You don’t need a PhD in quantum physics or a library-sized vocabulary to be “smart.” (Though, if you have both, please come sit with us at lunch). Getting smarter is more about building habits that actually train your brain to think faster, focus longer, and remember better. 

Most of these brain-boosting moves are simple, low-cost, and can slip right into your daily routine without feeling like homework. In this article, we’ll share 10 ways to become smarter and how to incorporate them into your daily life.

10 Ways To Become Smarter

You might think of being smart as sharing interesting factoids at lunch or always knowing the answer at trivia night. And while those things are definitely fun, they don’t necessarily equal “smartness.” Here’s how to really support your brainpower and become smarter.

1. Prioritize Sleep

If your idea of being smart is chugging coffee and working until your eyes blur, this should be one of the first things on your to-do list. When you get a solid seven to nine hours of sleep, your brain gets to work consolidating memories, cleaning out cellular junk, and wiring new connections. Basically, you learn faster, remember more, and make better decisions.

How to make it happen:

• Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day (even weekends — sorry, but it works).
• Keep your bedroom cool, dark, and screen-free at least 30 minutes before bed.
• Try a quick wind-down ritual like reading or stretching to cue your brain that it’s bedtime.

2. Move Your Body

If you want your brain to be sharp, you have to keep the rest of your body in the game, too. Exercise boosts blood flow to your brain, helps grow new brain cells, and improves memory. Aerobic activity in particular is linked to better executive function, the part of your brain that helps you plan, focus, and do what needs to be done.

How to make it happen:

• Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate movement a week (think brisk walking, cycling, or swimming).
• Sneak in movement breaks during the day. Take the stairs, do a few squats, or walk while on calls.
• Find something you actually enjoy, so you’ll keep doing it without feeling tortured.

3. Drink Brain-Boosting Mushroom Coffee

Our Mushroom Coffee+ isn’t just any coffee (it’s not just any mushroom coffee, either). First, we have L-theanine for focus, relaxation, sleep, and to help balance the stimulating effects of caffeine.

Then there’s lion’s mane mushroom, which supports brain growth and focus by helping your neurons build strong and effective connections. And finally, 45 mg of caffeine helps you feel energized but not overstimulated. 

How to make it happen:

• Swap your regular morning brew for Mushroom Coffee+ so you never miss a Dose.
• Sip it before deep work sessions to lock in focus.
• Pair it with a short meditation or journaling habit for maximum mental clarity.

4. Read a Book (or Two)

Sure, you can scroll TikTok for hours before bed, but your brain will be crying the whole time. Reading, on the other hand, is like a full-body workout for your mind. It improves vocabulary, comprehension, empathy, and even your ability to focus for more than 10 seconds (a modern miracle). 

How to make it happen:

• Aim for 20 to 30 minutes a day, ideally at the same time, to make it a habit.
• Keep a mix of fiction and nonfiction on your nightstand.
• Join a book club or reading challenge for accountability.

5. Learn Something New

If you don’t challenge your brain, it’ll go soft on you. Picking up a new skill (language, instrument, coding, knitting… whatever lights you up) forces your brain to form fresh connections and adapt, which makes it stronger overall. Research shows that learning something new can even help prevent cognitive decline over time.

How to make it happen:

• Choose something you’ve always wanted to try but never made time for.
• Break it into bite-sized lessons so you can track progress without getting overwhelmed.
• Practice regularly, even if it’s just 15 minutes a day.

6. Meditate

Even a few minutes of mindfulness can improve focus, reduce stress, and help you process information more effectively. By training yourself to notice distractions and gently bring your attention back, you’re building the mental muscles that make it easier to stay on task.

How to make it happen:

• Start with five to 10 minutes a day using a guided meditation app or YouTube video.
• Focus on your breath or a simple mantra, and when your mind wanders, bring it back.
• Gradually increase your time as it starts feeling easier.

7. Stay Social

Turns out, your brain loves a good chat almost as much as you do. Social interaction engages multiple cognitive functions like memory, emotional regulation, and language processing. People who maintain active social lives often have sharper minds and better problem-solving skills.

How to make it happen:

• Schedule regular coffee dates, group workouts, or hobby meetups.
• Combine social time with other brain boosters. For instance, take a cooking class or join a trivia team.
• Call a friend instead of texting (when you can).

8. Eat Brain-Loving Foods

Your brain is hungry, and not just for knowledge. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins help protect neurons and support neurotransmitter function. They can also help tackle inflammation and oxidative stress, which can literally kill your brain cells.

How to make it happen:

• Stock up on salmon, walnuts, blueberries, leafy greens, and dark chocolate.
• Keep healthy snacks prepped so you’re not reaching for ultra-processed foods.
• Stay hydrated! Your brain is mostly water, and dehydration can mess with memory and focus.

9. Limit Screen Time

Binge-watching and doomscrolling might feel harmless, but excessive screen time can tank your attention span and overload your brain with low-value information (not to mention it messes with your sleep). That constant distraction makes it harder to focus on deep work or meaningful learning.

How to make it happen:

• Use app timers to cap social media use.
• Create “no-screen” zones, like the bedroom or dining table.
• Replace idle scrolling with a quick walk, stretch, or page-turning session.

10. Switch Things Up

Your brain gets lazy when it’s stuck in autopilot. Novelty, or introducing something brand-new and exciting, stimulates neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to form new connections. This keeps your thinking flexible and your problem-solving sharp. You can do this simply by traveling to a new place, learning a different skill, or even taking a new route to work.

How to make it happen:

• Try a new hobby or rotate between existing ones.
• Rearrange your workspace or explore a new part of your city.
• Once a week, do something completely outside your comfort zone.

How To Bring It All Together: Making a Daily Routine

Creating a brain-boosting routine doesn’t mean cramming every tip into every day. Just try to find a routine that provides consistency and balance. 

Start with your non-negotiables, like quality sleep, daily movement, and a cup of Mushroom Coffee for a focused morning kick-off. Layer in learning and social time throughout the week, and keep your diet rich in brain-loving foods. 

Sprinkle in some novelty once or twice a week to keep your mind adaptable, and use a habit tracker or simple checklist to stay on course. Over time, these small, deliberate actions add up!

Best nootropics for focus

The Bottom Line

From sleep to socializing, every choice you make can either sharpen your brain or dull it. The key is stacking small, science-backed habits until they become part of your everyday life. 

Start with one or two changes this week, and you’ll be surprised how quickly your brain starts catching up. For more tips on how to get your brain functioning at 100%, check out the Everyday Dose blog.

Sources:

How Much Sleep Do You Really Need? | National Sleep Foundation

How does exercise keep your brain young? | Science | AAAS

The Influence of Reading on Vocabulary Growth: A Case for a Matthew Effect | PMC

Does Higher Learning Combat Dementia? | Johns Hopkins Medicine

What are the benefits of mindfulness? | APA

Mayo Clinic Minute: The benefits of being socially connected | Mayo Clinic

Oxidative Stress: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment | Cleveland Clinic