Mental health awareness week is an opportunity to raise awareness and encourage conversations about mental health issues. During this week, it's important to remember that taking care of your mental health is just as important as your physical health. Learning a new language can be a great way to promote mental wellbeing and enhance your overall quality of life.

 

Here are a few reasons why learning a language could help regulate your mental health. 

 

1. Improved cognition, mood and self-confidence

Many studies have shown that learning a new language can improve cognitive abilities, including memory, attention, and problem-solving skills. These cognitive benefits can contribute to better mental health by reducing stress levels and improving overall mood. Additionally, learning a new language can increase social interaction, which can help combat feelings of loneliness and isolation, and boost self-confidence.

 

2. Sense of achievement

Learning a language can also provide a sense of achievement and purpose and the process of learning a new language requires discipline, determination, and focus, which can help build self-esteem and a sense of accomplishment. This can be particularly helpful for individuals who may be feeling stuck or struggling with their mental health.

 

3. Broaden your worldview and offer a new perspective

Another benefit of learning a language is the exposure to new cultures and perspectives. Language and culture are intimately linked, and by learning a new language, you open yourself up to new experiences and ways of thinking. This exposure can broaden your worldview and help you appreciate the diversity and complexity of the world around you. Additionally, this can help you gain a new perspective on your own challenges and develop empathy and compassion for others.

 

4.  Directing energy into a new skill 

Learning a new language can also be a fun and engaging hobby, which can provide a much-needed distraction from stress and anxiety. The process of learning a new language can be challenging, but it can also be rewarding and enjoyable. By focusing on a new language, individuals can redirect their attention away from negative thoughts and feelings, which can be beneficial for their mental health.

 

 

So we've seen how learning a new language during Mental Health Awareness Week can be a great way to promote mental wellbeing and enhance your overall quality of life. But how do you go about learning a new language? 

 

If you're looking to learn a new language, there are many resources available to help you get started. Online language courses, language exchange programs, and language learning apps can all be great tools for learning a new language. These resources can provide you with structured lessons, practice exercises, and interactive activities to help you learn at your own pace.

 

It's important to remember that learning a new language can be challenging, and it's okay to take your time and make mistakes along the way. Learning a language is a journey, and it's important to enjoy the process and celebrate your progress along the way.

 

 

In addition to formal language learning resources, there are also many other ways to incorporate language learning into your daily life. Listening to music in a foreign language, watching movies with subtitles, and practicing conversation with native speakers can all be great ways to immerse yourself in a new language and make learning more fun and engaging. Learning a new language can also be a great way to connect with others who share your interests. Joining a language learning group or attending language exchange events can provide you with the opportunity to practice speaking with others and make new friends who share your passion for language and culture. For more tips on learning a language see our other blog articles!

 

Finally, it's important to remember that taking care of your mental health is a journey, and learning a new language is just one of many ways to support your wellbeing. If you're struggling with mental health issues, it's important to seek professional help and support from trusted friends and family members.

 

PLS is a language training provider based in London who provide online and in-person foreign language lessons to a variety of corporate and government clients as well as individuals. Get in touch today to discover how we can help you reach your language learning goals.