An unexpected way to boost your mood
When it comes to learning and trying new things, there are no rules. Just follow your curiosity and have some fun!
Did you know learning and trying new things is good for your mental wellbeing? Learning new things is part of Do, one of our 6 pillars of wellbeing. It’s a pretty powerful tool to add to your wellness toolkit, and it’s easy to weave into your day. From doing brain teasers to cooking a new recipe, opportunities to learn and try new things are everywhere. The hardest part tends to be getting started.
Letting go of your fear of failure
One of the biggest barriers to learning new things is a fear of failure. What if I suck? But being good at something isn’t the goal. It’s the journey that matters. That’s because the process of learning new things actually strengthens your neural pathways and helps to keep your brain cells functioning at their best. You might never completely master a new language, instrument, or recipe – but the act of trying is wonderful for your brain.
Embrace a growth mindset
If you have a growth mindset, it means you believe your talents can be developed and improved. Psychologist Carol Dweck coined the term and its counterpart, a fixed mindset, which means believing your talents are innate gifts. Carol is quick to point out that everyone has both fixed and growth mindsets – there’s no such thing as having a 100% growth mindset. Instead, it’s helpful to think of a growth mindset as something you can embrace when learning new things.
21 ideas of new things to try
Not sure what your next challenge should be? Here are some ideas to get you started.
Learn a language
Cook a new recipe
Play a new sport
Try a new gym class
Play a new video game
Try a brain teaser
Learn the basics of coding
Sign up for a community class
Grow a new plant or vegetable
Try making a piece of clothing
Learn how to breathe deeply
Upcycle an old piece of furniture
Learn an instrument
Start a research project
Listen to podcasts
Do a puzzle
Visit somewhere new
Learn a dance routine
Try meditation
Read a book from a different era
Make homemade bread from scratch
When it comes to learning and trying new things, there are no rules. Just follow your curiosity and have some fun!