
Trying new things does wonders for the brain. It helps us to grow and challenges us to break out of the comfort zone. Adding new skills helps to keep our brain sharp. Also, it can be scary to try something new.
All kinds of thoughts go through your mind. You question,
can I really do this? Why do I even think I can do this? Am I crazy, I can’t do this. Be careful not to talk yourself out of it. If you are thinking about changing your mind about trying something new. Just ask yourself, what is the worst that can happen?
If you succeed, great! If you fail, at least you know and can say that you at least tried. The failure is only when we do not try. Discovering whether or not we can do something is valuable information.
What happens when you learn something new
- A feeling of accomplishment that you were able to do something you thought that you could not
- You gain knowledge that you can use for the future
- It opens new opportunities and sparks new interests
- You can overcome fear and release that doubt in yourself
- It helps our mental health by boosting your brainpower
- Improves self-esteem
Things to try to give your brain that work
- Drive a new way to and/or from work. Change your route so that you don’t have the same route home. If you know where all the potholes are and it is second nature, it numbs the brain right?! It requires no brainpower, where is the fun in that. A new route will require the brain to be more alert, and it will require you to think about where you are going
- Learn a new language. This is fun and your brain will thank you. You get to have new conversations and make new connections. Even if you do not become fluent in a new language you have learned a new skill
- Like to dance? Try to learn a new dance. It makes you smile, it is exercise and improves mood. Join a dance class if there are any in your area. Also, check out the many videos on the internet and try these at home too.
- Try crossword puzzles and jigsaw puzzles as well. These give the brain practice too. Playing cards is another way to help boost memory.
Conclusion
As you can see, you don’t have to try something that is outrageous or outlandish. Start with something on a small scale then expand it to as big as you want. The important thing is to enjoy yourself and expand your brainpower.
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay