Is your intelligence reflected in your living space?
Many people express themselves through their personal appearances and clothing — fundamental to our identities. Whether aesthetics or functionality, it serves a purpose. Your home also reflects your passions and values. For those with high IQs, their living spaces often showcase materials for hobbies, places for reflection, and tools designed to support their emotional and psychological well-being. Here are 11 things people with high IQs usually have in their home:
1. Clutter or Little Messes
Leaving clutter and occasional messiness in their homes are two fundamental traits of people with high IQs, according to research from Psychological Science. Highly intelligent individuals tend to work best in a cluttered space filled with inspiration and creativity. A little messiness allows them to thrive; their environment stimulates ideas rather than stifles them. It's worth noting that for high IQ individuals, minor disarray is less likely to cause anxiety and more likely to encourage productivity.
2. Shelves Full of Books
Contrary to the stereotype of wisdom being tied to textbooks, people with high IQs often maintain extensive personal libraries filled with emotional intelligence books. Rather than just acquiring knowledge, they read for pleasure. According to a study from Scientific American, engaging with literary fiction cultivates emotional intelligence, enabling skills like self-reflection and empathy. A diverse bookshelf is a sign of a rich emotional life and a balanced approach to learning.
3. Artwork on the Walls
Artwork and creative expressions play a key role in the living spaces of intelligent people. Social psychologist Alexander Danvers notes that surrounded by artwork, individuals tap into their creativity and improve their emotional well-being. Art serves as a medium for self-understanding and emotional processing. Thus, spaces decorated with personal artwork often signify a vibrant and introspective home environment.
4. Creative Projects and Supplies
Homes rich in creative projects are common for those with high IQs. According to the Journal of Intelligence, indulging in creative endeavors quenches their curiosity. Their homes might boast art supplies, musical instruments, or even meditation spaces. Even if they aren't professional artists, such individuals often leave traces of their creative passions scattered throughout their living areas, showcasing their intrinsic interests and emotional engagements.
5. Puzzles
Puzzles, whether jigsaw or brain teasers, find a regular spot in the homes of high IQ individuals. Engaging with puzzles not only serves as entertainment but is also linked to enhanced cognitive abilities, as noted in research from the Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience. They are practical exercises in problem-solving and emotional regulation, acting as a proactive means to maintain cognitive health.
6. Plants and Flowers
Incorporating indoor plants and flowers is essential for high IQ individuals. A study from Rutgers University underscores that nurturing greenery instills a sense of tranquility and emotional stability. Whether it be potted plants, succulents, or fresh flowers, those who care for plants report better psychological outcomes. This nurturing act serves both aesthetic and emotional functions in their homes.
7. Musical Instruments
Musical instruments are often present in homes of high IQ individuals. A 2024 study emphasizes the link between engaging in music and enhancing emotional intelligence skills such as self-reflection and stress management. These individuals may own instruments or create playlists that foster a deeper emotional connection and community among themselves.
8. Journals for Reflection
People with high IQs frequently keep journals nearby for reflection. Journaling is highlighted by clinical psychologist Jacquelyn Johnson as an effective strategy for developing emotional intelligence. It engages individuals in self-exploration, often used to process emotions or simply to jot down thoughts. These journals become tools for personal growth and emotional regulation.
9. Board Games
A collection of board games often populates the homes of intelligent individuals. Research published in the International Journal of Game-Based Learning correlates regular board game play with higher IQ levels. Engaging with games encourages critical thinking, conflict resolution, and social interaction, showcasing a balance between leisure and intellectual pursuits.
10. Cozy Conversation Nooks
A focus on social interaction is evident in the homes of those with high IQs. They often create cozy conversation nooks or open-concept spaces that promote meaningful discussions. Studies indicate the importance of social bonds for cognitive health, making it essential for these individuals to foster environments conducive to deep and fulfilling interactions.
11. Herbal Teas
The presence of herbal teas indicates habits associated with higher IQs. A 2019 study found a correlation between tea consumption and enhanced brain cognition, particularly in older adults. Those who maintain a tea stash—perhaps alongside a kettle for daily rituals—incorporate this soothing element to enhance cognitive performance and focus.
This exploration into the ways homes reflect high IQ lifestyles uncovers a tapestry of creativity, emotional growth, and cognitive health. Your living environment not only serves as a sanctuary but also as a canvas showcasing your passions and priorities. By cultivating spaces that embody these elements, you pave the way for deeper emotional connections and enhanced cognitive well-being.