10 Hobbies That Make You Smarter

Are you a parent wondering how to help your kid or teen maximize his or her academic potential? Encourage them to have a hobby! Hobbies aren’t just a fun way to pass the time – they can also have a great influence on our intelligence. In fact, science has proven there are some hobbies that make you smarter.

Studies show that regularly engaging our minds with challenging new stimuli can help the brain continue to develop well into adulthood. It’s true! No matter your age, when you learn something new, you grow your gray matter. Think of it as exercise for your brain.

For a long time, it was believed that people were born with a given level of intelligence and the best we could do in life was to live up to our potential. Scientists have now proven that we can actually enhance our intellect while enjoying ourselves in the process.

Research shows that by learning new skills, the brain creates new neural pathways that make it work faster and better. Brain plasticity, or neuroplasticity, refers to the brain’s ability to change and expand as a result of experience and sensory stimulation.

Chess, puzzles, and word games are excellent ways to stretch your neurons and sharpen your mind, but they’re far from the only options. Even less academic pastimes like working out have been proven to help shape cognitive function, and meditation strengthens your ability to control your brain waves.

Everyone should have a hobby they enjoy. Choose the right hobby, and you will be boosting your brainpower at the same time. Different tasks stimulate different areas of the brain, so it’s most beneficial to round out your activities, exploring budding interests in various fields.

Now you no longer need to look at hobbies as simply a way to relax and have fun, but as a means to train your brain and mentally improve yourself. Below are ten hobbies that science has proven will make you smarter if you pursue them long enough.

hobbies that make you smarter(Infographic provided by Anthony Johnstone of FamilyFuntures.com)

What hobby do you pursue? How has it helped you? Leave a comment!

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