Here's Scientific Proof Your Favorite Hobbies Are Making You Smarter

Updated 6/19/2020

This Entrepreneur infographic explains how five common hobbies, such as playing video games, can actually stimulate your brain and make you smarter.

I bet you believe that playing video games sucks the life out of you, or that messing around on your guitar isn’t the best use of your time, or even that learning a new language is useless unless you’re planning on visiting Italy or applying for a job in China.

Well, turns out all three of these activities, along with working and reading, are some of the best hobbies to exercise your brain. Yes, besides being relaxing and entertaining, these basic pastimes can make you smarter without you even knowing it.

And because we all love scientific proof, let this infographic explain why this is true, and maybe why you should consider hitting the gym tomorrow or using your lunch break to read a book.

Infographic courtesy of Entrepreneur. Photo of guitar courtesy of Shutterstock.

Previously an editor for The Muse, Alyse is proud to prove that yes, English majors can change the world. She’s written almost 500 articles for The Muse on anything from productivity tips to cover letters to bad bosses to cool career changers, many of which have been featured in Fast Company, Forbes, Inc., CNBC's Make It, USA Today College, Lifehacker, Mashable, and more. In addition to being an avid writer and reader, Alyse loves to dance, both professionally and while waiting for the subway. You can follow her work on her website, Twitter, or LinkedIn.