7 Unexpected Signs You Might Be a Genius (Backed by Science)

People often throw around the term ‘genius’ when it comes to intelligence, but the way we understand this word is now always correct.

There are plenty of signs you didn’t realise could mean that you might actually be a genius, as proved by science.

1. If you like to stay up late

Staying awake late at night can be a sign that you have high intelligence. Studies were completed to show that children who were more intelligent grew up to be more nocturnal than their less intelligent counterparts.

There are many reasons why this is the case, one argument being that the recent technological advances make our brains reach for technology to search for stimulation at night, ignoring the impulse to rise and fall with the sun like our ancestors.

2. If you’re sarcastic

Believe it or not, sarcastic people have a certain wit that implies intelligence. Studies found a link between sarcasm and creativity, meaning people who use sarcastic humour are more likely to be intelligent as it requires more thought, allows the mind to expand and promotes conceptualization.

3. If you overthink and worry a lot

Overthinkers and worriers are actually some of the most intelligent amongst us. Overthinking and worrying about potential situations shows imagination, which links to a high creativity IQ, so the next time you’re worrying about something, harness the creativity instead.

4. If you have social anxiety

Social anxiety is a term that encompasses many different traits, attributes and behaviours. However, it can actually mean you have a high IQ.

If you think about it, people who have anxiety are constantly analyzing their surroundings, reflecting on what is happening, formulating ideas and processing information – all of this requires a lot of intelligence and studies support the idea that socially anxious people are generally more intelligent.

5. If you talk to yourself

Against popular belief, talking to yourself can imply you might be a genius or at least, you’re an intelligent human being, studies have found. Talking to yourself can alleviate stress, provides a cognitive boost and allows you to focus more clearly on the task at hand.

6. If you favour cats over dogs

Unfortunately for dog people, studies have found that people who prefer cats are more intelligent. Cat lovers were found to be more introverted, open-minded and more likely to be non-conformists. The animal you choose to favour is mainly dependent upon your personality type, the study found.

7. If you’re scatterbrained

It’s no secret that people who have a scatterbrain live a hectic life, but did you know that the ability to juggle various projects and work to your own timescales can actually be a strong indicator of high levels of intelligence?

Constantly thinking about multiple things at once and not being able to focus on a particular task means you’re constantly expanding your horizons and wanting to achieve more. The unique way your brain works can be used to your advantage and you can use it to unleash your creative genius.

So there you have it, 7 unexpected signs that you might actually be a genius. Intelligence and genius can be defined in so many different ways and there are also many ways in which it can be communicated.

Do any of these signs apply to you or somebody you know? Let us know in the comments.

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Christina Lawson, B.A.

Contributing writer at Learning Mind

Christina has earned a bachelor's degree in psychology from the Open University and has a passion for books, good food, and quality movies. She can often be found reading self-help articles snuggled up in bed with a cup of coffee or writing about anything and everything in a quiet cafe somewhere.

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