10 Skills To Master In Quarantine
The past year has had its ups and downs, but mostly downs caused by the worldwide pandemic. Most of us are in lockdown, working from home, and trying to get by and getting used to this new, isolated lifestyle.
To keep themselves afloat and widen their horizons, a lot of people are using this opportunity to learn new trades and skills. So here’s our list of a few skills you can master while in quarantine.
1. Cooking and Baking
This is the number one skill people turn to in lockdown. Every restaurant is closed, and we’re always home, which brings up two problems: everyone has to eat something every day, and we don’t want to eat the same thing over and over again.
There’s a plethora of free content available on the internet about cooking and baking, learning to improvise, and being more creative in the kitchen. People are happily learning the craft of bread making, which seemed impossible for most before these trying times.
It’s also a great stress-reliever for a lot of people, the kitchen becoming a safe place of experimenting, creativity, and blowing off steam. Also, the number one place for a dance and karaoke party accompanied by some ‘cooking juice’.
2. A New Language
Learning online has never been easier. With a lot of platforms like Masterclass, Skillshare and even Youtube at your service, learning new skills is at your doorstep.
In this century, knowledge of multiple languages can make a huge difference in our everyday lives and our workplaces as well. From Japanese to German, Spanish, or anything you view as necessary or just beautiful and interesting, now’s the time to start learning a new language and adding it to your resume.
3. A New Instrument
Even if you don’t own an instrument, you can start by learning to read sheet music or just music theory if that’s something you’re interested in. Music can open a lot of doors and skill sets that are great to have in the future. It’s also a great way of meditation and concentration. So if you were thinking about learning something about music but you just didn’t have the time, here’s your sign to start.
4. A Craft
For those who like to blow off steam by working with their hands, mastering a craft can be the key to keeping their sanity in these hard times.
This can be sewing, woodcraft, creating jewelry, pottery, anything you can think of. This also requires some investment, but it can be worth it in the long run. Or if you’re not that sure, start a craft that doesn’t require a lot of starting equipment. Like hand sewing, crochet, creating a nice necklace, etc.
5. Coding
The world of technology is growing by the minute, and companies are in need of people who work in IT, more specifically coding. There are a lot of cheap courses available online that help you learn this language quickly and easily, and some even give certificates you can add to your CV.
Knowing how to code can open a lot of doors to various opportunities that can help you move forward in the future. So if you want to learn a practical skill that you can take with you in your professional life, this is the one. It may be hard, but this is definitely worth it, and it pays for itself in the long run.
6. Something Artistic (drawing, painting)
This can be drawing, painting, writing, anything that requires some imagination, a pen, and a paper. Most people don’t have time for art projects in their everyday lives, so if you’ve been putting it off, here’s the time to start learning.
And if you’re stuck at home with the entire family and small children, this can be a fun family activity to pass the time and tire the kids.
7. Yoga or Pilates
Getting the right amount of exercise is very important, but very hard when you’re in lockdown. Most people are working next to a computer, commuting from the bed to the table and back. It’s a priority to keep your body moving.
A great way to stretch and strengthen your body at the same time is yoga or pilates. And because these are some of the most complex ways of exercising, you have to dive in and learn the intricate world and language of motion and exercise.
8. Photoshop and Design
If we’re sitting at the computer all day anyway, why not learn to use it for creative projects? Learning to use Adobe software for editing and designing can be the perfect creative outlet for those who like to tweak around on the computer. It can even open a door into a new prospect you never thought of.
9. Self Care (meditating, breathing exercises, etc)
External and internal self-care is very important, and now we have more time to dig ourselves into this world. Meditating, breathing exercises, cleaning your chakras or aura, anything you were always interested in, now you can try them out in practice.
These are great things to add to your morning routine, having wonderful results, and they only take a little time out of your day.
10. Gardening
If you have a garden that you never could maintain while working in an office, now you have a chance to take it to a new level. Start growing your own fruits, vegetables, and herbs, or just plant beautiful flowers and make a rock-garden, a koi pond, anything that will liven up your surroundings.
This is a great way to go out, exercise, get some fresh air, and the sight of a beautiful blooming garden will surely give you inner peace also.
Any of these activities will keep your mind off the current situation, and liven up your monotonous routine, giving you some more motivation to get up and get going. And we all need a project to keep our inner peace at bay.
