This time we’re chatting with brain and cognition expert Natalie Mackenzie. 

Hi, Natalie! If you could recommend One Good Thing everyone can do to benefit their mental wellbeing, what would it be?

Learn a language. 

Interessant. Why is this your One Good Thing?

The brain needs to be worked out in the same way as our bodies, keeping it active is key to long-term health. Regular language learning builds a more adaptive and resilient brain. Why not do a workout that’s fun and stimulating and will allow you to show off your ordering skills confidently during your next trip to Paris, Madrid or even Tokyo?

Some of the more fascinating studies have indicated that language practice delays brain ageing. The researchers concluded that this is due to what is termed the creation of ‘cognitive reserve’, which allows new neural pathways to be utilised when the natural cognitive decline begins. Even picking up a language later in life can be beneficial and can be a powerful tool in the fight against cognitive decline.

Learning a language is a super gym workout for the brain, kick-starting a number of cognitive processes that keep it in tip-top shape. There is scientific research to back this up too, with a number of studies indicating that picking up a new tongue contributes significantly to improved brain health and cognitive function.

Muy bien. Any other benefits we could see by dusting off our old vocab books?

Problem-solving, cognitive flexibility and critical thinking are all cognitive skills that are utilised when learning a new language, whether this is in a classroom environment or online. This, in turn, benefits our everyday decision-making and problem-solving. Cells that fire together, wire together. The more we practice such skills, the stronger the processes become. That’s one of the beauties of language learning: it must be consistent and repetitive to progress, which suits the brain’s need to set down stronger, more efficient pathways.

Additionally, learning boosts memory. In fact, the hippocampus, a key part of the brain where we believe cell birth occurs, is also responsible for learning and memory processes. The more we use it, the more efficient it becomes at all of its processes.

Our executive functions also benefit greatly from the language process, which includes our ability to plan, reflect, make decisions and manage our emotions. We need such skills in today’s busy world to ensure we can handle fast-moving environments and situations that require a quick decision calmly. Studies have shown that bilingual people exhibit heightened activity in the prefrontal cortex, the area responsible for executive functions. This translates into better decision-making and more precise emotional control, both of which are crucial in both personal and professional life. Another win for the language learners. 

Are there any common pitfalls that arise when we try to learn new languages? How can we avoid them?

Finding the time to be committed can be tricky, especially if you are a busy person. Languages need consistency to gain fluency and, as you progress, things may seem harder. However, establishing good habits, as you would do with your physical health, will help overcome this. Set a goal for weekly sessions of learning and reward yourself with something meaningful at the end of each month. Set time aside to fully allow yourself to concentrate on your learning, and don’t see it as a negotiable. The more you learn, the quicker you’ll be speaking like a pro.

E tu? How do you personally do your One Good Thing?

Being a busy business owner means I can’t always commit as much as I would like, but I’ve learned to speak some low-level conversational French and German that gets me by. Learning generally is a big thing for me because I know how good it is for my brain. I’m constantly training, which I know keeps my brain in tip-top shape. I always recommend a language to others, and it’s part of our family ritual – I encourage my kids to practise daily on their favourite app. They love the rewards of the stars and the progress they’ve made. It won’t be long until they are the ones ordering.

Fantastisch. How would you say language learning has changed your life for the better?

Learning for me has always been a huge part of my life. The great thing about being a brain geek is that there is always more to learn – more research, more theories and many more applications. In my view, you are never too old to learn, and I’ll be researching well into my retirement.

Frame Of Mind is Stylist’s home for all things mental health and the mind. From expert advice on the small changes you can make to improve your wellbeing to first-person essays and features on topics ranging from autism to antidepressants, we’ll be exploring mental health in all its forms. You can check out the series home page to get started.

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