SARCASTIC COLLEAGUES
A caustic coworker could improve your creativity. Participants solved problems after hearing sarcastic phrases, like an insincere ‘I am sorry,’ in a study in the journal Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes. They were three times more creative than a group hearing sincere messages. Sarcasm forces the brain to think abstractly, boosting innovation.
FEELING GRATEFUL
An attitude of gratitude may help you avoid impulsive choices. People did a short psychological exercise designed to elicit various emotions, then participated in a test of monetary self-restraint. Those who were grateful showed more financial patience. For example, non-grateful people needed only $18 now to give up receiving $100 in a year; grateful people required nearly twice as much money ($30).
A ‘CLEAN’ DIET
Avoiding certain processed foods may boost your brainpower. A known heart threat, trans fat (found in foods like margarine and cookies) may also mess with memory. In a study presented at an American Heart Association meeting, researchers evaluated the trans fat consumption of about 1,000 healthy men and gave them memory tests. Each additional gram of trans fat eaten per day was linked to poorer performance on the test.
SPENDING TIME WITH YOUR GRANDKIDS
Spending the right amount of time caring for grandchildren can keep the mind sharp, according to an Australian study of 186 older women. Grandmothers who watched their grandchildren one day a week did better on cognitive tests than those who cared for grandchildren more often or not at all. Though the exact reason is unclear, researchers will continue to study how social engagement affects elder acuity.
YOUR CELL PHONE
Having your cell phone nearby may help you think clearly. In a new study, iPhone users, ages 18 to 24, completed two word-search puzzles. Midway through, they placed their phones in the corner of the room. When phones were nearby, volunteers found an average of nine words, but participants found only six when phones were across the room. People separated from their phones reported increased anxiety and higher blood pressure. Researchers suggest keeping your phone nearby (but muted) if you have trouble focusing without it.
KEEPING A TO DO LIST
Your happiness and confidence levels can help to increase your intelligence. By making a to do list and checking things off once you complete them you’re getting smarter. Seeing everything that you accomplished for the day helps to boost your confidence and happiness.
TRYING NEW THINGS
Even if it seems like a random activity that isn’t going to benefit you, the skills you learn might apply to your everyday life later down the line. If you’re given an opportunity to learn a new skill or try something random, always take it.
TAKING DOWN TIME
Taking down time after a long day to reflect on everything you learned can help you get smarter. It will help you to de-stress and increase mental stimulation. Just think for ten minutes, see where your brain takes you.
