Learning as a tool for satisfaction and resilience
Education is a natural part of life. We learn with our children, when changing jobs, during everyday challenges. However, if we choose the direction and method of learning ourselves, it brings much more than just new skills. Conscious learning strengthens our self-confidence, motivation and desire to discover. In addition, in the summer, the work pace slows down, the calendar becomes freer and we suddenly hear ourselves better in the silence. It is the ideal time to make space for what we usually put off.
Our brains don't age as quickly as we thought
Have you heard of neuroplasticity? This ability of the brain to change, create new neural connections, and adapt works not only in children but also in adults. Whenever we try something new—such as learning a language, dancing, or woodworking—we activate different parts of the brain. This strengthens our memory, attention, and ability to regulate emotions. It's similar to physical fitness: the more we use our brain, the better it serves us.
Neuroplasticity also has a positive impact on our mental balance. According to experts, people who have embraced the principle of "lifelong learning" are more mentally resilient, cope better with change, and are less prone to stress.
- Did you know that learning also increases dopamine levels - a substance associated with joy, motivation, and a sense of purpose? This means that we not only gain skills, but also feel good.
What new skills should you learn this year?
You don't have to plan a major career change right away. Often, it's enough to try something that has always appealed to you, even if it seems seemingly useless. That's where the greatest potential for personal growth often lies.
A few tips to get your mind moving this summer:
- Learn a language, even if you're not traveling anywhere. New language = new perspective.
- Try making something with your own hands – from woodworking to sewing or modeling.
- Dance, even if you think you have no rhythm.
- Write, take photos, paint. Creativity heals, even if the result isn't perfect.
- Cook something new. The kitchen is a laboratory full of discoveries.
- Go to a workshop or arrange mentoring. For inspiration and human contact.
Summer learning is special because it is free, relaxed, and playful. Maybe you don't need another certificate - just experience that joyful moment when you master something for the first time.
Skills as a benefit
Did you know that you can finance many courses and workshops through your Benefit Plus cafeteria? The offer is varied, and personal growth doesn't have to remain just a dream.
What should you go for? Here is our inspiration:
Year-round intensive courses, individual tuition and online lessons. English, German, Italian, Spanish and more. Whether you're going abroad or want to finally watch Netflix without subtitles.
lab.cafe - Creative café and workshop in the center of Bratislava
Creative workshops for children and adults. Here you can experiment with technologies like 3D printing or laser engraving, learn new skills, discover your creativity, and leave with unique creations.
POIG - Art courses and experiential painting
Painting glasses and ceramics, experimental painting, macramé or making a batik bag. A creative space for those who want to slow down.
Fotoatelier Aratron's Art – Photography courses
In-person and online Photoshop, Lightroom, and Capture One courses, as well as technical photography mentoring, weekly fantasy & fine art workshops with models, lighting, and post-production. Take your photography to the next level.
Fashionspy.sk – Fashion and styling
Fashion e-courses, the process of creating a dream wardrobe for women and men, regardless of age, body type, personal style or budget. Learn to love your wardrobe.
Smiem prosiť? – Mirka Kosorínová's Dance School
Ballet, ballroom and Latin dance classes for children, adults and seniors. Great for relaxing the body and mind.
Podcasts that are enjoyable to listen to
Learning doesn't have to be active. Listening to local podcasts is a great way to educate yourself, find inspiration, or discover new connections. And, of course, practice the language of the country you work in. Just put on your headphones and go for a walk.
We have selected Slovak podcasts that provide deeper insight and everyday inspiration:
- Nevyhorení - |mental health, well-being, personal development, healthy work environment| In in-depth interviews with experts and inspiring guests, he offers tips on how to take better care of yourself.
- Ľudskosť – |mental health, empathy, relationships|Barbora Mareková and her guests explore vulnerability, empathy, and mental health in contemporary society.
- Break the Rules podcast s Nikou Vujisić - |interviews, personal stories of people |Deep interviews with personal stories and opinions of successful guests that reveal their life turning points, challenges and inner transformations.
- Vedátorský podcast -|science, critical thinking|Is there life outside our planet? How destructive are volcanoes and what does the universe sound like? These are the questions that Jozef and Samuel discuss every week.
- Dejiny - |history, chronicles|A podcast about significant historical events with guests.
- Trochu inak s Adelou -|interviews, interesting guests|Interesting interviews with personalities that author Adela Vinczeová once hosted on her talk show, this time in a podcast that will allow you to look at things "a little differently".
- Knižná revue -|literature, books|The world of literature. Immerse yourself in it through interviews on interesting topics, essays, and book reviews by the best Slovak authors.
- Vertigo -|movies, series|A podcast about film and series news, as well as new titles on streaming services that are worth seeing.
- Podcast SNG -|culture, art|Timeless topics from the field of art and culture and from behind the scenes of gallery practice.
- Money Talk Milan Dubec -|money, business, entrepreneurship, real estate|Inspiration for entrepreneurship, self-sufficiency, and sharing business experiences with successful entrepreneurs.
When summer asks what you did...
...you can answer: "I learned something new again... and I enjoyed it." Because it is precisely this inner desire that is the engine that keeps us moving and balanced.
