6 New Skills to Learn That Will Enhance Your Life

written by: Julie Morris

Image via Unsplash

Are you bored? Are you stressed from the challenge of trying to juggle work and relationships? Do you just want to learn something fun that doesn’t involve sitting on your rump and watching TV? Whether you’re a retiree in your golden years, full swing in the middle of your career, or a student who is still trying to decide what path to take, learning to do new things can take your quality of life to the next level. Here are six new skills to consider for adding fun and productivity to your life, many of which can be done online or with a group of friends.

Musical Instrument

 Besides just being really fun, learning a musical instrument has amazing cognitive benefits and can be a mental health booster. While learning any instrument is beneficial, certain instruments work certain parts of the body and brain. Research various instrument options with your unique personality and goals in mind, or visit a music store in your area to determine which one suits you. You can find free tutorials on YouTube, take Skype lessons, or look for local traditional classes if you want to add a socializing aspect to the learning process.

Speed-Reading

 Learning to speed-read can come in very handy. Of course, there are times when you will prefer to just relax and take your time with a good book. But being able to finish your required reading three or five times faster would leave you with more time in the day to accomplish other things. Click here to read about a method called “The PX Project,” which has increased participants’ reading speed by an average of 386 percent.

Video Production

 Videos are a great way to document the lives of you and your people. Whether you’re making home videos to watch with the family each year or creating a collage of friends and events that will bring nostalgia for years to come, being able to make quality videos is a skill worth learning. You can find tutorials and classes online or check at your local community college to see if they offer a video production course.

Carpentry

Learning carpentry as a hobby is a great way to become handier around the house, but it’s also one of the more satisfying and enriching trades on this list. There’s just something special about working on a project with your hands and seeing the final product. The process of woodworking can also reduce stress, improve cognitive function, and combat cognitive decline.

Gardening

Like many of the other skills on this list, gardening is well-known for alleviating stress and improving overall health. One of the best parts about it, however, is the nutritional aspect. Growing your own food is a way for you to eat as fresh and healthy as possible, and most gardeners eat more fruits and vegetables than their peers. Furthermore, you don’t need a huge spread in your backyard to begin gardening. You can start by planting in a small container and go from there! Another option is to take on some landscaping projects around the house, including planting trees, flowers, and shrubs.

Cooking

Who doesn’t want to know how to cook a killer dish? Everyone wants to, but not everyone is willing to take the time. Cooking is an art that teaches you patience and develops and exercises your creativity. There’s no limit to the variety of foods you can master, and you can expose yourself and your loved ones to many different cultures. It’s also an inexpensive way to reduce stress. You can even make some money on the side if that’s something you’re into.

No matter your age, learning new skills will enhance your life and improve your health. Look online or locally for opportunities to learn speed-reading, video production, a musical instrument, carpentry, cooking, gardening, or one of the countless other activities available. Whether you’re looking to do it as an individual or with a group of friends, there’s something out there that you can start today.