How learning and career transitions can boost mental health
Discover how continuous learning and career transitions can enhance mental health. Explore the benefits of brain plasticity, stress management, and finding purpose through lifelong learning and career development.
How learning and career transitions can boost mental health
As adults, many of us are guilty of becoming complacent in what we already know, thinking of learning as a thing of our past. We forget that during our school or college days, we were learning something new every day and it would keep us sharp. I’m sure I’m not the only person who doesn’t feel quite as smart as her 21-year-old self, and I suspect that’s partially down to the fact that I’m not continuously learning.
Think about learning as a mental workout; something that strengthens our cognitive and emotional resilience. Brain plasticity, our brain’s ability to change its wiring, allows us to adapt, grow, and take on new challenges. So, when we think about embarking on a new learning journey, let’s reframe it. It may seem daunting or stressful, but we should see returning to education as a chance to strengthen our cognitive abilities and feel good about our achievements.
Written by
Polly is a Marketing Executive at Learning People, bringing extensive expertise in professional training and career development, including in-demand fields like data, tech, cybersecurity, cloud computing, project management, and business skills.
How learning rewires your brain
Brain plasticity means that our brains can reshape and reorganise themselves in response to new experiences. When you learn, your brain forms new neural connections, strengthening the pathways that improve mental agility.
Think of your brain like a muscle. Just as lifting weights builds strength and resilience in your body, learning exercises your brain, enhancing its efficiency. Each time you tackle a new skill or navigate a career change, you’re giving your brain a workout, making it stronger and more adaptable.
This kind of mental workout is an absolute essential in maintaining your emotional health. By embracing new experiences, you train your brain to manage stress better. The act of learning stimulates the release of dopamine, the “feel-good” neurotransmitter, which enhances motivation and creates a sense of achievement.
There’s been a lot of research around the role of new experiences in making time feel slower. Do you ever feel like your adult years are going by in a flash? If yes, you’re probably comparing it to how slow your childhood years felt, when every day you experienced something new. So, keep your zest for life alive by taking on new challenges and experiencing more first times.
Turning stress into growth
Stepping out of your comfort zone during a career change can be scary, but it’s also an opportunity for growth. When you face uncertainty, your brain learns to adapt, building resilience and reducing long-term anxiety. This process teaches you to manage stress more effectively, turning what once felt overwhelming into a source of strength.
This is where eustress comes into play. Unlike distress, eustress motivates and energises us. Think of it as the kind of stress that gives you a boost before a big presentation or a new project.
By embracing eustress during transitions, you rewire your brain to see change as an opportunity rather than a threat. This shift in perspective transforms stress into a powerful tool for personal and professional growth.
The role of purpose in mental wellness
Finding a deeper sense of purpose is crucial for mental wellness, and career shifts often act as a way to find that purpose. When people choose to learn a new skill or pursue a new career path, they often rediscover a sense of meaning.
Lifelong learning and career reinvention empower people to explore roles that resonate with their passions, leading to a more fulfilling and mentally healthy life. Purpose-driven careers transform challenges into opportunities for growth and happiness.
Mental health-positive learning
Maximising the mental health benefits of learning involves more than just reading and revising; it’s about engaging your mind in creative and stimulating ways. One effective approach is gamification. By turning learning into a game, you can make skill acquisition both fun and rewarding. Whether it’s earning badges for completing courses or setting up friendly competitions with fellow students, gamification keeps you motivated and mentally engaged, reducing stress and increasing satisfaction.
Another innovative method is blending learning with mindfulness. Consider incorporating study meditation sessions into your routine. After learning a new concept, take a few minutes to close your eyes, breathe, and reflect on what you’ve absorbed. This not only reinforces the material but also creates a sense of calm and focus.
Your learning journey is a powerful tool for enhancing mental health. By stepping into new realms of knowledge and embracing career shifts, you are building resilience, boosting self-confidence, and improving emotional well-being.
As you navigate this journey, remember that every challenge is an opportunity for growth. Embrace the changes and trust in your ability to adapt and thrive. Explore courses that not only advance your career but also resonate with your personal goals and values.