Age should never stop you from learning! Even if you have a diploma, learning is a life-long continuous journey. How and why should you exercise your brain? What’s the best way to learn?
Keep reading to learn more about lifelong learning and how it impacts our brain health.
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The Health Importance of Lifelong Learning
Being a lifelong learner means that you’re incorporating continuous learning into your daily life. Every single day you show up ready to become a better, more educated & well-rounded version of yourself.
How Does Continuous Learning Impact Brain Health?
You know the age-old saying, “If you don’t use it, you lose it”? It couldn’t be more true.
1 – Neuroplasticity
One of the best ways to support your brain’s health, especially as you age, is to continue to challenge yourself. Mental stimulation helps the brain generate new cells (“neuroplasticity“), which is essential as we lose brain cells over time. Taking courses like MasterClass, or reading books can help to stimulate your mind, strengthen neural pathways, and promote the generation of new cells. Keep your brain active – you will thank yourself in the long run!
2 – Reduce Alzheimer’s Risk
By being a lifelong learner, you may help delay any symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. A study in Neurology has shown that lifelong cognitive learning and activity can promote better brain health. [1] Although it cannot reverse or fully prevent the onset of disease, it can improve quality of life & delay onset.
3 – Live Longer (On Average)
On average, those that are more educated tend to live longer lives! As mentioned in the National Bureau of Economic Research, “an additional four years of education lowers five-year mortality by 1.8%; it also reduces the risk of heart disease by 2.16% and the risk of diabetes by 1.3%.” [2] Critical thinking skills help us to better understand our body’s health warning signs.
Types of Continuous Learning
- Formal learning – like in a university classroom, a training program, an e-learning course
- Social learning – blogs (… hey, that’s me!), coaches (also me!), on-the-job training, and learning from others
- Self-directed learning – experimenting with books, videos, etc… to better understand a topic
So… What is MasterClass?
They offer over 100 high-quality classes, each with an average of 20 lessons per class (about ~10 minutes per lesson). They’re short, comprehensive videos that build off one another.
MasterClass has a long, long list of experts who weigh in on their favorite topics… from Jane Goodall and Sara Blakely… to Serena Williams and Chris Voss, there are SO many great classes on MasterClass. New classes are added every month – the list keeps growing!
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Courses are broken up into eleven total categories:
- Wellness (my favorite, of course)
- Food (…a close second)
- Sports & Gaming
- Science & Tech
- Home & Lifestyle
- Community & Government
- Business
- Arts & Entertainment
- Music
- Writing
- Design & Style
How Do You Take The MasterClass Courses?
MasterClass offers streaming on:
- Phones (via the app store)
- Online (laptop, ipads…)
- Apple TV
- Roku
- Amazon Fire TV
If you don’t have constant wifi or phone service, you can even download the lessons and watch offline.
How Much Is A MasterClass Membership?
As of right now (February 2021), the membership is $180 + tax (which is equals about $15 a month). The membership comes with access to all classes, as well as downloadable, PDF workbooks. You also get access to “The Hub,” which is a MasterClass-exclusive community/forum – this is a great way to discuss the content & engage with other course fanatics!
It also comes with a 30-day guarantee, so if you (for some reason) hate the platform (it would be hard to), they will offer a full refund! There’s no risk involved at all.
Which Course Do I Recommend?
There are so many great course options (I love listening to them while running, going for a walk, driving around town, or doing chores around the house). Some of my favorites are…
- Joe Holder Teaches Fitness and Wellness Fundamentals
- Jon Kabat-Zinn Teaches Mindfulness and Meditation
- Matthew Walker Teaches The Science of Better Sleep
- Wolfgang Puck Teaches Cooking
- Dr. Jane Goodall Teaches Conservation
Frequently Asked Questions
Click on the below FAQs to learn more about how and why to exercise your brain!
How to improve my brain health?
One of the best ways to support your brain’s health, especially as you age, is to continue to challenge yourself. Mental stimulation helps the brain generate new cells (“neuroplasticity“), which is essential as we lose brain cells over time.
What are the types of learning?
The three types of learning are: formal, social, and self-directed.
Is MasterClass worth it?
Yes, MasterClass is worth the cost! They offer over 100 high-quality classes, each with an average of 20 lessons per class (about ~10 minutes per lesson). They’re short, comprehensive videos that build off one another.
What are the best MasterClass course?
There are so many great course options on MasterClass, including Joe Holder’s Fitness and Wellness Fundamentals. With over 100 courses available, you will definitely find a course you love.
Have you taken online courses?
Cheer to continuous learning & brain health! I challenge you to learn something new every single day!
How can you better incorporate continuous learning into your daily routine?
Let me know your thoughts! You can watch our web stories here.
xoxo,
Want to read more? Check out my other articles here!
Information from Valamis, Harvard, Harvard Business Review
Copyright In On Around LLC 2021 © The statements made on this website have not been evaluated by the FDA (U.S. Food & Drug Administration). They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The information provided by this website should not be used as individual medical advice and you should always consult your doctor for individual recommendations and treatment.
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