Whether you’ve graduated recently and are navigating adulthood outside of school for the first time, or you’ve been out of school for many years, everyone can benefit from having the mindset of a student.
Looking at the world through a lens of curiosity provides endless opportunities for growth and learning. It may take some work to look at the world this way again when you aren’t accustomed to it, but rebuilding that mindset will benefit you in the long term by keeping your mind active and providing you with a growing set of skills and knowledge. Check out these methods of continuing to learn even if you aren’t a student.
Explore Local Class Offerings
Many people don’t know how many incredible classes are offered in their area simply because they don’t look! A quick online search will reveal what classes are available in your area, from sailing to horseback riding, colored pencil techniques to calligraphy. Taking local courses is a great way to explore a new interest and meet new people who share the same interest. You can check listings at local colleges, art centers, museums, community centers, and businesses. There are probably more opportunities to learn something new near you than you previously thought!
If you want to explore a hobby without taking part in a structured class, you may even be able to find a club or meet-up surrounding the topic you’re interested in.
Keep Reading
Many people keep up with reading regularly for assignments when they’re in school but then stop immediately upon graduating. However, reading is a great activity to do in your downtime. It has amazing benefits that shouldn’t be ignored. Reading fiction activates the imagination and can serve to entertain or distract just like tv and video games, but without the side effects of straining your eyes and affecting your circadian rhythm. Non-fiction books can offer valuable advice about life, finance, relationship, business, and countless other topics.
You can read in whatever way works for you. If shopping at a local bookstore feels more inspiring, go for it. If you prefer reading on a phone or tablet, that works too. Even if you prefer reading magazines rather than books, that will still provide you with the benefits of reading.
Try an Educational TV Show
Of course, sometimes what we really need is to kick back and relax with a binge-worthy tv show. There’s nothing wrong with watching tv in small doses, but incorporating an educational tv show or movie into your watch time can provide a positive effect that watching the latest drama show probably won’t. Check out Explained on Netflix or The Universe on The History Channel for a dose of knowledge mixed into your regular tv bingeing.
Practice What You Know
Think about which subjects sparked your interest in school. You can even think back to when you were a kid! What subjects activated your imagination and made you want to learn more? Whether it was music, a language, marine science, or any number of other subjects, you can pick up this passion right where you left off. A benefit of this is that you may already have a foundation of basic knowledge in the subject and you aren’t necessarily starting from scratch. You’ll also be familiar enough to know that you’re interested in the topic, so it limits the risk of trying to learn about a subject and then losing interest.
Unfortunately, it’s all too easy to leave behind our willingness to learn once we’re no longer in a school environment and are occupied with trying to get by in the “real world.” Maintaining the mindset of a student, ready to learn from the world and seek out answers, is a rewarding way to move through the world. You’ll learn new things and probably inspire others to do the same. Follow these tips to keep your mind young and sharp as you get older, and never stop learning.