Learning is a lifelong pursuit that helps us adapt, thrive, flourish and change our behavior. When we choose to be a “student” beyond our formal education, with a willingness and readiness to learn, we expand and deepen our perspective, prompting action.
Our experiences, assumptions and old models can get in the way of making new connections and patterns that lead to new thinking. One of the first steps to learning throughout our life is unlearning. “Unlearning is not about forgetting. It’s about the ability to choose an alternative mental model or paradigm. When we learn, we add new skills or knowledge to what we already know. When we unlearn, we step outside the mental model in order to choose a different one,” says Mark Bonchek, Why the Problem with Learning is Unlearning. The process of unlearning includes:
Recognize that the old mental model is no longer relevant or effective;
Find or create a new model that can better achieve your goals;
Ingrain the new mental habits.
When we learn, we form new pathways in our brain. According to PositivePsychology.com, neuroplasticity is the brains ability to adapt. Focus, doing the work and disciplined practice all contribute to neuroplasticity, according to Dr. Lara Boyd . DO THE WORK, DAILY!
Thai Nguyen offers 10 Proven Ways to Grow Your Brain Neurogenesis & Neuroplasticity:
Intermittent fasting
Travel;
Use mnemonic devices;
Learn a musical instrument;
Non-dominant hand exercises;
Read fiction;
Expand your vocabulary;
Create artwork;
Dance;
Sleep – get enough!
Relaxation exercises, techniques, music and meditations can also contribute to our ability to adapt. Exercising, yoga, eating foods rich in flavonoids (cocoa and blueberries) and antioxidants (green tea), juggling, crosswords and sudoku can all contribute to focusing, learning and adopting new behaviors.
Music and art awaken our senses and shift our attention and broaden our perspective as well. Get inspired and reinvigorated - go to a museum, listen to music. Here are 10 songs scientifically proven to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation:
Weightless by Marconi Union
Electra by Airstream
Mellomaniac (Chill Out Mix) by DJ Shah
Watermark by Enya
Strawberry Swing by Coldplay
Please Don’t Go by Barcelona
Pure Shores by All Saints
Someone Like You by Adele
Canzonetta Sull’aria by Mozart
We Can Fly by Rue du Soleil (Cafe Del Mar) (Curtin, 2017)
Mindfulness practice can also change our brain and improve our health. If you’re just getting started on the mindfulness path, Harvard Medical School has an excellent overview from a presentation on mindfulness. Here are a few resources to take a deeper dive:
Headspace and Meditation Oasis apps
Open your mind and start unlearning your way to learning. Music, travel, dancing, mindfulness - good practices to keep you going strong on the journey to you.