Do you strive to make learning a part of everyday life? Many working adults have an inner striving to develop habits that focus on lifelong education. Some call it the School of Life. Whatever the terminology, the inherent need to acquire more knowledge, no matter your age, can help keep your mind young and your spirit vibrant. Having a hobby, earning a college degree, reading regularly, tackling a second language, and joining a discussion group are excellent strategies for expanding intellectual and emotional horizons. Don’t be afraid to experiment with one or another tactic or invent others that get the job done. Everyone is unique, but the following suggestions can work for almost anyone whose goal is to never stop learning.

Take Up a Hobby

Hobbies are making a comeback as people of all ages, particularly busy adults, rediscover the relaxation and educational aspects of pursuing activities like coin collecting, playing board games, reading, doing yoga, working out, baking, or learning to paint. You can pick up a new hobby as frequently as you wish. Maybe you dedicate a year to something new, or simply a season, the choice is yours. And there are hundreds of choices, which means you have no excuse for avoiding this worthwhile form of therapy. You’ll likely find that your new hobby helps you relax and connect with others who enjoy doing the same thing. A few lucky enthusiasts even earn income from their hobbies, particularly those who collect rare coins, old sports cards, and estate jewelry.

Get a Degree

For so many adults, lifelong learning begins with a college or graduate degree. The experience can serve as an entryway to decades of intellectual stimulation and ongoing education in everyday life. Unless you have an abundant amount of cash socked away, getting a degree means borrowing money. It’s true that student loans are an essential part of modern education. The good news is that applying online is easy, and rates are competitive. In most cases, you can borrow enough to cover all costs associated with a degree, including tuition, fees, books, labs, board, and lodging. In addition, be sure to check with your intended school’s financial office to get the information on any available scholarships or grants you can apply for as well.

Read Every Day

Develop a reading habit. To become an avid reader, avoid focusing on current events and entertainment stories. Instead, try a few classics or explore genres of non-fiction that interest you. Lifelong reading enthusiasts find great joy from sampling numerous authors, styles of writing, eras. Some reserve a quiet hour before going to bed as their special reading break. Others read during lunch or just after breakfast. The idea is to cover an eclectic range of writing to keep your mind fresh and stimulated.

Learn a Second Language

Choose a language you’ve always wanted to learn and sign up for a no-cost online course for beginners. If it’s been a while since you were in school, you’ll be surprised at how quickly you can pick up a decent amount of vocabulary, every day phrases, and grammar in the new language. Many experts at content writing services such as Trust My Paper note that fun ways to use your new skills include traveling, reading newspapers, and listening to music in the new language. Once you master the basics, consider moving on to an intermediate course or taking a class at the local community college.