Learning new things can give your life purpose, reduce your stress levels and boost your self-esteem. It can also slow down your cognitive decline, ease depression and improve your mental health. And while it’s not always easy, learning something new every day can be fun and rewarding.
Whether it’s reading a book on your commute, listening to an informative podcast or taking up a new sport, there are many ways to learn something every day. And it’s important to find a method that works for you because different people learn in different ways.
One of the best approaches to learning is relational learning, which involves relating new information to what you already know. For example, if you’re learning a new language, it helps to connect the vocabulary and grammar with the languages you already speak. This process of association can help you memorize faster and remember more.
Other learning methods include repetition, practice and immersion. For example, if you’re trying to learn a new language, practice speaking it out loud daily and immerse yourself in the language by watching movies, TV shows and talking with native speakers. Repeating new words and phrases is also important, as it can help you commit the information to memory.
It’s also a good idea to vary your learning activities, as this can help you retain and learn more. For instance, if you’re learning to cook, try watching cooking tutorials on YouTube and then practice in the kitchen. And if you prefer to study on your own, consider signing up for a class that teaches the skill you want to master or finding a tutor online.
Finally, it’s essential to create a mindset of lifelong learning. This is because studies show that it strengthens neural pathways in the brain and enhances neuroplasticity, which is our ability to change our behavior and thinking patterns over time. So don’t view learning as a chore or something you need to do for a grade, instead think of it as a way to enhance your quality of life and grow in your passions.
To make learning a priority in your day-to-day, block out an hour or two each morning, on your lunch break or before bed to read or watch a tutorial. This can help you stick to your learning goal and avoid the temptation to multitask, which research suggests leads to a drop in cognitive processing efficiency equivalent to that of going from a University level MBA student to an 8 year old. learn
