Being intelligent often sounds like a blessing — a life filled with academic success, problem-solving wizardry, and maybe even a faster climb up the career ladder. But behind the scenes, smart people aren’t always having an easy ride. Experts like counselor Samuel Kohlenberg suggest that intelligence can come with its own emotional baggage: higher expectations, perfectionism, and often, a brain that just won’t stop thinking.
That said, many intelligent folks have discovered unique ways to wind down that may seem strange—or even unbearable—to the average person. These habits often offer comfort, clarity, or simply a much-needed brain break. But don’t be surprised if most people raise an eyebrow at them.
Here are 11 oddly relaxing things smart people swear by — even if others would rather do anything else.
1. Spending Time Alone
Many people dread being alone. They’ll turn on the TV, scroll endlessly on their phone, or make plans just to avoid silence. But for brainy types, solitude is like a soft, warm blanket. It’s a chance to recharge, reflect, or dive into a favorite hobby without interruption.
Whether it’s reading, sketching, journaling, or just sitting quietly with their thoughts, smart people often find alone time not only soothing — but essential.
2. Enjoying Complete Silence
Silence makes some people uncomfortable — like something must be wrong if nobody’s talking. But for those with busy minds, silence is pure gold. It creates space to think, feel, and reset. In fact, sitting in silence has even been linked to better creativity and problem-solving.
To the average person, silence might feel awkward. But to a smart person, it’s the sound of peace.
Read more: If You Hid Your Struggles as a Kid, These 7 Quiet Habits Might Feel Familiar
3. Reading Long, Deep Books
Give a casual reader a 600-page novel, and they might run for the hills. But highly intelligent individuals often find joy in long, complex stories. They don’t just read for entertainment — they read to expand their perspective, practice empathy, and dive into worlds that challenge their thinking.
Even literary fiction, which can feel heavy to some, provides mental nourishment to those who crave depth.
4. Playing Complicated, Time-Consuming Games
For most people, a quick game on their phone is enough to pass the time. But smart individuals often gravitate toward more challenging play — think elaborate board games, multi-step puzzles, or strategy-based games that take hours to master.
While these games might be frustrating for some, they’re mentally stimulating and deeply satisfying to those who enjoy flexing their thinking muscles.
5. Listening to Classical Music
Instrumental music — especially classical — tends to divide people. Some say it’s dull, while others swear it’s the soundtrack to their most focused, peaceful moments. For smart folks, it’s often the latter.
Classical tunes help with concentration, lift the mood, and provide a break from the noise of everyday life. Even when the world feels chaotic, a symphony can bring just the right amount of order.
6. Tidying and Organizing
While some creative types thrive in controlled chaos, many intelligent individuals find surprising calm in organizing their spaces. Whether it’s color-coding their bookshelves, planning their week in a neat calendar, or de-cluttering their desk — the process helps clear mental fog, too.
It’s not about being neat for the sake of appearances; it’s about making mental space by creating physical order.
7. Writing in a Journal
Journaling isn’t just for teenage diaries or to-do lists. For smart people, it’s a way to untangle their thoughts, process emotions, and even brainstorm new ideas. Writing things down gives them room to think more clearly — and sometimes, the simple act of putting pen to paper is all it takes to solve a problem.
Studies suggest that journaling also frees up mental energy, allowing the brain to focus on other tasks. So it’s not only soothing — it’s strategic.
Read more: Prefer Deep Conversation Over Small Talk? These 8 Rare Traits Could Explain Why
8. Learning from Others (Without Ego)
Some people hate being wrong or asking for help. Not so for many smart individuals. They actually enjoy hearing different perspectives, absorbing advice, and learning through the experience of others — whether it’s through a mentor, a book, or a casual chat.
They understand that intelligence isn’t about knowing everything — it’s about being curious enough to want to learn more.
9. Asking for Help
Believe it or not, asking for help can be relaxing — especially for someone who’s used to being the “go-to” person in their circle. Intelligent folks often carry the weight of other people’s problems. So when they finally get to hand the reins to someone else and say, “I need help,” it’s like taking off a heavy backpack.
And fun fact: studies show that asking for help can actually make people seem smarter — not weaker — in the eyes of others.
10. Being Bored (On Purpose)
To most people, boredom is something to escape — fast. But smart people often use boredom as a tool. Instead of distracting themselves with social media or noise, they let their minds wander. That “down time” is often when their most interesting thoughts or creative ideas pop up.
Boredom gives their busy brains a moment to breathe — and sometimes, that’s when the magic happens.
11. Having Thoughtful Debates
For some, debates feel like conflict. But to a sharp thinker, they’re invigorating. Whether it’s a friendly disagreement over dinner or a deep discussion about politics, smart people love the mental challenge of a good debate. It pushes them to think critically, examine different angles, and sharpen their communication skills.
And it’s not about winning. It’s about growing through discussion.
Read more: 11 Clever Phrases Smart People Use to End Pointless Arguments
Final Thoughts: Why “Weird” Can Actually Be Wonderful
Relaxation isn’t a one-size-fits-all experience — and what calms one person might completely irritate another. While many people unwind through socializing, scrolling, or indulging in easy distractions, highly intelligent individuals often seek out more introspective, mentally engaging, or even seemingly “boring” activities to recharge.
Why? Because a smart brain doesn’t always want to switch off — it wants to switch gears.
Instead of numbing out, intelligent people tend to lean into experiences that allow them to process their thoughts, examine the world more deeply, and connect the dots between ideas and emotions. Whether that means curling up with a hefty novel, journaling through their feelings, sitting in silence, or organizing their chaotic desk, these habits serve a much bigger purpose than simple entertainment: they help them feel centered, emotionally grounded, and mentally sharp.
What might look like isolation, overthinking, or even obsession to the outside world is often a smart person’s way of coming home to themselves.
And here’s the irony: many of the things intelligent people do to unwind are actually improving their lives in quiet, lasting ways. Deep reading builds empathy. Long conversations boost critical thinking. Stillness fosters creativity. Even boredom — the thing so many try to avoid — can become a doorway to insight and inspiration when approached mindfully.
