Tag Archives: creative thinking

Sci-Tech

DyslexicU: World’s First ‘University Of Dyslexic Thinking’ & It’s Free

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I’m so excited to join forces with charity Made By Dyslexia today to launch the free online University of Dyslexic Thinking, hosted by Open University and available to access from all around the world.

We decided to launch the university to teach the skills most relevant to today’s world – Dyslexic Thinking skills.

The courses are for anyone, at any stage of life; you might be a dyslexic looking to learn more about your Dyslexic Thinking skills and apply them to different industries, or someone who isn’t dyslexic but is curious to understand how this kind of thinking works in action, and why these skills are more valuable than ever before.

This morning, Made By Dyslexia revealed its new Intelligence 5.0 report, which includes research from Randstad Enterprise that shows the skills inherent to dyslexics are the most sought-after in every job, in every sector, globally.

The report clearly demonstrates that today’s AI-driven world needs a new kind of intelligence focused on human skills such as complex problem solving, adaptability, resilience, communication and creative thinking.

These are skills dyslexics naturally possess but aren’t measured by traditional education and workplace tests, which instead focus on dyslexic challenges. Based on this, it concludes the outdated systems that are designed to teach and measure intelligence need a rethink – it’s time for a new school of thought.

And this is where DyslexicU comes in! We’re shaking things up and teaching the skills the world needs. We need more innovators, problem-solvers, storytellers and unconventional thinking. The online course features many of the world’s greatest dyslexics talking about how Dyslexic Thinking skills like this have fuelled innovation and success, and the lessons we can gain from their experiences. They’re the kind of lessons I wish I was taught in the classroom.

I’m delighted to be joined by some of the incredible (dyslexic) course contributors today to launch DyslexicU at Virgin Hotels New York City, including HRH Princess Beatrice, Dame Maggie Aderin-Pocock, and Jean Oelwang.

HRH Princess Beatrice

Courses in ‘Entrepreneurs & Start-Up Mentality’ (made in partnership with Virgin StartUp) and another on ‘Changemakers & Activism’ (made in partnership with Virgin Unite) are available on DyslexicU, hosted on Open University today, with lots more to come later this year (or next term, should I say?!) They cover subjects such as storytelling, sport, fashion, culinary arts, and music.

While ‘U’ might technically’ stand for ‘University’, I quite like the irony that it resembles the ‘U’ that myself and many dyslexics sometimes see scribbled on our report cards, because traditional education systems are not made for minds like ours. If you’re a dyslexic, I know how disheartening that can be. I hope the launch of DyslexicU today can be a reminder to you that thinking in a different way to everyone else is indispensable in this new world of work. It’s your superpower.

Enroll today and join this new school of thought. Sir Richard Branson.

Culture

4 Aspects Of Your Life You Can Improve By Listening To Jazz

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Music is known to have a strong effect on most people. It can compel its listeners to move along its rhythm and dance. It can also provide stimulation to the brain, which can improve a person’s bodily performance.

This positive impact can double for the person performing the music. Can you image the impact that the more varied and dynamic genres of music, such as jazz, can have on you? 

Jazz is not only a pleasure to listen to, but consuming it can bring about numerous improvements to your health and lifestyle. Whether you listen to this type of music in the background while working to attending dedicated worldwide jazz festivals, jazz can help improve your well being. Continue reading to learn more about how jazz can improve many aspects of your life.  

Energy and Creativity

Completing daily tasks can sometimes get difficult. It can be easy for you to become bored and lose motivation or have your energy depleted due to repetition and tedium. Jazz can help you regain that focus and energy, making activities such as daily work and exercise feel easier than they are.

The unique, diverse rhythm provided by the music causes your brain to produce and release the appropriate chemicals. This is the brain attempting to match the music’s beats, and due to jazz’s improvisational nature, it keeps the brain’s stimulation high, making it easier to keep up with rigorous activities. Additionally, active, but ambient, noise increases processing difficulty, which encourages abstract thinking and creativity. More creative thinking can help you find work solutions and keep you engaged in the task at hand. 

Blood Pressure 

Is high blood pressure a recurring problem with you? Then music rich with rhythm, especially jazz, can help you out. Music has a dynamic relationship with people’s cardiovascular system that several researchers have investigated before. Jazz can help you decrease your blood pressure by impacting your blood vessels. Rhythmic, lively music like jazz can open your blood vessels to around 30% more than normal, reducing your pressure.

Further studies conducted by the Osaka University in Japan show that people who listen to music after three months have their blood pressure reduced by 6 mmHg. You can equate this decrease to people who have taken their blood pressure medication, lost 10 pounds, or adopted a low-sodium diet. This change can ultimately improve your overall health, as it decreases your chances of suffering from heart disease or a stroke. 

Immune System

One of the most important systems in your body is the immune system. It is mainly composed of organs and white blood cells and it is your body’s ultimate line of defense against germs, infections, and diseases. While there are many healthy habits you can embrace to boost your immunity, such as regular exercise and a healthy diet, you can also add listening to jazz to the list.

Psychologist Carl Charnetski discovered in a study that people who listened to jazz for at least 30 minutes produced a higher level of immunoglobulin A (IgA) than other subjects. This chemical is one of the many antibodies created by the immune systems that manifests alongside the mucous linings of the body. Arrange for jazz listening sessions to keep a strong level of IgA going. 

Stress Management 

While it can be a cliché to say that jazz’s primary audience is “cool” people, there is some truth to that statement. According to the University of Nevada, music that goes up to 60 beats per minute can cause your brain to release alpha brainwaves. These waves are related to sleep and relaxation, calming your nerves and ironically making you more alert. Certain types of noise, such as smoother jazz, stringed instruments, and even rainfall, are more effective than others in winding you down after a busy day at work. 

Jazz is not only one of the most dynamic music genres out there, but it can also make a positive impact on your health. From improving the body through the immune and cardiovascular systems to decreasing stress and encouraging energy, focus, and creativity, listening to jazz can bring noticeable changes to your well being. Consider these benefits the next time you choose the concerts to attend or the type of background music you will play while you work.