Some personal characteristics or skills that are generally considered useless (or even harmful) suggest a high level of brain activity, scientists say. Here are some signs that, according to experts, show higher intelligence.
12.You are left-handed (or you serve the same with both hands).
In a 1995 article, New Yorker journalist Maria Konnikova described an experiment that took place among a group of left-wing and right-wingers:
"Leftists are more adept at combining two ordinary objects in a new way to form a third. They also do well when they need to group lists of words into as many alternative categories as possible. "
Scientists associate leftistry, as well as the ability to use both hands, with unconventional thinking and the ability to generate new ideas.
No matter what your leading hand, it is a useful exercise to learn to do some action with the other. This activates undeveloped areas of the brain.
11.You often worry about even the smallest things.
In one study 126 students were asked to fill in questionnaires about how often they feel worried, they pay attention to rumors or think about situations that upset them.
It turned out that the more worrying had a significantly higher speaking intellect. In other words, they have a richer vocabulary, better categorize words and understand the meaning of phrases.
10.You love joking.
The relationship between humor and intelligence is confirmed by an interesting study conducted at the University of New Mexico. 400 students to discuss on specific topics. After completing the tests, students have to put inscriptions on a number of drawings and cartoons.
These inscriptions have been reviewed by independent assessors. 86% of the students who have received the most test scores have chosen humorous drawing titles. Later the same study was conducted with comedians and they all received above the average results of the verbal intelligence test.
According to scientists, humor has an impact on intellectual abilities, maintains the brain and nervous system in good shape and makes us smarter.
9.You are too curious
"A curious child, unlike what he just learns by heart, is more likely to become an innovator when he grows up," say scientists at the London University of Psychology.
In the Harvard Business Review, Professor Thomas Chamorro-Premusic explains how curiosity and "hunger for knowledge" make us smarter. "Curiosity makes the child more passionate about science and art as a means of knowledge and self-expression."
In a British study, scientists track 6,000 people born in the last 50 years. 11-year-olds, who received higher scores on intelligence tests, were more curious and open to new experiences in years.
8.You are an "owl"
If you are a "night bird," your IQ may be higher than the average. Scientists suggest that this is due to brain activity that is so high that it breaks the daily biorhythms. A study published by the scientific journal Personality and Individual Differences has examined the relationship between childhood intelligence and sleeping habits among young people. It has been found that most of the smartest youths like to wake up later on weekdays and weekends. Another such study found the same dependence on soldiers by the US Air Force.
7.Impressive and easy to distract.
If you are often distracted by social network notifications, breaks or even during a conversation, you may be smarter than others. According to a new study, the harder it is for a person to stay focused, the more smart he is. Scientists say the high level of brain activity is more difficult to keep under control.
6.Walk on foot.
American scientists are conducting a statistical survey that finds that people living in pedestrian-friendly cities have higher levels of intelligence than those living in cities where transport (in particular car) is predominant. The same results came out after exploring the pedestrian areas of major cities.
5.You know how much you still do not know.
The "Dunning-Krueger Effect" is the result of a study by Justin Krueger and David Dunning, which became classic for social psychology. The conclusion is that the more smart a person is, the more he doubts his own cognitive ability. In other words, smart people are not afraid to say "I do not know". If there are often questions in your head and you are not afraid to ask them, then you are probably smarter than many others.
4.You have good self-control.
Intelligent people are better able to manage their impulsivity and more likely to think about the consequences before they start doing something.
In a known psychological survey, respondents have to choose between two options - to get less money right away or get more money at the end of the year. The results show that respondents who chose more money but later (or in other words, those who had more self-control) received more points of intelligence tests.
3.You are often procrastinating.
Most clever people tend to postpone their tasks and this is noticed by many well-known scientists. According to Adam Grant, procrastination is the key to innovation. Steve Jobs has been able to strategically use the postponement, which allows his brain to rest, switching to quite different tasks.
2.Continually chew something.
Chewing gum improves brain activity and concentration, but in just 20 minutes. However, scientists have recently found that intelligent people have a habit of chewing something constantly. They explain that when we chew, our brains are open to reflection and self-analysis.
1.Tackle often.
It is known that Leonardo da Vinci has practiced a polyphase dream. He slept for 20-30 minutes every four hours. The hypothesis is that the brains of the smartest people work more intensely and they quickly get tired but also recover faster. To get rid of fatigue and to see a "fresh head" problem, you need to "recharge" your brain. 20 minutes are fully enough for that.