People With Unusual Brains Do These 11 Odd Habits Daily
Roman Samborskyi / Shutterstock People with unusually wired brains — whether they’re highly creative, analytical, sensitive, or simply think in ways that don’t match the norm — often move through the world with daily habits that look a little odd from the outside. These behaviors are the natural byproducts of a mind that processes information differently. What seems quirky or confusing to others is usually completely logical to them, and sometimes even essential for keeping their thoughts organized and their emotions steady.
These habits tend to show up in small, repetitive ways throughout the day that suit the way their brain works, even if they don’t consciously realize it. Over time, these patterns become signatures of their inner world, leaving subtle clues that their mental wiring allows them to experience life from a unique angle.
People with unusual brains do these 11 odd habits daily
1. Talking to themselves
Daniel Hoz / Shutterstock
People whose brains work a little differently often talk to themselves throughout the day. While it might seem like an odd habit, it can actually improve the way their minds function by helping them separate what they’re thinking from what they’re feeling.
A 2024 study found a strong link between self-talk and better emotional regulation. What looks unusual from the outside is actually a healthy coping mechanism that helps people recognize their thoughts as just thoughts, not hard truths. Because of this, they’re less likely to feel overwhelmed or controlled by their emotions.
2. Spending time alone
DimaBerlin / Shutterstock
People with brains that work differently from others understand the benefits of intentionally spending time alone. They make a habit of solitude and actively aim to get used to being alone to fully reap the benefits of hours of alone time.
A healthy balance of solitude and socializing every day can greatly impact a person’s well-being. A 2023 study in the National Library of Medicine found that when spending time alone is a conscious choice, it reduces stress and typically leads to greater self-satisfaction.
3. Staying up late
SeventyFour / Shutterstock
While some people don’t think much about habits that support their brain, these individuals are intentional about getting the right amount of sleep. They often stay up late but still make sure they get seven to nine hours because they know it helps their mind function at its best.
A study from Imperial College London found that people who naturally go to bed and wake up later tend to have stronger cognitive abilities than early risers. By looking at participants’ chronotypes — their preference for morning or evening activity — the researchers discovered that “evening people” consistently scored higher on cognitive tests than “morning people.”
4. Daydreaming
PeopleImages / Shutterstock
If someone with an unusually wired brain tends to daydream a lot, they may actually be building a habit that helps them. Letting their mind wander can support their overall well-being and give their brain space to recharge and grow.
Research shows that positive, constructive daydreaming can boost creativity. The more someone engages in this kind of mental wandering, the more creative they’re likely to become. A 2021 study also found that higher creativity is linked to greater well-being, meaning daydreamers often end up happier, too.
5. Constantly asking questions
PeopleImages / Shutterstock
People with unusually wired brains often have a strong sense of curiosity. They’re the ones who are always asking questions, digging for information, and trying to understand how things work.
This constant questioning usually comes from intrinsic motivation — a genuine desire to learn and grow. Research shows that while people can be driven by either internal or external rewards, curiosity is typically a sign of inner motivation. It reflects a natural urge to explore rather than a need for outside approval.
6. Working in messy spaces
thodonal88 / Shutterstock
People with unusually wired brains often gravitate toward habits that bring out their creative side. When they’re in the right environment, they look for ways to stretch their abilities and make the most of how their mind naturally works.
Research published in Psychological Science found that people working in messy spaces generated just as many innovative ideas as those in tidy environments, and often more interesting ones. In many cases, the clutter seemed to support creativity rather than hinder it, helping them think in original and unexpected ways.
7. Connecting unrelated ideas
PeopleImages / Shutterstock
Some people with unusually wired brains have stronger creative abilities than the average person. Their minds naturally make leaps and connections that don’t come as easily to others.
A 2024 study found that highly creative individuals tend to link ideas that normally wouldn’t go together and form associations most people wouldn’t think of. Interestingly, their brains don’t activate the same regions as strongly as those making more typical connections, which may indicate that they process information more efficiently.
8. Rereading and rewriting things
dekazigzag / Shutterstock
Many people with unusual brains have strong analytical tendencies. Their brains are constantly seeking the deeper meaning of information they take in, and they have a desire to strengthen their memory. As a result, these individuals will typically develop a habit of rereading and rewriting things.
The authors of a 2024 study in the National Library of Medicine note that, to maintain information in working memory, it must be refreshed and repeated. While both neural processes had little overall impact on long-term memory, they greatly improved working memory.
9. Going for aimless walks
phM2019 / Shutterstock
People with unusually wired brains often have highly active minds. Because of this, they may enjoy taking aimless walks to let their thoughts settle and give their brain a break from constant stimulation.
Research shows that the amygdala, which is the part of the brain involved in emotion, memory, and the fight-or-flight response, becomes less active when someone takes at least a one-hour walk in nature. Stepping away from busy or stressful environments helps their brain calm down, which is why these individuals often make wandering walks a regular habit.
10. Doodling
GaudiLab / Shutterstock
People with unusually wired brains may find themselves doodling every day. If they know the cognitive benefits, they might do it intentionally to strengthen their memory and overall mental performance.
Studies show that doodling can improve recall and help people stay focused on tasks. In one experiment, participants who doodled while listening to a phone message remembered 29% more information than those who only listened.
11. Being hyper-sensitive to sounds
PeopleImages / Shutterstock
People with unusually wired brains sometimes develop habits they didn’t choose and don’t particularly enjoy. Being hypersensitive to sound is one of them. This constant sensitivity can be frustrating, especially when everyday noises feel intrusive or overwhelming.
Research shows that highly noise-sensitive people often experience stronger negative emotional reactions to unwanted sounds because of how their auditory cortex responds. While this trait may seem odd to others, those with differently wired brains often understand that their mix of sensitivities and habits also comes with benefits, including heightened awareness, intelligence, and creativity.
Kamryn Idol is a writer with a bachelor's degree in media and journalism who covers lifestyle, relationship, family, and wellness topics.
