The obvious benefit of knowing a second language is being able to speak, read, and write in it so that when you visit a country that speaks it you can easily get around. But there are a surprising amount of health benefits associated with language learning that would have you sit down for at least 30 minutes a day to work on a language.
Memory
Studies show that people who learn another language actually have a higher capacity for short-term memory storage and are more capable to process new information. If you find yourself struggling to retain new information, then increasing your language abilities may use the part of your brain that will help you remember more.
Longer Attention Span
A short attention span often leads to a wandering mind, which makes it difficult for a person to focus on the subject at hand. Language learning means that you have to switch between two, three, or even more languages depending on how many you are learning. When you have to focus on two languages and when to use them it allows you to hone your concentration because there are nuances and words you have to pick up on if you want to understand a situation. This can be applied to work and school as well so that you are able to focus on specific tasks in allotted time periods.
Possibly Delay Illnesses Like Dementia
Edinburgh University performed a study on bilingualism and dementia to see if there was a correlation between a later onset of symptoms. The researchers believe that because the brain has to constantly switch between two or more languages which can mean different alphabets, grammatical structures, and cultural norms meant that the brain was trained to be used differently than those who only speak one language. Further research is needed but if there is a link between offsetting dementia and learning another language then there is no harm in giving it a try!