How To Keep Creative Skills Sharp

As a WEB DESIGNER, ongoing creativity is essential. It is easy to fall into a predictable pattern of thinking and working that becomes rote over time. To remain creative we need to stimulate the mind, adding and processing new ideas and experiences. Just about every occupation can benefit from keeping mental powers at their peak. Recent studies suggest that learning a second language may be a great way to do that!

Over time, these mental gymnastics protect the brain by hindering the natural slowdown of the executive processes that occurs with age.

"Being bilingual helps prevent people from losing their 'mental edge' as they age," says the Toronto Star newspaper. York University psychologist Ellen Bialystok tested the cognitive functions of 104 adults aged 30 to 59 and of 50 adults aged 60 to 88, all of whom had similar education and income levels. In each age group, half the participants were bilingual. Each person was asked to complete a simple task with two competing options while his reaction time was measured. "Bilinguals were faster on the test than monolinguals," notes the newspaper.

According to Bialystok, bilingual people are always presented with two language options, and their brain must decide the right language to speak in reply. "Over time, these mental gymnastics protect the brain by hindering the natural slowdown of the executive processes that occurs with age." Speaking a second language even enhances physical changes in the brain, pumping up more blood to carry more oxygen.

I've decided to learn a second language. I've selected Mandarin Chinese. Why? There is a bustling, energetic Chinese community here in New York City where I can apply my skills. It also gives me the opportunity to explore the aesthetics and creative output of a culture that is quite unlike my own. That journey can only enhance my creative output, benefiting my SMALL BUSINESS WEB DESIGN customers in turn. I'll keep you posted on how it goes! 

Thank you for reading this post! You may also find this article on CHOOSING COLORS FOR WEB DESIGN of benefit as well.