Learning to live
Growth mindset as a mental health strategy
Like many people I know, I’ve developed a short list of strategies to support my mental health. It looks like:
Meditation (ideally daily)
Exercise (hiking, yoga, rowing, running)
Spending time in nature
Eating healthy and delicious foods
Connecting with loved ones
Cuddling with my dog
This year, I’ve added something new to the list: Learning.
When I am feeling down or depressed, I’ve found that learning something new stirs me out of the sense of stuck-ness that otherwise can feel all-consuming. It could be anything: a fascinating read, a challenging project or an interesting new client… and the world that had seemed so small suddenly opens up again.
As I reflect on this shift, I can see that it isn’t fueled so much by the new information I’m taking in—it’s the activation of my curiosity and the subsequent opening of my perspective that allows energy to flow in.
This makes sense when I remember that new jobs, new relationships, new environments are always energizing. I always thought this came with the freshness of the situation, but now I see it’s also about the quality of mind I am bringing to it—my openness, my curiosity, my own sense of flow.
Which means the situation doesn’t actually have to be brand new for this to work. Wherever I am, whatever I’m doing, I can find something new, interesting or challenging within it. And bring myself back to life.
In the comments: What are you learning right now? What are you curious about?
This week
What’s on your mental health strategy short list? Does learning belong on there?
When was the last time you learned something new?
What effect did it have on your mindset? On your mental health?
Is it time to learn something new? What’s it going to be?