What are the long term benefits of learning?

Learning is something we associate with youth, probably because when we are children our brains are like sponges. They readily absorb vast quantities of information without issue.

However, just because science suggests that our brains stop producing new cells once we hit our early 20s, this doesn’t mean we have to stop learning or that we can no longer retain new information.

If anything, choosing to learn throughout our lives can offer us a whole host of benefits.

Let us explain:

Learning can improve self-confidence

We naturally place a lot of pressure on ourselves. We want to appear competent, self-assured, and able. If we cannot demonstrate that, our self-confidence, self-belief, and trust in ourselves gradually become diminished, to the point that we stop trying out of fear of embarrassing ourselves.

Now, learning requires a lot of self-confidence, as there will be moments when you don’t know what is right, or even if you’re correctly interpreting information. Instead, you are forced to believe that with a little perseverance you will get there and you will eventually understand. In other words, you have to trust that you will overcome this lack of knowledge and will eventually learn it.

This is where home learning is so beneficial. It eliminates the pressure of classroom expectations and allows you to claim this self-confidence and trust in yourself without letting the presence of others impede your journey. Instead, you can freely learn and absorb at your own pace and let your self-confidence continue to grow as you’ll be in complete control of your learning journey.

Learning fights boredom

Studies have proven that an active mind can stave off boredom and keep you healthy, and it is true. If you find a subject you’re passionate about, you can use this flow of new information to keep your brain fresh, invigorated, and in the moment.

So if you’re prone to bouts of boredom, it may be worth taking the time to learn something new so you remain enriched, entertained, and fulfilled.

Now, you can do this in a few ways:

• You can sign up for a new hobby i.e. photography, pottery, hiking club, etc.
• You can register for an online course and study in your spare time (ideal if you’re working)
• Read vigorously – joining a book club will keep you motivated and focused as you’ll be expected to finish the book before the next session. In turn, you will have someone to share your thoughts and opinions with on the book.
• Listen to webinars and podcasts – if there is a topic that interests you, make a point to listen and watch webinars/podcasts and actively participate in the discussion. Not only can you learn something new from these sessions, but they will also further spark your interest in the topic.

Learning keeps your brain healthy and sharp

• According to a study by the University of California at Irvine, learning keeps our brains functioning at a higher level. This is because, like muscles, our brains need exercise. Leave it stagnant and your senses/responses will dull.
• As a result, you must keep your brain in shape and ensure that you continue to challenge it. And the easiest way to challenge our brains is to look for further opportunities to help them learn and grow. Whether this is learning a new language, taking up a hobby, or returning to education; all can help to keep your brain sharp as you’ll be actively using it.

Learning can help to bolster your mental facilities and protect them from the onset of Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

Learning can show you practical life skills

• You could say that school and work supply you with professional knowledge that will enable you to earn money and put a roof over your head. But that is not all learning should be about. Learning can also help you to acquire practical life skills. For instance, it should show you how to handle money, become a better communicator and equip you with essential computer skills. Should you be lacking in any of these, it can easily be remedied by you studying online courses, which you can easily slot into your schedule. You can even do specialist courses that will enable you to overcome social barriers, so you can work with others and make friends more easily.

Learning can help you to model positive behaviour to your children

• Our children look to us for role models. This means how you behave and react to learning will influence their interpretations and behavioural patterns, as they will essentially mimic what you say and do.
• Choosing to continue on your learning journey will set a good example for your children, as it will allow them to see you working hard at your self-improvement, as well as see the level of dedication and commitment you are willing to give to something you want. By watching you continue your education, they too will be inspired to work hard and try harder.
• In turn, by working alongside each other – them with their homework and you with your online course – you will each increase the chances of the other succeeding, as you will be spurring one another on to do your best. Learning and growing together will make you closer and will strengthen your bond, as you will each know exactly what the other is going through.

Learning can help you to sleep more soundly

Think about it…

When you exercise properly, this exertion helps you to wear your body out and become tired. Your brain is the same. When you exercise your mind and challenge it with new information, the absorption of this knowledge will tire it out and help you to sleep better. And the better you sleep, the healthier and happier you will be – making it a win-win.

Learning helps you to stay healthy

Aside from exercising your mind and keeping you sharp and fresh, there are other not-so-obvious health benefits to learning. For instance, learning encourages you to become more organised and practice time management techniques, which will help to alleviate and reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.

In addition, there are dedicated online courses that have been purposefully designed to help you improve your health e.g. learning to become a personal trainer; health and fitness courses; nutrition; nutrition basics, etc., and making improvements to your diet. And this is great news if you don’t want to join a gym or pay for a personal trainer, as you can essentially learn how to take better care of your own body for the long term.

See what we mean?

There are numerous life-long benefits to learning that can improve your health and vitality in several ways. So before you conclude that learning is a young person’s game or decide that you’re too old to learn, we encourage you to think again.

If anything, learning can help you to turn back the clock; change your life, and help you to feel more satisfied and fulfilled. What you now need to decide is how you’d prefer to learn. Do you want to re-enter the classroom? Or do you want the freedom to dedicate your learning schedule and fit it around your current commitments?

If it is the former, then we recommend reaching out to local colleges and adult education centres to see what courses they’ve got available and how they handle their learning schedule e.g. lessons, exams, locations, etc.

If it is the latter, you can enjoy the instant perk of being able to pick and choose your long-distance learning provider, and then decide whether you want a fully immersive at-home learning experience, or if you want to experiment with a split course that primarily takes place at home, but includes some practical days/sessions.

Ready to enjoy the benefits of learning from home? Check out our website to get started.