How to Become 1.5 Times Smarter with 5 Daily Habits
The brain gets stronger the more you train it!
Many people believe that as we age, our brains become rigid, and our memory declines. However, studies by leading scholars around the world contradict this belief. The brain is a plastic organ, meaning it can grow and change in response to external stimuli. Even if part of the brain is damaged or missing, it can recover through training. So, how can we maintain a young and strong brain for life? By practicing just five simple habits daily, you can activate your brain and become 1.5 times smarter.
1. Read Alice in Wonderland
Studies show that reading bizarre and absurd stories, like Alice in Wonderland, makes the brain work more actively. Researchers at the University of California found that encountering illogical content enhances pattern recognition and data analysis skills. When exposed to unrealistic narratives, the brain experiences confusion but simultaneously tries to form new thinking patterns. This is the secret to boosting creativity.
📌 How to Practice:
- Read quirky and creative novels.
- Try to find hidden patterns in illogical stories.
2. Work in a Moderately Noisy Environment
A slight level of background noise is better for creativity and thinking than complete silence. Researchers at the University of Illinois found that moderate café noise (around 70 dB) promotes abstract thinking. This is because the brain is encouraged to think more deeply than usual.
📌 How to Practice:
- Study in environments with moderate background noise, like a café, rather than a silent library.
- Use white noise to enhance focus.
3. Engage in Aerobic Exercise
Aerobic exercise does more than just maintain physical health—it strengthens the brain itself. Studies show that aerobic exercise increases the size of the hippocampus (the area responsible for memory) and activates BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), which dramatically enhances learning ability and memory.
📌 How to Practice:
- Do jogging, brisk walking, or other aerobic exercises for 3–4 hours a week.
- Maintain an intensity level where your breathing becomes noticeably heavier.
4. Talk to Yourself
Talking to yourself is not just a habit—it’s scientifically proven to enhance thinking ability. Researchers at the University of Thessaly found that self-talk improves problem-solving skills and strengthens goal-oriented behavior.
📌 How to Practice:
- Spend a few minutes each day verbalizing your thoughts.
- When making an important decision, ask yourself questions and answer them aloud.
5. Practice Deep Breathing
Stress is one of the main factors that impair brain function. Dr. Douglas Hermann’s research revealed that stress significantly reduces learning speed and memory. However, deep breathing helps lower stress responses, preserving brain function and improving concentration.
📌 How to Practice:
- Take 10 deep breaths, inhaling deeply and exhaling slowly.
- Use deep breathing to manage emotions whenever stress becomes overwhelming.
Consistency is Key in Brain Training!
No matter how old you are, your brain can always be trained. By practicing these five daily habits, you can strengthen brain plasticity, allowing for smarter and more creative thinking. Whether you’re 20 or 70, starting now will rejuvenate your brain. Try incorporating these simple habits into your daily routine starting today!