Christina Lattimore

“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who’ll decide where to go…”

― Dr. Seuss, Oh, The Places You’ll Go!

Everywhere we look we are bombarded with the idea that we can do better and be better, that we need to be better.  The message is not just for us to be happier or nicer, but that we need to be smarter, and more informed individuals.  Most of us have busy schedules and can’t imagine fitting in time for hobbies and “me time” how are we supposed to fit in time for “self-improvement”?  Check out the list below of sources for self-improvement! Oh, and by the way, they are all F-R-E-E!!!  (All you need is a smartphone, tablet or laptop, and some wi-fi)

TED Talks (https://www.ted.com/) “Ideas worth spreading” is the TED tagline and a very fitting one.  According to the website “TED is a nonprofit devoted to spreading ideas, usually in the form of short, powerful talks (18 minutes or less).  TED Talks are given by men and women, young and old and of various ethnicities on an array of topics.  One of my favorites is a talk given by then 13-year old Maya Penn.  TED Talks will inspire you and educate you.  TED Talks can be viewed on YouTube and Netflix.  They are also available on iTunes podcast, iTunes U, and there is an app for it as well!

Get FREE e-books and audiobooks using OverDrive (https://www.overdrive.com).  Overdrive allows you to borrow from your local library digital collection, all you need is a library card!  The OverDrive app is available for Apple, Android, and Windows devices.  The borrowing period and the checkout limit may vary depending upon the library. (My experience has been a 14-day borrowing period, and a limit of 6 titles checked out.)  If you see a book that is not available you have the option to place a hold on the title, and you receive an email when it is available for you.  The library’s digital collection may vary from its print collection, however, it is very easy to conduct a search for your favorite author and topics of interest.

Listen to iTunes podcast for informative programming. There are various topics ranging from personal finance, advice for entrepreneurs to health and fitness.  Podcast are FREE on all Apple devices. You can subscribe to your favorites so you never miss an episode.  They are great to listen to while traveling or during your commute. (Recommended podcast for future entrepreneurs-Kate’s Take, for a great true-life mystery-Serial) [Tweet “Deciding to improve yourself is one way to keep your mind healthy. Here are 4 free sources for Self Improvement “]

Check out Future Learn (https://www.futurelearn.com) and Coursea (https://www.coursera.org), for free online courses.  Top universities and cultural institutions from around the world are offering free, yes FREE online courses.  Future  Learn partners with institutions from the UK, Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East.  Coursea offers courses from international universities and top U.S. universities such as UNC-Chapel Hill, Yale, Emory, and Stanford.  Some classes have dedicated begin and end dates, other classes are on demand so you can learn at your own pace.  There are assignments, test and quizzes and a certificate available for purchase once the course has been completed (the cost is under $50), however, there is no college credit.

Deciding to improve yourself is one way to keep your mind healthy.  Keeping your mind occupied often helps us not to think about the problems that are occurring in our daily lives.  Take a step outside of “your world” and take a step into something new.

Christina Lattimore

| Blogger & Mental Health Advocate |

     www.speakawaythestigma.com