5 Types of Activities That Make You Smarter

Did you know that physical activity can not only strengthen your body but also develop your brain? Intelligence is defined by the ability to think, analyze, and make decisions — and this requires different cognitive functions: memory, attention, planning, behavioral control, and communication skills.

Here’s a look at which sports and practices can truly help you become smarter and more effective.

Team Sports

Soccer, basketball, volleyball — these are open-skill sports where players constantly face unpredictable situations. Research shows that team sports train inhibitory control, working memory, and cognitive flexibility.

A simple example: teenagers who play team sports demonstrate better cognitive performance, react faster to changes, and can switch between tasks more easily.

Racket Sports

Tennis, badminton, squash, and padel also stimulate the brain, as they require focusing on what’s important and reacting quickly to changes.

Even small studies show that badminton players respond faster and more accurately to visual stimuli and handle distractions better. Racket sports are both a brain workout and cardio at the same time.

Chess

Strategy, memory, planning, and spatial reasoning — all of these are trained during the game. Professionals show activation in brain areas responsible for attention and cognitive control.

Want the perfect combination? Chessboxing, where you play chess first and then do boxing, combines mind and cardio, though it requires courage and endurance.

Orienteering

Physical exercise + spatial tasks = a super combo for the brain. Even a single intense session increases levels of the neurotrophic factor BDNF, which supports neurons and improves memory.

It’s an excellent way to develop orientation, memory, and attention while also getting a cardio workout.

Mindful Movement Practices

Yoga, tai chi, qigong, and Pilates aren’t just for relaxation. They help improve memory, cognitive flexibility, and working memory, especially in older adults.

Want to keep your mind sharp without injury or overexertion? Mindful practices are a gentle and effective option.