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.

  1. Learn a language

  2. Cook a new recipe

  3. Play a new sport

  4. Try a new gym class

  5. Play a new video game

  6. Try a brain teaser

  7. Learn the basics of coding

  8. Sign up for a community class

  9. Grow a new plant or vegetable

  10. Try making a piece of clothing

  11. Learn how to breathe deeply

  12. Upcycle an old piece of furniture

  13. Learn an instrument

  14. Start a research project

  15. Listen to podcasts

  16. Do a puzzle

  17. Visit somewhere new

  18. Learn a dance routine

  19. Try meditation

  20. Read a book from a different era

  21. 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!

Previous
Previous

How to let go of perfectionism

Next
Next

The easiest way to weave wellbeing into your day