engaging in Challenging Hobbies Linked to Higher Cognitive Function, Study Suggests
new York, NY – A growing body of evidence suggests a strong correlation between engaging in intellectually stimulating hobbies and heightened cognitive abilities, going beyond traditional measures of intelligence like standardized test scores. A recent analysis of cognitive science principles, popularized in an article by behavioral scientist Jeremy Sherman, highlights seven specific pastimes – learning a musical instrument, playing strategy games, coding, visual arts, language learning, writing for personal expression, and engaging wiht complex puzzles – as indicators of above-average cognitive function.
The analysis, detailed in a piece originally published on medium, posits that intelligence isn’t solely defined by rote memorization or mathematical prowess, but rather by traits like curiosity, pattern recognition, cognitive flexibility, and the capacity for deep engagement with complex systems.These hobbies, the article argues, actively train these skills.
“The hobbies on this list require sustained attention, tolerance for difficulty, and genuine intellectual engagement,” Sherman writes. “They’re not passive entertainment. They’re active cognitive workouts that happen to be enjoyable.”
Specifically, the article breaks down why each hobby is cognitively beneficial:
* Musical Instrument: Demands coordination, auditory processing, and pattern recognition.
* Strategy Games: Require planning, foresight, and adaptation to changing circumstances.
* Coding: Forces logical thinking, problem-solving, and attention to detail.
* Visual Arts: Cultivates visual processing, aesthetic decision-making, and the ability to capture fleeting moments.
* Language Learning: Enhances memory, cognitive flexibility, and understanding of different cultural perspectives.
* Writing for Personal Expression: Clarifies thinking, improves communication skills, and reveals gaps in knowledge.
* Complex Puzzles: Strengthens problem-solving abilities, logical reasoning, and spatial awareness.
The analysis emphasizes that the enjoyment derived from these activities is crucial. Individuals who pursue these hobbies out of genuine interest, rather than obligation, are likely experiencing a more critically important cognitive benefit. Sherman concludes that the smartest people he knows aren’t necessarily those with the highest academic achievements, but those who remain perpetually curious and find satisfaction in challenging themselves.
“Your hobbies say a lot about how your brain is wired,” Sherman states. “If you’re drawn to complexity, creativity, and continuous learning, trust that instinct. You’re not wasting time.You’re becoming smarter.”
