How Avoiding Binge-Watching, Exercising, and Staying Quiet Can Make You Smarter

Core Concepts

Avoiding excessive entertainment consumption, exercising regularly, and practicing active listening can improve mental acuity and overall intelligence.

Abstract

The author discusses three habits that they believe have made them smarter:

1. Not Binge-Watching Entertainment:

   • The author avoids watching excessive amounts of TV, Netflix, TikTok, and other entertainment content, unlike many of their peers.
   • They argue that excessive entertainment consumption can distort one's perception of reality and lead to unrealistic expectations.
   • The author feels that by not engaging in binge-watching, they have a clearer and more grounded view of the world.

2. Exercising:

   • The author started exercising consistently about two years ago and has experienced cognitive benefits.
   • They cite research from experts like Jordan Peterson and Dr. Lila Landowski, which suggests that exercise can improve brain function, learning, and memory.
   • The author has personally observed that exercising, even with simple home workouts, helps them maintain mental clarity and focus.

3. Keeping Quiet:

   • The author, who identifies as an introvert, believes that staying quiet and observing is an advantage.
   • They argue that speaking without purpose can be unproductive, while listening and observing allow one to gain new information and become smarter.
   • The author notes that quiet people often have above-average intelligence and can provide meaningful advice when asked.

The author concludes that these three habits - avoiding excessive entertainment, exercising regularly, and practicing active listening - have contributed to their personal growth and cognitive abilities.

Stats

"human cognitive ability decreases after 25 years old, but exercise staves that off."
"exercise makes new brain cells, increases the ability to learn, and memorize."
"We have two ears and one mouth; therefore, we should listen twice as much as we speak." — Zeno

Quotes

"Entertainment is not reality, and whoever watches it too much shifts their perception of the world."
"If you don't believe me, take a look at quiet people in your surroundings. I bet most of them have above-average intelligence."

Key Insights Distilled From

3 Habits I Didn’t Realize Make Me Smarter

by Yuan Vk at medium.com 01-24-2024

https://medium.com/illumination/3-habits-i-didnt-realize-make-me-smarter-1aa5a7c60d7e

Deeper Inquiries

How can these habits be effectively incorporated into a busy lifestyle?

Incorporating these habits into a busy lifestyle requires prioritization and commitment. To integrate not binge-watching entertainment, one can set specific time limits for screen time and allocate that time for more productive activities like reading, exercising, or engaging in hobbies. Planning and scheduling workouts, even short ones like home exercises, can ensure consistency. Additionally, practicing mindfulness and being present in conversations can help in keeping quiet and actively listening, even in a fast-paced environment. Setting boundaries and creating a routine that includes these habits can make them sustainable in a busy lifestyle.

What are the potential drawbacks or limitations of relying solely on these habits to enhance cognitive abilities?

While these habits can contribute significantly to enhancing cognitive abilities, relying solely on them may have limitations. Not binge-watching entertainment can lead to missing out on cultural references or social connections that can be valuable in certain contexts. Exercising, although beneficial, may not address other aspects of cognitive health such as problem-solving skills or creativity. Keeping quiet and observing can limit opportunities for self-expression and assertiveness, which are also important in personal and professional growth. Therefore, a holistic approach that includes a variety of activities to stimulate different cognitive functions is essential for overall cognitive enhancement.

How might the impact of these habits vary across different age groups or cognitive profiles?

The impact of these habits can vary across different age groups and cognitive profiles. For younger individuals, not binge-watching entertainment can free up time for educational pursuits and skill development, potentially shaping their cognitive abilities positively in the long term. Exercise can benefit individuals of all ages, but older adults may particularly benefit from the neuroprotective effects of physical activity on cognitive decline. Keeping quiet and observing can be more challenging for extroverted individuals or those in professions requiring frequent communication, but introverted individuals or those in analytical roles may find this habit more natural and beneficial. Tailoring these habits to individual preferences and cognitive strengths can maximize their impact across diverse age groups and cognitive profiles.