28.07.21

Yesterday I enjoyed the post about writing on Journaly. It is said that writing helps not only with learning languages, but also with psychological problems. I think that’s a very sharp observation. But as for me, writing is only a small part of the thing what helps us cope psychologically with our problems. I often hear on the Internet that it’s hard to study. And it's not only students saying this; psychologists, scientists, and teachers argue the same point. I agree; learning is hard when you have a large amount of information to cover for your exams and when you're studying something out of necessity and not because you like it.

Well, as it happened, I left my job when I was 42 to care about my mother and my younger daughter. I haven’t worked since that time, i.e. in 15 years. It's been the same routine day in and day out — maintaining a home and looking after sick people without a day off. Four hours is the longest time you can be away. You're tired, you don't have enough communication with the outside world, your social life is very low, and then depression sets in. At first series and books help you, but then you see that the latest one looks very much like the previous one. You begin to play computer games. Again, at first it helps, but then it becomes the same daily routine. And then you take something up; you start studying what you want, when you want, and for however long you want for your personal pleasure.

First, the curiosity gives us a great number of positive emotions. People are curious by nature.

Second, when we can finally accomplish hard tasks, we produce dopamine. That's something that computer game designers bank on in order to attract more players.

Third, we're distracted from our negative thoughts - especially when we try to accomplish something challenging.

Fourth, we can choose different things to learn, and diversity gives us enjoyment. We going on trips because of our need for diversity.

So learning is a real cure for our psychological problems if we use it properly.