KB81 - 5 Surprising Lifestyle Changes That Made Me Smarter

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5 Surprising Lifestyle Changes That Made Me Smarter

If you're anything like me, you're always searching for that next big "brain boost."

Well, what if I told you that some of the smartest changes I made to my lifestyle were also the most surprising?

From tweaking who I hang out with to altering my daily habits, these five lifestyle shifts have done more than enhance my knowledge—they've transformed the way I think, react, and interact with the world around me.

Let’s Dive in…

Number One - Not Spending Time With Bellends

Ahh bellends!

Those are the people who suck the energy right out of you with their negativity, drama, or just plain bullshit!

Now, I’m not saying you need to cut ties with anyone who has a bad day, but reducing the time spent with chronic energy-drainers frees up a ton of mental space.

Your brain isn't in constant “defense mode” when others' negativity does not bog you down.

Instead, it's relaxed, open, and far more capable of learning and thinking clearly.

Think about all the time you reclaim – time you can spend learning something new, experiencing the world, or just enjoying being unstressed.

I’ve met a lot of people who constantly complain about everything.

I noticed that after our conversations, I felt drained and unproductive.

When I started limiting my interactions with them, I found I had more energy and focus to tackle my own tasks.

It's incredible how much mental clutter we can eliminate by simply choosing who we spend our time with more carefully.

Number Two - Managing My Emotions

Now, you might be thinking…

"What does managing my emotions have to do with getting smarter?"

Emotional intelligence is the secret sauce to supercharging your brainpower.

Many years ago, I would let everything get to me. Traffic jam? Stressed! Coffee spilled? Day ruined.

But here’s what I found out…

When you're constantly in a state of upset, your brain is too busy being frazzled to function at its best.

So, I started practicing emotional management.

This isn't about suppressing your feelings; it’s about understanding them, managing them, and not letting them manage you.

Think of it as being the CEO of your own emotions.

You recognise them, evaluate them, and then decide on the best course of action without letting them knock you off balance.

When your emotions aren’t driving the bus, you can think more clearly and make better decisions.

Number Three - Journalling Every Day

Journaling is like a stealthy brain enhancer that most people overlook.

When you journal, you’re essentially having a conversation with your brain.

You spill thoughts, ideas, frustrations, and dreams onto the page.

But it's not just a one-way street; it's a dialogue.

As you write, you're reflecting, processing, and often, problem-solving without realising it.

Think about this: How often do you get stuck in your head, turning over a problem without a solution?

Journaling can break that cycle.

By putting it down on paper, you free up mental space.

It’s like clearing out the cache on your computer.

Suddenly, everything runs smoother, faster, and smarter.

Number Four - Reading One Chapter of a Book a Day

Reading one chapter each day is like giving your brain a daily vitamin shot.

You expose it to new ideas, perspectives, and mental models.

Unlike skimming a quick article or watching a video, reading deeply engages your brain, forcing it to think, imagine, and connect the dots.

One chapter might not seem like much, but think about it—over a year, it adds up to a whole library of books.

That’s a massive expansion of knowledge, insight, and critical thinking skills.

Whether it’s fiction that enhances empathy and creativity or nonfiction that boosts knowledge and analytical skills, the benefits are off the charts!

Number Five - Talking To Strangers

Talking to strangers can make you smarter. Yes, really!

It sounds like a dare, but it’s actually one of the most stimulating things you can do for your brain.

Every time you strike up a conversation with someone you don’t know, you’re stepping into a world of new ideas, perspectives, and knowledge.

It’s like a live, interactive podcast with unlimited episodes.

You never know what you’re going to learn, and that mystery is what makes it so exciting.

Talking to strangers forces you to think on your feet. You have to listen actively, process information quickly, and respond appropriately.

These are all cognitive exercises that can sharpen your mind.

Plus, it builds emotional intelligence and empathy as you navigate different social cues and cultural backgrounds.

Research supports this too. Studies show that engaging in social interactions, especially with unfamiliar people, can enhance cognitive function and increase brain plasticity.

The act of conversing requires you to access and utilise various parts of your brain, including memory, language, and problem-solving areas.

It’s a comprehensive workout for your mind!

TL/DR

#1 Spend Less Time with Bellends: Clear the mental clutter by distancing yourself from negativity and drama.

#2 Manage Your Emotions: Enhance clarity and decision-making by becoming the CEO of your emotions.

#3 Journal Regularly: Unlock problem-solving and reflective thinking by keeping a daily journal.

#4 Read Daily: Read one chapter of a book every day to boost your intelligence and broaden your perspective.

#5 Talk to Strangers: Increase your brain's agility and gain fresh insights by engaging in conversations with new people.

Embracing these simple yet profound changes can significantly sharpen your mind and enrich your life.

Here's to smarter living!

NEW PODCAST
The Bucket List

In this episode of The Body and the Beast, we discuss all things bucket lists!

• Why creating a bucket list is essential for pursuing the things that make you happy and fulfilled.

• Why bucket list items don't have to be extravagant or expensive; they can be simple experiences or goals that bring joy.

• How Regrets often come from not pursuing bucket list items, so it's essential to be intentional about making them happen.

Click here to listen on Spotify

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