Hobbies that Make You Smarter

5. Play Video Games

It might be hard for parents to believe, but recent studies consistently show playing video games can make people smarter. Fast-paced games teach players how to quickly and accurately assess a situation and make appropriate decisions, a skill that has far-reaching real-life benefits. In addition, gamers have to learn fast and learn well or face destruction within the world of the game; it turns out these learning skills also form connections useful in real life -- gamers become better learners. Finally, gaming increases cognitive flexibility, the ability to re-evaluate and re-direct a strategy. This phenomenon occurs when different areas of the brain connect and communicate, which is exactly what is happening when you play video games!