7 seemingly humble behaviors can make us smarter

Science tells us that these 7 seemingly humble behaviors can make us smarter. How many have you done?

Each of us wants to master the secret of becoming smart. Psychologists have never given up on exploring these secrets. Through various crazy experiments, they seem to have mastered some laws. Of course, you may have done these behaviors many times unconsciously. Let's take a look at these seemingly humble behaviors and the principles behind them.

1. Chewing gum

A Lawrence University study found that chewing gum can improve cognitive ability, at least in a short period of time. Such tests include chewing gum groups and non-chewing gum groups. The goal is to solve a series of logic problems and other tests. As a result, the chewing gum team won 5 out of 6 tests. The losing game was a test of oral presentation ability. Researchers believe that cognitive ability may be related to the chewing process.

2. Take a nap

To be able to work, live and study normally during the day, we all need proper sleep. A high-quality night sleep can help us store the knowledge we have learned during the day. However, studies have found that proper sleep before learning also has a very large impact on the learning effect. A professor of neurology and psychology at California Institute of Technology conducted a 100-minute sleep memory test. As a result, those with sleep had an average score of 20 points higher than those without sleep. Sleep has a very positive effect on learning and memory.

3. Playing video games

Many people talk about the discoloration of games, but in fact, games have some very positive effects on people, especially developing children. The latest research results show that playing video games can strengthen cognitive skills within a certain range, such as spatial recognition ability, rational thinking ability, memory and perception ability and so on. These phenomena are particularly obvious in some games that require immediate reaction capabilities, such as "Call of Duty". For some shooting 3D games, the player's ability to think in 3D space can be greatly improved. In some guessing games (such as brains) or RPG games, players' thinking can be greatly enhanced. In addition, any game can enhance the creativity of players. Of course, any good things have negative effects. Long-term gaming and game addiction are also undeniable accompanying phenomena. The key is how to find the balance.

4. Listen to music while studying

For humans, music is a very good thing. The rhythm of music can improve our mood, sleep and even our immune system. In addition, research has found that music can even make us smarter. Psychologists’ research results show that listening to music while studying is of great help to the improvement of academic performance. Of course, the type of music is also very important. For logical problems, music that relaxes the brain and helps focus attention is more effective. For some creative work, music should be the best way to reflect one's emotions.

5. Sadness

We all know that most of the great artists are sad. Some research results show that there is a certain correlation between sad mood and creativity. Some psychologists who conduct research on negative emotions indicate that “in a sad state, we are more careful and pay attention to details”, and these emotions are very beneficial to some behaviors that require more details. Next time, when you feel sad again, don't waste it!

6. Writing

When was the last time you started writing? Computer office makes writing gradually away from our daily life and work. The development of technology makes writing seem inefficient and useless. However, a Princeton University study found that those students who use writing to take notes are more similar than those who use computers or mobile phones to take notes, but those who take notes by hand have similar results. Have a stronger understanding of the concepts in learning, and still remember clearly after a few weeks. This is because in the process of taking notes, the brain processes the things that need to be recorded, so as to record the core things more accurately. Although the computer and other methods are convenient, but we are far away from what we need to touch, and we can't even realize this.

7. Ride a motorcycle

Compared to driving, motorcycles may have a higher risk factor, but they are better for your brain. A study by the University of Tokyo showed that in a comfortable and relaxing environment, the human mind and body are accustomed to setting up obstacles. The final conclusion of their study is that riding a motorcycle can make people smarter (without considering the danger of traffic, of course). Because riding a motorcycle requires a very high degree of attention and the ability to respond to high-speed problems. When riding a bicycle, the brain of the rider becomes very active.