We all remember learning as a child and being encouraged to be curious about the world around us. As adults, we sometimes forget that learning can be fun and doesn’t have to be work-related.
Having a mind open to knowledge and experiences can have great benefits for everyone, no matter what age we are.
It can help us to:
- develop new skills or interests
- increase our skills and knowledge in an area we’re already interested in
- challenge ourselves and meet a goal, such as learning a language, fixing the garden gate, earning a certificate or cooking a meal
- meet people with similar interests and make new friends
- explore new places, especially if we’re going to a class or finding resources to use
It might also help our wellbeing by:
- developing our self-confidence and self-esteem
- focussing our mind, maybe even practising mindfulness or relaxation as we concentrate
- being less stressed or worried as we’re engaged in new activities
- enjoying what we’re doing and maybe boosting our mood too
- expressing ourselves in new ways, especially if we’re learning something creative – singing, acting, writing, painting, dancing or arts and crafts can all help us in this way