Do you wish you were a little more cultured? Perhaps you have a friend that is seemingly well travelled, well read and educated and you would also like to expand your mind in the same way? Or maybe you’d like to contribute more to conversations at work or with your peers? Deciding to invest in your own personal growth, knowledge and broaden your mind is certainly admirable, however with our busy modern lives it can often feel like an uphill struggle.
Well, help is at hand! Here I’ve gathered 5 ways you can get a little more cultured in the new year. Enjoy!
See more shows
This one is at the top of my list because it’s a super simple and super fun way to inject a little more culture into your life. It’s also a great way to treat yourself and spend time with your partner or friends. Try seeing a play, show or even something new such as an opera performance – click the link for shows in Florence, Italy – heading out for a night at the theatre or even the opera is a special experience that is both intimate and thought provoking. Don’t be intimidated at the thought of sitting and watching a show for 3 hours, you might be surprised at how much you enjoy yourself and even make it a monthly treat.
Read more
I think reading is something most adults miss. But when you’re busy with work or raising a family, sitting down with a good book without being distracted isn’t as easy as it sounds. Therefore, make a promise to yourself to read at least one classic novel every year. You might have hated the classics back at school, but you might find that your tastes and perspective have changed over time.
Indulge in local history and art
It’s easy to be dazzled at the idea of visiting London or New York and stepping foot in their world famous galleries and museums, and while visiting those locations will certainly boost your knowledge and provide a great day out, don’t be so quick to neglect the rich and vibrant culture of your hometown. You may find yourself enamoured with a novelist who wrote their famous works just a few miles down the road or come face to face with ancient relics and artefacts found in the nearby countryside.
Travel
Of course the whole idea of being cultured is allowing yourself to experience and be exposed to new and exciting cultures the world over. However travelling isn’t always practical for someone who is working 9-5 to support and raise their family. With this in mind, promise yourself to discover somewhere new every year. Whether that’s a new family holiday destination or rediscovering a local beauty spot that you haven’t been to since you were a child.
Learn a second language
Visiting somewhere new is one thing, but being able to speak the language? Amazing. Learning a new language will fill you with confidence and you’ll be amazed at what you learn about the country itself throughout your studies. Why not make 2020 the year you learnt a new language?