Wellbeing Week 2022: Wednesday – Learn
Day 3 of wellbeing week is about continual learning! When’s the last time you stepped slightly outside of your comfort zone and engaged in something different? Continuing to learn new things, whether intellectual or physical, is important for maintaining mental health aspects of well-being such as self-confidence, having a sense of purpose, and connecting with others.
Today’s key event
- Campus Community Social – tutored figure drawing session – 12pm free entry, email to book your place. Students’ Union Common Room, Falmer. A relaxed, mindful drawing class for all. Join Artist Bella Franks for a relaxed drawing session. Bella teaches the traditional practise of Life Drawing, with the human form as the subject. The session will begin with warm up exercises aimed at having fun with art materials and removing any preconceived ideas of ‘good art’. Bella will give quick drawing demos and offer tips throughout the session. The idea is to enjoy the process and ‘flow’ of drawing, without worrying about the result. Bella advocates the mindful benefits to drawing and will encourage you to switch off and find a sense of calm through art.
Online learning
Whatever it is that interests you, there is so much information available for free online. Try a TED talks video – they cover a wide range of topics from experts on the subject – take a look at their most popular talks to learn something new.
Online courses
We hope that you are loving learning in your chosen subject with us here in Brighton, but appreciate that you will have interests beyond your course. There are some amazing free courses available from universities and industry experts at Future Learn. Whether you are interested in maintaining a mindful life, learning Norwegian or discover more about the weather, these are just a few of the courses that are available. The Open University also offers over 1000 free courses – why not see if there is anything that interests you.
Societies
Fancy learning British Sign Language? Or how about improving your chess skills? Brighton Students’ Union has loads of societies that you can join to help you to continue to learn, develop and have fun.
Parklife
If you want to try a new skill or just something a bit different, why not take a look at the Just Learn range of events available through Parklife. They offer taster sessions and introductory courses to a wide range of sports with great student prices.
Library
As well as having loads of key texts and journals for your studies, did you know that the University of Brighton library has a range of fiction books available? You can also check out their range of Wellbeing Resources which are absolutely free. Why not register with your local library in Brighton or East Sussex which are also offering a wide range of e-books and e-audio books that you can enjoy.
Languages
Learning a new language is not only fun and a great way to connect with others but can also enhance your listening skills and memory. Duolingo offers a free platform to learn a new language in a fun way. Why not try reading a book or watching a movie in another language to improve your skills. Meetup also offer a range of language and culture groups – why not meet others who are also learning!
Robin Coleman • 16 November 2022
