2018 is finally here and if you’re like many people, that means you might be making a new years resolution.
[pro_ad_display_adzone id=”44001″]
Some people focus on physical health – to quit a bad habit, eat better, work out more. This year, try learning something new! It helps you stay young!
Learning helps keep your brain active, helps build our confidence and sense of achievement, deepens our understanding of ourselves and our environment, and teaches us discipline.
New Year New Skills
Here are some ideas to get you thinking:
Lowe Mill A& E Classes
From woodworking to jewelry making, you can find many classes taught by local artisans to students of all ages. Check out their website or visit them in person to learn more.
Dancing
A quick google search delivers a list of dance studios in the area. Whether you want to salsa, or tango, or swing – they’ve got you covered. Dancing is great cardiovascular exercise and is social.
Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at UAH
They offer SO much. Wow. I’m going to quit my job and attend their programming every day. I can’t wait to be retired. Everything from tai chi to geopolitics, knitting to bridge, they’ve got you covered. The programs are geared towards people 50 years and older, but according to their website, there is no set age.
Swimming Lessons
Rocket City Mom has a great list of facilities that offer lessons to children and some for adults, too. Swimming is considered one of the best forms of physical exercise because you use your whole body, it builds up your strength and endurance, and can clear your mind. Not to mention it’s a great way to cool off in the heat of the summer.
First Aid & CPR Training
Do you know what to do in an emergency? If not, you can learn CPR and First Aid to gain the life-saving knowledge and skills to prepare you. Classes are offered through the American Red Cross. Other offerings include lifeguarding classes, babysitter’s training, and AED (automated external defibrillator) training. Visit the Red Cross website to find a class, time, and topic that suits your needs.
Piano/Music Lessons
Another way to improve your cognitive ability is by learning to play a musical instrument. As an adult, learning and practicing this skill can help to reduce stress, increase productivity, develop (and exhibit) creativity, and build confidence.
Learn a New Language
Language learning is good for your brain! Studies have shown that among many benefits, multilingualism increases your cognitive ability (read: it makes you smarter), can help ward off Alzheimer’s and Dementia (it makes your brain healthier), and can help improve your memory. Furthermore, you can make new friends, show off your skills while on vacation, and become more confident. If you get good enough, it can be something to add to your resume and use in your place of work.
Huntsville has many opportunities to pursue a number of different languages.
Here are a just a few:
- Rosie’s International Services offers six week conversational Spanish classes. In addition to these classes for adults, Rosie’s offers Spanish programs for kids in the summer.
- Yuwenbon Learning Center’s offerings focus primarily on Chinese language and culture, but they also offer classes in Spanish and Korean. You can take Mandarin classes with a group, one on one, or do a mommy and me program.
- The Foreign Language School in Madison, AL offers instruction in French, German, Italian, Spanish, Arabic, Russian, Japanese, and Chinese.
No matter what you choose to do, don’t be afraid to try something new!
You may surprise yourself!
Guest blogger for We Are Huntsville. Are you interested in writing a post for our site? Email katelyn@wearehuntsville.com.
