Remember that little thing called time? Well, my guess is you might have a bit more of it right now, so much so that you might not even know what to do with it. There might have been a number of things you’ve been putting off for a while, you know one of those “I’ll do it later” moments. Well, here is a short list of ways to be productive and even learn something new. A little self-improvement can go a long way.
1. Learn a new language
Wouldn’t it be nice to speak more than one language? Some of you might already know more than one language but hey why stop there?
Make a start now and take the first steps into learning a new language. The Open University has a ton of free lessons you can check out here: https://www.open.edu/openlearn/languages/free-courses
2. Listen to a Podcast
This might finally be the time to sit down and use some time to relax and put on a podcast. If you have a smart speaker you can even listen on there but the possibilities with these really are endless. There is SO many to choose from like music playlists, interviews, stories, general knowledge or factual based programmes and much, much more. So, whatever you’re interested in have a browse through the big wild world of Podcasts and enjoy.
To make it a little easier for you, here is a list of 50 podcasts put together by The Guardian “you need to hear!” https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2016/may/14/fifty-best-podcasts-bob-mortimer-john-oliver-jemaine-clement-serial
3. Learn to play an instrument
Now is a better time than ever to become the virtuoso you always knew you were! Use this time wisely and practice, practice, practice! If it’s the piano, guitar or trumpet you’re interested in playing then now really is the time to start. Brush up on those skills and use literally thousands of free YouTube tutorial videos that are out there waiting. These videos can range from absolute beginner to professional level and what’s better… they’re completely free!
4. Read a book
There’s never been a better time to pick up those books that you have acquired over time. Rather than using them as paper weights or as a makeshift stand of some sort actually use them for their sole purpose. Get lost in a story for a few hours and work through your home library. It’s good for the mind and it lets you focus elsewhere rather than scrolling through social media and reading the news. “As we hunker down to combat the unseen enemy, we have to find ways to take advantage of our newfound time. What better way to attack a big book, one that will leave you bigger and better person at the end.@
5. 30-day free trial on Audible
If you don’t have the books to hand but you want to read, let somebody else do it for you. It’s just as good and really, really soothing. You can even do your daily chores around the house whilst listening or listen to it whilst soaking in the bath its really up to you. Audible is an amazing app that you can download to any device including smart speakers. Just like music streaming services Audible by Amazon is literally a library at your fingertips. You can start with a 30-day free trial too so if you don’t like it there’s no worries! That should keep you busy!
You can download Audible here: https://www.audible.co.uk
6. Clear out your online life
Something I have been putting off forever is a big clear out of my phone and my “online life”. What I mean by this is clear out all those millions of spam emails we get daily and unsubscribe to the ones you don’t want anymore. Take some time to clear out old photos and videos or even contacts and messages on your phone and free up space for new memories when all of this blows over. It’s a small task that we all put off doing and it never gets done. Save yourself some space and get deleting!
7. Have a home clear out
Let’s be honest, we all have a drawer in the house that is full of… Rubbish! I bet there is stuff under your bed too that has piled up over time and I imagine there is also clothes in your wardrobe that you don’t want. I won’t even get started on what’s in the garage, loft or cellar! Can you see where I am going with this? It’s time for a clear out. Tackle all of the above and get rid of any unwanted items. Fill bags for charities and throw out any rubbish, pick out clothes to sell online and make a couple of quid. You could even just use the time to get organised if there is nothing to throw. You’ll feel much better for it!
8. Do an online course
There are literally thousands of different online courses you could take part in on the web that you can utilise to your own schedule. There are plenty of free ones too! The Open University for example has a great collection of different subjects! Udemy lets you use their search bar to look for any topic, whatever it is you want to learn they will have something for you. All of these courses award you with a certificate after completion (as well as all knowledge obviously) and in some cases even qualifications!
9. Art
You might have a little creative streak in you, why don’t you use it and out it towards something nice. There is so many options you can literally be as creative as you like. Draw, paint, sew, write it’s completely up to you. Spend time doing what you are good at. Not only is it relaxing but you can use this time to perfect your skill and maybe even sell your work. These day’s with social media like Instagram and websites like Etsy or eBay you can create something that somebody else will almost certainly buy.
10. Self-help/yoga & meditation
Turn your home into a yoga retreat. Find a space, surround yourself with plants and light a couple of scented candles. Whilst working from home and in self isolation we have to make sure we look after our wellbeing, mind and health. There are 100’s of YouTube tutorial videos to help you meditate or complete a yoga class ranging from total beginner to expert level. If you are feeling a little frustrated or stressed right now, then this is the perfect tool to keep your mind at ease.
11. ( One for good luck) – Box Sets
Or, if you don’t want to do any of the above and you’d prefer to actually just chill, well there’s one for you too. If you want to sit back and enjoy some well-deserved time off, then get tackling all of those boxsets that you haven’t been able to start through the previous weeks. You might already be halfway through some and never made it to the end, I know I’m guilty of that. Use the get comfy, get entertained and Netflix and chill. Go on, tick off some of those boxsets… you know you deserve it!
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