Usually, people turn to the Internet or reference books, if they want to learn a new skill.
With new bite-size documentaries and series on Netflix, the content platform streaming service, you just have to watch and learn.
Here are 4 Netflix recommendations for you, should you want to sharpen your brain.
The Social Media Dilemma
Ever wondered about social media data collection?
The Social Media Dilemma is undoubtedly one of the most important documentaries of our day. It reflects on how social media companies could cause an addiction to their platforms.
One of their biggest revelations, was the one on notifications.
It turns out that checking your notifications often has to do with how notifications are designed to keep you hooked to your phone. It also analyses the psychology of how social media platforms keep us coming back for more. Simple things like when we see someone typing a message or reply , unconsciously keeps us engaged and the constant urge for connection, keeps us addicted.
Former Facebook executive Tim Kendall says his biggest short-term worry is “civil war,” while technology pioneer Jaron Lanier warns, “if we go down the status quo for, let’s say, another 20 years, we probably destroy our civilization through wilful ignorance.”
According to an article from YouGov, an average Malaysian spends about five hours and forty-seven minutes on social media. As the adage goes, if you’re not paying for the product, you are the product.
The Mind Explained
Have you ever wondered what’s going on inside your head?
From dreams to anxiety disorders, find out how the brain works in this simple, precise, and insightful show.
It is a 5-part docuseries produced by Vox and narrated by Oscar winner Emma Stone. Each 20 minute episode is a visual treat for animation lovers.
One interesting episode was on Dreams; where they briefly spoke about lucid dreaming. A lucid dream is described as a dream in which dreamers dream and are conscious of their dreams. It involves another part of our brain known as the prefrontal cortex that plays a huge role here in controlling the “reality”.
If you ever had vivid dreams and wondered what certain images or symbols represent in real life, find the answers by watching The Mind Explained.
Headspace Guide to Meditation:
Ever wondered, why Meditate?
When you meet someone and you tell them that you feel sluggish or losing focus, the most common suggestion is “workout or go for a run”.
But, the trend now is shifting to “try meditation”. This is precisely what you will find out when you catch this show.
Our lives are filled with distractions and stimulation, said Headspace app co-founder Andy Puddicombe.
“Imagine if there were a way to slow things down, for our mind to unwind and our body to destress.”
The first episode, “How to Get Started,” diagrams pieces of Puddicombe’s own memoir. He explains to us how he he quit his profession in sports medicine and ended up a Buddhist Monk after travelling to Asia.
In this 8-episode Netflix series, learn how to strengthen your mind. Narrated by Andy Puddicombe himself, each episode is 20 minutes and is a great beginner’s guide to meditation.
If your New Year’s goal is to pursue meditation, watch Headspace Guide to Meditation.
Brown: The Call to Courage
Ever wondered about the power of emotions?
As humans, we have numerous emotions like empathy, shame, and vulnerability yet we feel incredibly awkward feeling these kind of emotions.
Brené Brown, a New York Times bestselling author and researcher who studied these emotions for over two decades, shares her knowledge and experience, in this Netflix special.
Brown talks about how choosing courage and vulnerability opens up joy, love and belonging.
Vulnerability is the core of shame, fear and our struggle for worthiness, but it appears that it’s also the birthplace of joy, creativity, belonging and love, said Brown.
The special also tell us how being vulnerable encourages us to be courageous, because the willingness in being vulnerable, is a courageous decision.
Brown ended with an impactful message, “vulnerability seems hard, scary and dangerous but it’s not as hard, scary or dangerous as getting to the end of our lives and having to ask ourselves, what if I would have shown up?’
Show up, be seen, answer the call to courage. Because you’re worth it. You’re worth being brave.
