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The cold, dark wintry weather can have a significant impact on the mental health of individuals and result in a generally unhappy feeling for a lot of people. Although the days are gradually getting longer, the slumber from January is still continuing and you may be looking for a way out of it.
Did you know that learning a language can actually help tackle depression? Even though there isn’t any scientific evidence to prove this, there are many ways that studying a new language can successfully shift those negative feelings.
The Power of Learning a New Language
Strong Focus & Concentration
Learning any new skill requires a strong focus, concentration alongside dedication. This is especially so for studying a new language and getting to grips with conjugating the next verb or understanding sentence structure. Similar to mindfulness and meditation, this act of focusing on one thing consequently distracts the mind from others, like depressive thoughts and emotions. By streamlining your focus onto this teaching, your mind will be distracted from negative feelings.
Meet New People & Form Friendships
When it comes to learning a new language, you can learn via in-person classes or virtually. Either way, you will be interacting with new people because one of the best ways to learn a new language is to speak it and converse with others. Although depression can encourage feelings of isolation, this activity throws you into socialisation as you need to practise with people. Not only can this provide encouragement that reduces anxieties and builds self-confidence, but you can form new friendships and connections too.
Create Your Own Schedule
The pressure is off when learning a new language as you are able to set your own goals and work around your schedule and mental health. No matter what subject you choose, learning is flexible for you and you can learn as much or as little as you like. This ensures that you are getting exactly what you want out of this experience and the process is as enjoyable as possible for you. Every achievement can be celebrated and you can study, revise, and organise your lessons around you.
Build New Mental Connections
When we learn or try new things, new neural pathways and connections are formed in our brains. Learning a language does just that, enhancing cognitive abilities, multitasking abilities, advancing memory and improving moods. With your brain literally changing as you are studying a language, it is positively affecting your mindset which results in self-satisfaction and happiness within yourself.
Combat Depressive Thoughts with New Languages
If you’ve been thinking about learning a new language for a while or want to try something to combat your own negative emotions, this is your sign to do it.
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