Why learning a new skill is good for you

Learning a new skill keeps our minds sharp and our lives interesting.  It can enhance your social skills & social life, memory, wellbeing, self worth, even employment prospects.

Stretch yourself, surprise yourself, do something different.

“Learning affects our well-being in lots of positive ways. It exposes us to new ideas and helps us stay curious and engaged. It also gives us a sense of accomplishment and helps boost our self-confidence and resilience. There are many ways to learn new things – not just through formal qualifications. We can share a skill with friends, join a club, learn to sing, play a new sport and so much more.”  www.actionforhappiness.org/10-keys-to-happier-living/keep-learning-new-things/details

The neuroscientist David Eagleman has found that the brain uses more energy in representing a memory when it’s a novel one and urges us to stretch our horizons, learn new skills, cultivate an openness to fresh possibilities, and live more intensely www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/do-something-blog/2014/jan/11/do-something-manifesto-oliver-burkeman

“Learning a new skill works best to keep your brain sharp.”  New research shows you might be better off picking up a challenging new hobby to prevent memory loss. Challenging activities strengthen entire networks in the brain which can ward off dementia.  “We hope that by maintaining a very active brain, you could defer cognitive aging by a couple of years,”  www.npr.org/2014/05/05/309006780/learning-a-new-skill-works-best-to-keep-your-brain-sharp

 “The excitement of learning separates youth from old age. As long as you’re learning, you’re not old.” ~Rosalyn S. Yalow

  “Appreciate the experience of trying something new, rather than obsessing about how well you are going to do it. That way, you’re more likely to keep going and stay motivated over time, regardless of your ability…. Don’t judge yourself too harshly: trying something new isn’t about winning awards, but about pushing yourself and breaking out of old routines.” www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2014/jan/11/do-something-resolutions-seven-ways-get-started

The message is clear – breaking out of routine, undertaking new challenges and finding outlets for your skills is key to achieve a happy balance in your life.

One day courses, 4 lesson courses, and 10 lesson courses are all available at our jewellery school.  See what you can achieve!