In the last blog post in this series, we explore the benefits to our wellbeing of keeping learning.
Why is learning good for us?
Learning has been shown to help improve and maintain our wellbeing. It can boost self-confidence and self-esteem, help build a sense of purpose, and encourage connection with others. People engaged in learning also report feeling better about themselves and a greater ability to cope with stress.
Some scientists think that setting goals and working towards them plays an important role in the way learning influences wellbeing. Setting targets and hitting them can create positive feelings of accomplishment and achievement, and can also be motivating to do more.
How do you learn?
I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand. – Confucius
This is very individual – some learn better through reading, others from watching, and others from actually “having a go” and doing it for themselves. It’s important to consider what works for you so that you can really enjoy what you are learning. And as you learn, be kind to yourself. Having time to reflect on what you have learnt so far helps that learning to stick and skills to improve. To F.A.I.L. is not a bad thing…. reclaim the word and see it as a First Attempt In Learning. In my experience, we learn more through failure than through skills coming easily to us, and we also build resilience.
Give learning a try
Ever heard the saying “every day’s a school day”? Well, it really can be. But learning doesn’t have to be in the formal sense we think of when we think of school, it can come from the everyday things we do. If you want to make learning a bigger part of your life, it helps to think about learning in the broadest sense.
Whilst classes and formal courses are great ways to learn new things, they can seem overwhelming and a big commitment. Keep in mind that there are lots of other ways to keep learning.
You might like to consider some of these ideas:
- Learn to cook a new dish, perhaps a favourite restaurant meal that you’ve never eaten at home.
- Visit a gallery or museum and learn about a period in history that interests you
- Take on a new responsibility at work, such as learning to use an IT system or understanding the monthly reports
- Work on a DIY project, such as fixing a broken bike, garden gate or something bigger. There are lots of free video tutorials online
- Sign up for a workshop in your local community. You might learn a new art or crafting skill, or try something practical such as gardening or plumbing.
- Rediscover an old hobby that challenges you, whether it’s building models, writing stories, drawing or knitting!
- Or perhaps discover a new hobby – such as writing a blog (what a good idea ;)….) or learning to paint
- Explore YouTube – there are so many short videos to teach you how to do pretty much anything and everything!
So what might you choose to learn, this week or month, and into next year?
