Harnessing Calmness for Enhanced Learning

In the fast-paced world, where learners are constantly bombarded with new information and techniques, finding an effective study strategy is crucial. Recent studies shed light on the significant impact of calmness on cognitive functions and overall wellbeing, offering valuable insights for learners in fitness courses. By understanding and applying these findings, students can enhance their learning experience, retain information more effectively, and apply their knowledge more efficiently in practical settings.

Insights from Recent Studies

1. The Continuum of Calmness to Anxiety: Research by Siddaway, Taylor, and Wood explores the spectrum from high calmness to high anxiety, emphasising the importance of fostering calmness to prevent psychiatric conditions and promote wellbeing. For fitness learners, this suggests that maintaining a calm state cannot only enhance learning but also prevent the stress and anxiety that often accompany intensive educational pursuits.
2. Benefits of Wild Swimming on Mental Health: McDougall et al.’s study on the health benefits of wild swimming, particularly in freshwater environments, highlights the mental health benefits such as mindfulness and resilience. These findings suggest that engaging in physical activities that promote calmness and mental clarity can support cognitive functions crucial for learning.
3. Community Gardens as a Source of Relaxation: Hekrle, Macháč, and Dubová discuss the role of community gardens in providing relaxation and recreational benefits, especially in times of crisis. This underscores the importance of finding peaceful and calming environments to enhance the learning process, even outside traditional study settings.

Practical Tips

• Incorporate Mindfulness Practices: Start or end your study sessions with short mindfulness exercises or meditation to prepare your mind for learning. This can help transition your mental state from high anxiety to high calmness, making it easier to absorb and retain information.
• Engage in Physical Activities: Regular physical activity, such as swimming or gardening, can significantly improve mental health and cognitive function. Schedule time for these activities to break up study sessions, refresh your mind, and enhance your learning capacity.
• Create a Calm Study Environment: Mimic the calming effects of nature and outdoor activities by creating a peaceful study environment. Use plants, natural light, and quiet spaces to reduce stress and foster a conducive learning atmosphere.
• Manage Anxiety Actively: Recognise signs of anxiety and implement strategies to manage it, such as deep breathing exercises, talking to peers or mentors, and taking regular breaks. Understanding that calmness and anxiety are on a continuum can help you actively move towards a state of calmness.
• Apply Learning in Relaxing Settings: Whenever possible, take your learning outside the traditional classroom or home study environment. Reviewing materials in a park or garden can help reinforce information in a relaxed state, improving memory recall and understanding.

References

• Siddaway, A. P., Taylor, P., & Wood, A. (Year). Reconceptualising Anxiety as a Continuum That Ranges From High Calmness to High Anxiety: The Joint Importance of Reducing Distress and Increasing WellBeing. Psychological Science. Click here to review the full research article
• McDougall, C. W., Foley, R., Hanley, N., Quilliam, R., & Oliver, D. (2022). Freshwater Wild Swimming, Health and WellBeing: Understanding the Importance of Place and Risk. Sustainability, 14(10), 6364. Click here to review the full research article
• Hekrle, M., Macháč, J., & Dubová, L. (2023). Evaluating Importance of Community Gardens in Times of Calm and Crisis: From Relaxation to Food Self-Provisioning. Resources, 12(10), 118. Click here to review the full research article