found that visual word recognition is actually flexible in adulthood and can be improved with practice. One way to do that is to play Scrabble.

5/11 7. Scrabble. Since the game is challenging, it has the ability to help increase the brain power of people who play it. Researchers found that visual word recognition is actually flexible in adulthood and can be improved with practice. One way to do that is to play Scrabble.

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6. Reading Fiction. It is understandable that reading non-fiction would make you smarter because it increases your knowledge about real events, places, and people. But does fiction have any benefits? Two studies found people who often read fiction have better empathy skills, understand other people better, and are better able to look at a worldview other than their own.

6/11 6. Reading Fiction. It is understandable that reading non-fiction would make you smarter because it increases your knowledge about real events, places, and people. But does fiction have any benefits? Two studies found people who often read fiction have better empathy skills, understand other people better, and are better able to look at a worldview other than their own.

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5. Playing Tetris. A study from 2009 found that when someone starts playing Tetris, the brain consumes a bunch of glucose, which is a fuel for the brain. People who played Tetris for 30 minutes every day saw improvement in their overall brain function and found it easier to solve problems.

7/11 5. Playing Tetris. A study from 2009 found that when someone starts playing Tetris, the brain consumes a bunch of glucose, which is a fuel for the brain. People who played Tetris for 30 minutes every day saw improvement in their overall brain function and found it easier to solve problems.

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4. Playing Chess. Studies performed on Chinese chess masters found that their brains had better network connectivity, which improves their learning and memorisation skills. Even at a resting level, the chess masters’ brains were working more than novices. Besides helping with memory and learning, chess also helps people with problem solving skills and understanding cause and effect.

8/11 4. Playing Chess. Studies performed on Chinese chess masters found that their brains had better network connectivity, which improves their learning and memorisation skills. Even at a resting level, the chess masters’ brains were working more than novices. Besides helping with memory and learning, chess also helps people with problem solving skills and understanding cause and effect.

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3. Exercising And Playing Sports. Exercise leads to greater brain acuity, which is mental sharpness, and team sports contribute to intelligence and good brain health. Researchers discovered that exercising helps with learning and long-term memory. Athletes were also shown to be more creative and are better at multi-tasking.

9/11 3. Exercising And Playing Sports. Exercise leads to greater brain acuity, which is mental sharpness, and team sports contribute to intelligence and good brain health. Researchers discovered that exercising helps with learning and long-term memory. Athletes were also shown to be more creative and are better at multi-tasking.

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2. Dancing. A study found that dancing was one of the best things you could do to improve cognitive functions. Besides strengthening mental acuity, another interesting side effect that the researchers found was out of all the physical activities, only dancing helped prevent dementia.

10/11 2. Dancing. A study found that dancing was one of the best things you could do to improve cognitive functions. Besides strengthening mental acuity, another interesting side effect that the researchers found was out of all the physical activities, only dancing helped prevent dementia.

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1. Playing A Musical Instrument. Playing an instrument is like giving your brain a full body workout. Music utilises many parts of the brain, especially the visual, auditory, and motor cortexes. Finally, learning to play an instrument is based on disciplined and structured practices and that type of routine is ideal for improving brain strength.

11/11 1. Playing A Musical Instrument. Playing an instrument is like giving your brain a full body workout. Music utilises many parts of the brain, especially the visual, auditory, and motor cortexes. Finally, learning to play an instrument is based on disciplined and structured practices and that type of routine is ideal for improving brain strength.

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