8 Hobbies That Will Make You Smarter – According to Science

If you think all hobbies are just pleasurable ways that people spend their time, think again. Some can actually make you smarter.

Check out these hobbies and the free Alison courses that will help you get started on them.

 

1. Photography

You combine different elements like light, exposure, and effects to click a perfect picture, which requires a lot of focus and concentration. This boosts your brain activity and helps you solve puzzles easily.

Gain the Power Behind the Picture!

 

2. Gardening

When gardening, you get in contact with a soil bacteria that triggers the release of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a happy chemical that makes you feel cheerful and boosts your learning skills.

Ready to Grow Your Own Greens?

 

3. Learning Music

A 2007 study by Stanford University found that our brains naturally look for patterns to follow to overcome chaos, and music helps us do this. Listening to and playing music makes you smarter, happier, healthier and productive.

Exercise Your Brain with Music

 

4. Reading Literature

We know reading books is good for the brain. But by “deep reading” (like reading novels, poems, and other literary works), you take your brain activity to the next level by gaining intellectual and emotional stability.

Read. Lead. Succeed!

 

5. Language Learning

Speaking multiple languages improves your leadership, planning and problem-solving skills. You analyze new grammar structures and learn new words which enhances your creativity and intelligence.

Start Learning a New Language

 

6. Exercising Regularly

Have you heard of the protein called BDNF? It helps with boosting memory, learning, concentration, and understanding. And when you exercise regularly, your cells are flooded with BDNF!

Hustle to Gain More (Brain) Muscle!

 

7. Quizzes

Quizzes don’t just improve your brain activity but also helps in getting to know yourself. From memory games and personality tests to subject-focused quizzes like Math or Science, there are numerous online quizzes available, and something for everyone.

Try Our English Grammar Quiz!

 

8. Meditation

In 1992, the neuroscientist Richard Davidson did a study on the Dalai Lama and other monks. He found that the brain waves of monks (who’d spent 34,000 hours meditating) were in a deeply compassionate state of mind and they could control their brain activity.

Transform Your Mind, Body, and Life

 

Not sure which hobby to pick?

Alison’s quick list of easy-to-start hobbies can help you get started.