Hobby expert and psychology student, Nat, said that when it comes to leisure time, highly intelligent people don’t just sit on their laurels and veg out, so to speak. They like to flex their brain power even when they’re off the clock because it’s just something they like to do!
While some hobbies offer passive relaxation or entertainment, others are more attractive to certain kinds of people. Those who are highly intelligent prefer very specific activities, especially ones that use cognitive skills and satisfy intellectual curiosity. If you have an analytical or inquisitive mind, you might enjoy these unique pastimes.
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Highly intelligent people don’t want to make small talk. They want to engage in a meaningful, thought-provoking conversation that might teach them a thing or two. The environment created by a discussion group satisfies the mental and social stimulation that highly intelligent people crave.
Discussion groups offer intellectual diversity, which encourages open-mindedness. This is often a trait that highly intelligent people value, as they are humble enough to admit they don’t know everything. They enjoy listening to the perspectives and experiences of others, seeing it as a tool for learning and not a threat to their ego.
Nicholas Epley, Ph.D., a professor of behavioral science at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, said, “Human beings are deeply social and tend to reciprocate in conversation. If you share something meaningful and important, you are likely to get something meaningful and important exchanged in return, leading to a considerably better conversation.”
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Filmmaking is a multi-dimensional activity, and it fuses many disciplines, including writing and storytelling, visual composition, and project management. Because of this, it becomes an intellectually rich and diverse hobby that draws highly intellectual people.
It’s also a form of emotional expression, which can be an outlet for highly intelligent people who struggle to express their emotions directly. They might use filmmaking as a medium to explore their understanding of themselves, other people, and the world around them.
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Highly intelligent people love to ask questions. They’re not satisfied with the knowledge they already have, and they’re always looking to learn more. Rather than avoiding complex topics, they want to dive deeper into them.
Research doesn’t have to involve hours and hours of studying and learning. It could be as simple as watching a YouTube video about how a clock works or reading up on new cooking techniques. The point of research is to understand something better, and it can be about anything that you are interested in or passionate about.
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Logic puzzles like crosswords or riddles help sharpen a variety of mental skills and abilities. Completing puzzles is a good way to sharpen mental agility, boost spatial memory, and even raise your IQ. Additionally, studies have shown that puzzles can slow cognitive decline in older adults.
The Strategic Consortium of Intelligence Professionals explained that “Puzzles stimulate the production of dopamine, a neurotransmitter linked to motivation and learning. The sense of accomplishment from solving a difficult puzzle reinforces positive learning habits.” It’s like a workout, but for your brain.
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At its core, coding is about solving problems. Highly intelligent people are drawn to the challenge and enjoy using their analytical thinking skills. It has limitless ideas and applications, many of which can be useful in the real world.
Coding isn’t just math and logic. You’re inventing and building something from scratch, which requires some level of creativity. Intelligent people often seek out hobbies that use both the creative and logical sides of the brain.
According to an article published in Frontiers in Psychology about the cognitive benefits of learning to code, “learning to code involves thinking processes similar to those in other domains, such as mathematical modeling and creative problem solving.” Coding teaches patterns of thinking that are useful in many other aspects of life.
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It doesn’t matter if it’s collecting stamps, art, or rare antique pottery. Highly intelligent people aren’t just collecting possessions; they’re engaging in history and culture. It’s a small way to immerse themselves further
Collecting also shows ambition and dedication. Sure, it might take years to find a silver coin from the early 1900s, but collectors aren’t looking for instant gratification. They’re patient enough to wait for something valuable and truly special to come along.
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Kayla Asbach is a writer currently working on her bachelor’s degree at the University of Central Florida. She covers relationships, psychology, self-help, pop culture, and human interest topics.
