8 habits you don’t realize are making you less intelligent (according to psychologists)

Lucas Graham by Lucas Graham | November 16, 2024, 7:20 pm

Daily habits shape our minds more than we realize.

They can either sharpen our intelligence or slowly chip away at it.

Some behaviors we think are harmless, or even productive, might actually be holding us back.

From skipping breakfast to constantly multitasking, these habits can affect our cognitive abilities and mental clarity.

Our routines and choices, whether intentional or not, set the tone for how our brains function.

The surprising part is that many of these habits are ingrained in our lifestyles.

It’s time to look closer at these everyday behaviors and consider how they might be slowing us down.

Identifying these pitfalls can help us make simple but effective changes to better care for our mental sharpness and overall well-being.

1) Multitasking

I bet most of us pride ourselves on our ability to multitask.

We juggle multiple tasks at once, convinced we’re being super productive.

But guess what? Psychologists tell us that this habit might actually be making us less intelligent.

Shocking, right? But here’s why: our brain isn’t designed to handle multiple tasks at the same time.

Instead, it rapidly switches focus from one task to another which can lead to cognitive fatigue.

This constant switching can reduce our efficiency and even drop our IQ levels.

And it doesn’t stop there.

Multitasking can also lead to stress and anxiety, which are not exactly best friends with your brainpower.

So next time you think you’re winning by juggling multiple tasks, think again.

You might just be giving your intelligence a knock without realizing it.

But don’t worry, we’re all guilty of it to some extent.

The key is to recognize it and take steps to focus on one task at a time, giving it your full attention. 

2) Lack of physical activity

Chilling on the couch after a long day, binge-watching your favorite shows, might seem like the ultimate relaxation.

Who would think that being physically inactive can affect your intelligence?

Well, according to psychologists, lack of physical activity is a habit that can actually make us less intelligent.

Strange as it may sound, our brain health is linked to our physical health.

Physical activity improves blood flow to the brain and helps in the formation of new brain cells.

It also boosts neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to form and reorganize synaptic connections, particularly in response to learning or experience.

So, sitting for long periods without moving isn’t doing your brain any favors.

Instead of spending the whole day on the sofa or at your desk, aim for regular physical activity.

Even a short walk can get your blood pumping and improve your cognitive function.

3) Skipping breakfast

We’ve all heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, right? And it holds true even when we talk about our intelligence.

Skipping breakfast is more damaging than you might think.

When you wake up in the morning, your glucose levels are at their lowest.

Glucose is a key fuel for the brain and without it, cognitive functioning can take a hit.

In the rush of our morning routines, we often forget to fuel our bodies and, more importantly, our brains.

Neglecting that first meal of the day can lead to reduced attention span, impaired short-term memory, and even mood swings.

In essence, a healthy breakfast can kick-start your day and keep your mind sharp and focused.

4) Not getting enough sleep

I know, life can get hectic.

Between work, family, and trying to squeeze in a bit of ‘me’ time, getting a full night’s sleep might seem like an impossible dream.

But missing out on those precious hours of rest can have a bigger impact on your intelligence than you might think.

Sleep is when your brain gets to recharge and consolidate all the learning from the day.

Without enough sleep, your brain doesn’t get the time it needs to rest and reset.

This can affect your cognitive abilities, including memory, decision-making, and even creativity.

Now, I’m not saying you need to drastically change your lifestyle and start going to bed at 8 pm.

But it’s important to create a sleep schedule that works for you and stick to it. Even small changes can make a big difference.

5) Spending too much time on social media

We’ve all been there: you log onto Instagram or Facebook for a quick check and before you know it, an hour has passed.

While social media can be a great way to stay connected, psychologists suggest that spending too much time scrolling can actually make us less intelligent.

Here’s the thing: when we’re constantly consuming information and images from others’ lives, we’re not giving our brains the chance to create, imagine, and think deeply.

It’s like we’re feeding our brains junk food instead of nourishing them with wholesome thoughts and ideas.

Plus, the constant stream of updates can make it harder for us to focus and concentrate on tasks at hand, impacting our cognitive abilities.

So, maybe next time we find ourselves mindlessly scrolling, we could put down our phones and pick up a book, go for a walk, or simply sit in silence for a moment.

It’s about finding balance and giving our minds the space they need to truly thrive.

6) Overloading on information

Ever find yourself reading one article after another, or watching back-to-back documentaries, in an attempt to learn as much as you can about a topic?

I know I’ve been there. While it’s great to stay informed and curious, psychologists suggest that overloading on information can actually hinder our intelligence.

The human brain, amazing as it is, has a limit to how much information it can process at once.

When we bombard it with too much information, it doesn’t have the time or space to properly absorb and process it all.

This doesn’t mean we should stop learning or being curious.

Instead, it’s about knowing when to pause and give our brains the opportunity to digest the information we’ve consumed.

7) Neglecting self-care

Listen, we need to talk. We often prioritize everything and everyone else over ourselves.

Work deadlines, family responsibilities, social obligations – they all seem to take precedent.

But when it comes to taking care of ourselves, we put it on the back burner.

Here’s the harsh truth: neglecting self-care isn’t just hurting you, it’s also impacting your intelligence.

Taking time for self-care isn’t selfish or indulgent – it’s necessary.

Activities like meditation, reading a good book, or simply taking a quiet walk in the park can help reduce stress and anxiety levels and enhance our cognitive abilities.

So, you need to start putting yourself first.

Take care of your physical health, your emotional well-being, and your mental clarity. 

8) Not engaging in mind-challenging activities

Hear this: your brain needs to be challenged to stay sharp.

Just like a muscle, it needs regular exercise to maintain its strength and agility.

Engaging in mind-challenging activities, like puzzles, reading, or learning a new skill, can stimulate your brain and enhance your cognitive abilities.

It encourages the formation of new neural pathways and improves your problem-solving and critical thinking skills.

So, instead of spending your free time mindlessly scrolling through your phone or watching TV, try picking up a new hobby or challenge yourself with a brain-teasing puzzle.

It’s not about how big the challenge is, but about consistently engaging your mind and keeping it active.

Your intelligence is not fixed – it’s something you can cultivate and grow. 

Final thoughts

Intelligence isn’t just about what we learn or the information we retain.

It’s also about how we take care of our minds.

These everyday habits, though seemingly minor, can have a significant impact on our cognitive health over time.

By becoming aware of these pitfalls, we empower ourselves to make choices that nurture our mental capabilities.

Small changes like getting enough sleep, limiting social media use, and challenging our brains regularly can lead to improved focus and sharper thinking.

Our brains are powerful tools, but they need the right conditions to thrive.

Taking a step back to reassess and adjust our routines isn’t just beneficial; it’s essential.

Invest in these habits, and your mind will thank you with increased clarity and mental agility.