In a world that is always finding new short cuts to do things quicker, I believe it’s important to go back to old practices. It may seem daunting and time consuming, but believe me, learning a new skill is fun and rewarding. It is not only good for your brain to focus on an activity, but it can also be good for your mental health and well-being. Having something that requires you to concentrate on, can really help block out stress and anxiety. So, let me help you find your new skill and to get started.

Where to start

You may be thinking What new skill can I learn? 

Well let me tell you… ANYTHING!

You could learn a new language; maybe there’s someone you know who is from another country and have thought it would be cool to have a conversation with them in their native tongue. If you know what language you want to learn there are plenty of tutorials on Youtube to get you started. If you’re more serious, then there are courses  online or you could hire a tutor. Or if you do have a friend that speaks that language, then simply ask them.

Maybe an instrument has been something you’ve always wanted to try, the guitar or even a cello. Whatever it may be, then try to give it a go. It doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg either, there are tons of instruments on sites like eBay or Gumtree that have good second-hand instruments in your local area. You never know, the spirit of Hendrix or Beethoven might be waiting to come out of you.

Practice makes perfect (seriously)

If you’ve never tried to learn a new skill because you think you will just be no good, then you could be missing out on something amazing. You will never know if you don’t try! All of the musicians and artists who have gone down in history all did one thing, they practiced (A LOT!).

If I was to tell you that a UK record breaking artist that has sold out Wembley arena in minutes of tickets being released, was once awful and could not sing, you would say I was talking rubbish. I am of course talking about Ed Sheeran, in an interview with Jonathan Ross, he proved this with a rare unheard sample of some of his very early work that left everyone cringing. Still don’t believe me? Click here. 

If there is something that you want to try then just go for it and don’t be afraid of failing, everybody has to start somewhere.

Whether you are going to try your hand at arts and crafts, a sport or something musical, just remember to enjoy it and don’t take it too seriously, not to start with at least. When you learn a new skill and progress with time, the feeling of accomplishment is priceless.