If you’re looking to expand your health, wellness, and fitness goals in 2022, motivation is the key. Sometimes, it can be difficult to stay on track, especially when the benefits can seem vague or intangible. That’s why incorporating learning a valuable new skill into your health and wellness routine can make all the difference. One great way to go about this is by learning a new skill such as a language. Read on to find out the real health, fitness, and wellness benefits that you can accrue, all while expanding your horizons with a new language.
New horizons
Learning a new language opens countless doors and allows you to explore new horizons, something that can have countless wellness benefits. What’s more, learning the most challenging languages has never been more accessible. Let’s say you decide to master Mandarin Chinese. You can use online platforms like Preply to access dedicated one-on-one Chinese tutoring, all without leaving your home.
In addition, learning a new language also allows you to explore fitness and health options beyond your own front door. Once you have done this, you’ll be able to participate in all of the health and fitness opportunities that a new country has to offer. In the case of China, this could be the Great Wall Marathon or an extended stay at a traditional Chinese wellness retreat.
Cognition is key
Cognition describes your brain’s ability to solve problems, think fast, and understand problems. All of these abilities are essential for a balanced and healthier mental state. According to one recent study of second language learners, those who became bilingual at any age register considerably higher cognitive functioning than those who remained monolingual throughout their lives. By taking the time to master a second language, you can keep your brain fit throughout your life.
Increase your life expectancy
Life expectancy is a key indicator of your health and wellness. Countless scientific research has consistently proven that those who become bilingual are able to enjoy a greater number of quality life years and extended life expectancy as a result.
In fact, the onset of degenerative diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer’s has been shown to occur on average 5.1 years later in bilingual individuals than in monolingual people. If you’re looking to maintain good mental and cognitive health as you get older, learning a language could be an invaluable tool.
Build your confidence
Confidence in yourself and in your abilities is essential in maintaining good mental health and quality of life. This is why learning a language can be so useful to your own personal development. Learning a language is all about putting yourself out there and testing your skills with native speakers. This has been shown to be an incredibly effective way to build your confidence and self-esteem, allowing you to live a more self-assured existence.
In addition, the opportunities for travel and cultural exchange that come with learning a language, as well as making new friends, will allow you to build levels of resilience and self-confidence that you may have never thought possible.
Boost mental health
As we all know, good mental health is often a prerequisite for good physical health. When you are able to enjoy good mental health, you are much more easily able to find the motivation to stick to your fitness routine and to pursue a lifestyle that is conducive to self-care. Learning a language can help you build your mental health and reduce the impact of common conditions such as depression and anxiety in multiple ways.
Learning a language has been shown to help filter out distractions and background noise from your daily thought process. It forces you to broaden your worldview in ways that are conducive to good mental health and offers social opportunities that can help you make new friends and build confidence. In addition, the cognitive benefits outlined above are also known to benefit mental health, which is all the more reason to embrace a new language today.
In 2022, there really are countless reasons to learn a new language. Among these, securing your long-term health and wellness should be at the top of the list. Begin the path to bilingualism today to help meet your health and wellness goals in the year ahead.
