We’ve been getting used to hearing a lot of "no". No travel, no gym, no dinners out with friends. But what if we start thinking about all the "yes"? Yes to learning yoga online. Yes to learning how to bake. Yes to brushing up on your French. Yes to learning how to knit, code, paint…you get the point. Most of us are now home a lot. No better time to learn a new skill.
Learning improves our brain function and mood.
Research shows that learning new skills improves how well our brains function. A recent study found that older adults who learned a new skill, such as playing an instrument or a new language, had better memory and processing speed. Interestingly, these improvements appear to be linked to the “newness” of the skill. A study published in Psychological Science showed that those who learned something new and complex scored better in brain tests than those who stuck to familiar hobbies.
The benefits of learning go well beyond the brain. It also gives us a sense of purpose and accomplishment, and has been shown to boost mood and self-esteem. It is exciting and rewarding to see what we can do. Tackling a new skill is also an effective way of distracting our brains away from negative or worrisome thoughts.
How to teach your brain new tricks.
In our hectic, on-the-go lives, learning for fun tends to fall by the wayside. With many of us at home without our usual errands/commutes/social plans, we have an amazing opportunity to re-prioritize this.
1. Pick something you like!
If you see something as a chore, you are less likely to stick to it. Pick something you have always wanted to try. Or, something you used to love to do, but stopped.
2. Know how you learn best.
Some of us learn best visually, while others like written instructions. Think about what has usually worked best for you. Then, go online to find resources that align with your needs.
3. Carve out time.
Many of us have lost the usual structure in our days. The good thing about taking on a new goal is that that it adds some back in. Set aside some time each week to practice your new skill, whether it’s strumming a few chords or doing a DIY project.
4. Try, try again.
Keep at it! Practice is key to learning. If it’s something you enjoy, chances are you’ll want to keep doing it.
5. Be patient.
Learning a new skill doesn’t happen right out of the gate. It takes time. If you’re dedicated to learning something new, give yourself the time you need to gain both skill and confidence.
It’s time to invest in our interests
It’s difficult to not think about what’s happening right now. But, a little distraction can go a long way. Plus, it breaks the cycle of monotony. So, the next time you find yourself scrolling your Facebook feed, think about what you could be doing (and learning) instead.
