Boost Your Wellness Through Lifelong Learning

Have you ever wondered why some people seem to radiate enthusiasm and vitality, regardless of their age? What if the secret to their zest for life lies in their commitment to being lifelong learners?

What Is a Lifelong Learner?

Being a lifelong learner means continually seeking knowledge and experiences throughout your life. It’s an approach where learning is not confined to formal education, but is a constant, intentional pursuit of personal and professional growth. Lifelong learners embrace curiosity, adapt to new information, and apply what they learn to enhance their lives.

My Learning Journey to Becoming a Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach

At 63, after having a successful career as an attorney, I decided to pursue a lifelong passion to help others lead healthier and happier lives into old age. So, I decided to become a health and wellness coach. “What does that mean?,” you ask.

Coaching and lawyering are very different, so I went back to school to learn how to be a health and wellness coach and get certified. But I don’t just want to be certified. I want to have national board certification, which requires the completion of at least 50 coaching sessions and a lot of studying for a bugger of an exam (which I take next week—wish me luck!).

In my pursuit of becoming a board certified health and wellness coach by the National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching (NBHWC), I have experienced firsthand the transformative power of lifelong learning. The path to Board certification has required extensive study, deep dives into health and wellness topics, many hours of hands-on training, and a commitment to mastering the skills necessary to guide others on their wellness journeys.

Preparing for the NBHWC exam has been both challenging and rewarding. The rigorous curriculum has pushed me to expand my knowledge in areas such as nutrition, physical activity, and behavioral change theories. Each study session, research project, and practical application has not only prepared me for the Board certification exam, but has also enriched my personal well-being and understanding of holistic health and wellness.

I can attest firsthand to the rewards and benefits of lifelong learning. It’s been hard, intellectually challenging work, and I’ve loved every minute of it!

The Wellness Benefits of Lifelong Learning

1. Mental Health and Cognitive Function

   Engaging in continuous learning keeps your brain active and stimulated. Studies have shown that learning new skills can improve cognitive function, reduce the risk of cognitive decline, and even delay the onset of dementia. When you challenge your brain with new information, you form new neural connections, which keeps your mind sharp and agile.

2. Emotional Well-Being

   Learning new things can boost your confidence and self-esteem. The sense of accomplishment that comes from mastering a new skill or understanding a complex topic provides a powerful emotional lift. Additionally, lifelong learning encourages a positive outlook on life, fostering resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges. Not engaging in new learning experiences can lead to boredom, which has been linked to health issues.

3. Social Connections

   Lifelong learning often involves engaging with others, whether through classes, workshops, or discussion groups. These social interactions can help combat feelings of loneliness and isolation, promoting a sense of community and belonging. Building relationships with like-minded individuals can lead to meaningful friendships and a strong support network.

4. Stress Reduction

   Learning can be a form of mental escape, providing a break from the stressors of daily life. Whether it’s losing yourself in a good book, immersing in a new hobby, learning a new exercise routine, or exploring a fascinating subject, these activities can help reduce stress and promote relaxation.

5. Physical Health

   Surprisingly, lifelong learning can also benefit your physical health. For instance, learning about nutrition and fitness can lead to healthier lifestyle choices. Additionally, activities like learning a musical instrument or practicing a new sport can improve fine motor skills, coordination, and overall physical well-being.

The Science of Learning: Neuroplasticity

Learning new skills can have a profound impact on your brain. When you engage in the process of learning, your brain undergoes remarkable changes that enhance its function and overall health. This phenomenon is known as brain plasticity or neuroplasticity.

Brain development continues through the mid-to-late 20s. After that, the brain slowly shrinks, with the rate of shrinkage increasing after the age of 60. This can affect cognitive functions like memory, processing speed, and decision-making, which may leave you feeling a little less sharp as you get older.

Fortunately, our brains are incredibly adaptable, thanks to neuroplasticity. Neuroplasticity allows the brain to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life.

Adult brains have about 86 billion nerve cells, called neurons. Each neuron is connected to thousands of others—7,500 on average—forming a network of pathways. Neurons send signals along these pathways to communicate between different areas of the brain, making it possible for us to think, feel, and act.

Learning new skills not only strengthens existing neural pathways but also promotes the formation of new connections and neurons. It stimulates the release of dopamine—a neurotransmitter that makes the learning process exciting and encourages repetition.

Additionally, learning new things stimulates the growth of myelin—a fatty substance that wraps around nerve fibers and acts as an insulator. This insulation speeds up the transmission of electrical signals between neurons, facilitating faster and more efficient communication within the brain. As we learn and acquire new skills, the growth of myelin helps in the development of these new neural circuits.

Engaging in continuous learning throughout our lives not only enhances our cognitive abilities but also helps maintain brain health and vitality. In short, neuroplasticity means you can retrain your brain, tap into new skills, and improve overall cognitive function regardless of your age.

How to Cultivate Lifelong Learning

• Stay Curious: Cultivate a mindset of curiosity and openness. Ask questions, seek out new experiences, and never stop exploring.

• Set Goals: Identify areas of interest and set learning goals. This could be anything from learning a new language to mastering a craft.

• Use Technology: Take advantage of online courses, podcasts, and webinars. The internet offers a wealth of resources to support your learning journey.

• Read Regularly: Make reading a habit. Books, articles, and journals can provide endless opportunities for learning.

• Join a Community: Engage with learning communities, whether local groups or online forums. Sharing knowledge and experiences with others can enhance your learning experience.

Conclusion

Being a lifelong learner is not just about accumulating knowledge; it’s about enriching your life in countless ways. From mental and emotional well-being to social and physical health, the benefits of continuous learning are profound. So, embrace the journey of lifelong learning and unlock a world of wellness and personal growth. Remember, the pursuit of knowledge is a journey with no destination, but every step along the way enriches your life and enhances your well-being. 🌟