Fun & Powerful Ways to Grow Your Mind As an Adult

One of my goals for 2019 was to be sure I took a proactive approach to learning. I want to forever enjoy learning, so, I’ve been seeking unique ways to do so!

I know that most adults hear the word “learn” and instantly think of reading. I’ll be honest, I don’t love reading. I read because I know it’s good for me, not because I’m ever really that excited to come home and snuggle up with a book. But, at times, it is enjoyable! I do love reading on dark rainy days with my windows open. So, how else can we learn that doesn’t require a ton of time, effort, or resources? Here’s what’s working for me!

AudioBooks

I’ve recently been using the Audible App and it is forever added to my monthly subscription list! I love the idea of listening to a book read by the author- who could you find that would be more excited about what lies between those pages than them?! When I was listening to Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis, I fell in love with audiobooks. I will say, Rae is better than most at public speaking which makes her book feel parallel to a therapy session. After listening to a chapter every morning, I felt so fired up! I highly recommend using the Audible or iBooks App for easy, convenient, affordable listening!

Duolingo

I took Spanish from Kindergarten until my senior year of college, every year. I love the Hispanic culture, and learning Spanish was always something that sparked such joy in my education. By the time I graduated from college, I was understanding fluently, with correct grammar, and speaking comfortably in conversation. I was so proud! Then, I moved to Italy for a year and my Spanish background helped me learn to speak and understand Italian with ease! However, now, my Spanish and Italian are very confused! I often throw a “Cinque” where “Cinco” is supposed to go while discussing numbers, donde and dove (where) are essentially completely confused, and I can never quite remember how to conjugate a few verbs into the 3rd person. Cue, Duolingo!

Duolingo is a platform that includes a language-learning website and app, as well as a digital language proficiency assessment exam. The app and the website are free. Duolingo also offers a premium service for a fee. Duolingo lessons adapt to your learning style. Exercises are tailored to help you learn and review vocabulary effectively. You’re able to Instantly see which answers you get correct. When you miss a challenge, they’ll quickly show you how to improve. Best part? Duolingo works! A study has shown that 34 hours of Duolingo are equal to 1 university semester of language courses. Free or low-cost college courses?! I’ll take that!

Podcasts

I live in downtown Chicago, so, I spend a lot of time walking! For every walk that I listen to music, I do my best to alternate with a Podcast. I’m not super picky about what I listen to (as long as they aren’t long) because I consider them similar to watching the news or reading an article. They can be quick, informative, and essentially, interactive! I love to be able to learn something while simply listening. Not listening to take notes, to absorb to retain for an exam or any other form of information intake that requires effort. Podcasts are fun, easy, and light- the perfect way to let your mind wander. I’ll be creating a list of my favorite podcasts this month! Comment below if you have any you think I should check out!

Memorado

Memorado is the leading mobile gym for the brain. The app strives to significantly improve people’s quality of life around the world through brain training based on neuroscience. Their goal is to redefine how people think about mental performance and help them unlock their true potential. Memorado works to improve your brain speed, concentration, memory, reaction & logic. Pretty self-explanatory, test it out!

I hope these tasks are ones you implement into your daily routine! I am a strong believer in investing in your mind the way you do your hobbies. The few minutes you spend a day in your early life creating habits that will reap benefits long-term is the most responsible thing you can do for yourself, your family, and loved ones. The ways I listed are either free or very affordable, so, promise me you’ll give them a try? You’ll never go broke investing in yourself!