Research shows that it is important for our mental health to keep learning way beyond our school years.
Human beings are hardwired to learn.
Learning at work is good for our happiness too. Research shows that opportunities for self-development have become the second most important factor in workplace happiness (after the nature of the work itself).
How will learning affect my mental health?
Learning throughout our lives enables us to enjoy life more, improve our knowledge and thinking skills and manage stress.
As well as being fun, learning can boost our self-confidence and our self-esteem. Learning is a great way to connect socially too and is invaluable in a workplace environment. When we deliver wellbeing seminars and webinars to our corporate clients, we take positive actions to bond the learners together. So learning is good for team building too.
When and where should we learn?
Learning can be done at any place and at any time. It’s about breaking patterns and shaking up our synapses. So even walking a different route at lunchtime or asking a colleague to teach you something new can help.
Learning needn’t be about school or formal qualifications such as our Level 2 NVQ In Mental Health Awareness; we can broaden our minds and improve our mental health by setting ourselves a challenge and attempting to master it.
What type of learning will improve my mental wellbeing?
One of the best ways to improve your mental wellbeing is to combine it with a physical activity whilst you are learning. You might:
- Listen to a podcast while you walk or run. Try You’re Dead To Me by the chief nerd from Horrible Histories available from BBC Sounds.
- Sign up for a physical course such as our instructing yoga course.
- Try a bit of DIY. There are loads of great videos on YouTube about how to fix things.
- Set up a new sport or exercise class at work. Call us and we will help you.
- Learn to cook a healthy alternative to a takeaway.
How to learn at work
- Try a new route to work or even cycle if you can.
- Ask your colleagues what their hobbies are.
- Watch a TED talk when you get back from a brisk lunchtime walk.
- Ask to take on a new role.
- Plan time to learn.
- Ask to learn more at work such as an IT system.
- Find out what professional development there is for you.
- Ask to become a Mental Health First-aider or a Physical First-aider.
- Ask about having a mentor or ask to become one.
- Write a to-learn list.
- Ask if you can shadow someone.
If you want any help, as usual, please don’t hesitate to contact us.