Ditch the over-the-hill notion that being smart is about perfecting tests or accumulating degrees. The reality? A few of the most clear-cut indicators of a sharp mind appear in day-to-day eccentricities, tastes, and even the manner in which you deal with life’s mishaps. And yes science has receipts.
From your sleeping habits to your sense of humor, some characteristics consistently emerge in high-IQ studies. Most of them don’t have anything to do with old-fashioned “book smarts” and a lot to do with the way you think, adjust, and relate.
Here’s a closer examination of nine habits and personality characteristics experts say may be subtle clues that your intelligence is higher than average.
1. You’re the firstborn
Being the firstborn may have a little more responsibility and perhaps a cognitive advantage. A study in the Journal of Human Resources discovered that firstborns typically score higher on intelligence tests because of less to do with genetics, but more due to the fact that parents give them more mental stimulation and take fewer health risks with the first pregnancy. That head start on development can reap dividends in quicker thinking later.
2. You exercise your body on a regular basis
Brains adore movement. Neuroscientist Dr. Rahul Jandial points out that exercise increases blood flow to neurons, supporting their growth and linking in ways that improve thinking. Indeed, studies on children reveal a positive relationship between IQ and exercise. From a morning jog to Saturday tennis, staying physically active can cut memory, problem-solving, and concentration time.
3. You’re a night owl
If your mind works best after midnight, you’re among many. The London School of Economics found that later bedtimes correlated with greater IQ, perhaps because waking up during “off” hours provided evolutionary benefits. Psychologist Catherine Franssen further notes that working irregular hours can create creativity due to fewer distractions and greater mental room.
4. You adapt quickly
Life is full of curveballs, and super-smart folks are easily able to pivot. Dr. Jandial describes adaptability as seeing connections and solutions that others don’t. It leverages several cognitive abilities reasoning, perception, memory and demonstrates that you can ride change without losing steam.
5. You possess a dark sense of humor
Laughing at the morbid or ridiculous could be more than a quirk of personality. Research has determined that fans of dark humor had a higher IQ and lower aggression. It requires additional mental effort to process this sort of humor sensing what’s going on in complex situations, emotional subtlety, and irony simultaneously.
6. You took music lessons as a kid
Structured music training in childhood has lasting brain benefits. Studies show it boosts verbal intelligence, planning, and self-control. Neuroscientific reviews reveal that learning an instrument strengthens auditory, motor, and executive function networks skills that transfer to non-musical problem-solving well into adulthood.
7. You’re comfortable with mess
A messy desk doesn’t necessarily mean a mess in the head. A study by the University of Minnesota discovered cluttered surroundings provoked greater creative ideas than clean ones. According to Dr. Arif Dalvi, the creativity of numerous geniuses is a characteristic trait, and for some, mental innovation is triggered by physical disarray.
8. You wear glasses
It’s not a stereotype genetic research at the University of Edinburgh discovered that individuals with better cognitive scores were approximately 30% more likely to possess genes associated with substandard eyesight. Although glasses don’t make you intelligent, they can be a visible indicator attached to the same biology that enables keener thinking.
9. You enjoy alone time
And choosing to be around yourself is a smart thing to do. Singapore Management University and the London School of Economics conducted a vast study and discovered that very smart individuals had lower satisfaction in life with lots of socializing. Being alone allows you time for deep consideration, personal projects, and recharging without interruption.
Intelligence is not one measure it’s a combination of characteristics, tendencies, and approaches to living. If you notice yourself among a few of these indicators, it’s not so much about wearing a label as being aware of the abilities you already possess. And the great news? Many of these tendencies such as remaining active, embracing creativity, or making time for quiet are ones you can cultivate regardless of where you begin.
