We all love that feeling of learning something new—when we finally understand a scientific concept or grasp a bit of history that we thought was out of our reach. Indeed, the thrill of lifelong learning is one of life’s finest rewards. Yet for most of us, finding time in the day to devote to active learning just isn’t going to happen.
We here at the Great Courses love giving you the thrill of learning something new, so we’ve put together this list of eleven ways to fit The Great Courses Plus into your daily routine—from the time you wake up, to the time you go to bed. Try them out, and share your own tips for others to use as well!
1. Wake Up to the Universe!
Wake up to the wonders of the universe! Instead of hitting that snooze button, have a lecture on your favorite subject ready to play. Take a few minutes as you awake to get your brain cells popping!
2. Hygiene and History
Bringing a college professor into your most private routines does not have to be as strange as it sounds! Learn about ancient history as you brush and freshen up for the day ahead.
3. Science at the Breakfast Table
Reading the news first thing in the morning is a surefire way to set your mood in the wrong direction. Why not feed your brain while you feed your tummy—you might be surprised how well earth science and scrambled eggs go together!
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4. Commute with an Ivy League Professor
Whether it’s 15 minutes or 2 hours, make the most out of your daily commute by continuing to explore your favorite subjects. However, if you are driving, might we suggest that you stick to audio lectures!
5. Lunch Breaks with Bach
It’s important to disengage from the stresses of work. What better way to refresh your mental fortitude than spending your lunch break learning about classic composers. Even if you eat at your desk—learning about music history is just as good with on headphones!
6. Take an Afternoon Health Break
If you can find the time for a short stretch, why not also give your brain a breather as well? Still have those headphones handy? Pop them in and get some fresh air, while learning about the benefits of daily exercise as well as tips for healthy living. The only danger is that you may just keep on walking!
7. A Mindful Ride Home from Work
While the driver next to you is fuming with road rage, you can be calmly taking in the foundations and tenants of mindfulness. You might even start looking forward to red lights!
8. Strength Training at The Gym
Strengthen your mind while strengthening your body! Instead of blasting “Eye of the Tiger”, pop in some strength training lectures and give that brain a bit of a workout while you learn about your body and how to keep it strong.
9. Housework and Philosophy
Wash, fold, rinse, repeat…Doing housework is the perfect time to occupy your mind with more rewarding thoughts. Now, we’re not saying that this is the time to dive into existential questions about the reality of being, but why not try diving into a philosophy that you’ve always wanted to know more about? You’ll be done with your chores before you can say existentialism.
10. Learn to Cook While Cooking
Making meals is the perfect time to set up the tablet on a counter and follow along with a chef instructor from The Culinary Institute of America. With a bit of prep, you’ll not only learn to cook new meals, but understand the science of why they turn out so dang tasty.
11. Binge Learning!
Who says learning needs to stop when you are in your P.J.s? Get a cup of tea, grab some tasty treats, and dig into a new hobby, learn about famous artists, explore distant lands, or wrap your head around the science of everyday life.
Just keep learning for the sake of learning!