Continued learning is a powerful anti-aging agent

By Barbara Steingas

We’ve all met someone or have someone in our lives who thinks they are a know-it-all. Unfortunately, they are self-sabotaging themselves by limiting their own health, happiness and joy, as well as that of those around them. It is a strength, not a weakness, to not know everything. Besides, that is basically impossible. The benefits of continued learning can combat aging, as well as support mental and physical health.

In this article, I’ve chosen to share the benefits I’ve experienced in being a lifelong learner.

Benefits of continued learning

Keeping the mind sharp

My German grandmother, or Omi as I called her, had one of the sharpest minds I’ve ever seen when she passed away at age 94. I firmly believe this is because she made a point to do crossword puzzles and other word mind games daily. Studies, such as this 2010 review published in the Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, have proven that if we’re not stimulating or otherwise exercising our mind to regularly grow and expand, it is more prone to deteriorating with age. This is not much different than any other muscle in our body that will eventually atrophy without regular exercise.

Helping others learn

I feel life here is meant to be one big university that is constantly teaching us to maximize our potential. There are always onion layers we can peel away by learning more about ourselves. In doing so, we become the best that we can be so we may fully shine our radiant light. Then, we can be a beacon and guide for others. I believe this is where we find our true purpose and passion in life. We all have different areas of expertise and unique experiences that can help others who are struggling with the same, or similar challenges.

Illuminating the victim mentality

We all have our trials and tribulations. They force us to grow and seek out new knowledge and skills. When we rise to these challenges, we stop being victim to our circumstances and move along the path of becoming the hero or heroine of our journey. This is another benefit of being a perpetual student in the game of life.

Constant creativity

Having a constant pool of things to discover and learn gives us childlike enthusiasm keeping us young in heart and mind. In addition, learning is a form of exploration and allows our creative process to flow.

The benefits of learning to heal

Learning to heal is another endeavor in the game of life. Healing is never a straight line. The process of discovering our healing path not only helps keep us mentally and physically strong, but offers other benefits along the way.

In being stricken with an incurable autoimmune disease, I learned an incredible amount of things I would never probably have been introduced to otherwise. I could have done without the pain and suffering, though. However, I am so grateful for all the positive benefits I received from learning how to heal myself physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. I discovered so many awesome healing modalities and the wonderful people who teach or perform these services. Also, it forced me to read and attend seminars of special people like Louise Hay, Wayne Dyer, Deepak Chopra, Anthony Robbins and Brendon Bruchard.

If you remain a constant student and learn something new regularly, life will always remain an exciting adventure. And like my Omi, hopefully keep your mind sharp.