This year, COVID-19 has changed billions of lives. Companies are going under, flights are on hold, and consumers are looking for new ways to make a living. Still, quarantine is not merely a disruption.
The stay-at-home mode gives opportunities for self-development. Residents of South Africa have been acquiring new skills and enriching their knowledge. From handcrafts to Forex trading, here are seven great ideas. Have you tried any of them?
1. Improve Personal Finance
Enhance your financial literacy. Analyze your spending and learn to use budgeting apps like Mint. These help to monitor expenses by category and identify potential savings. They may even sync with your bank account!
Imagine being your own boss. Nobody breathes down your neck. You can work when you like, how you like and as much as you like. Forex is neither gambling nor passive income. It is a process of turning knowledge into cash. You can learn Forex trading for free.
Consider opportunities for additional income, which are rife. As long as you are willing to learn and persevere, you can achieve financial freedom. All you need is to register with ForexTime or another reputable and licensed brokerage. The company will provide a demo account, so you can practise with virtual money.
2. Create Something
A common problem with most office jobs is that you may feel detached from the final product, or the result is vague. With DIY, you can see the result of your creative endeavour. Even origami can be challenging and stimulating! Try drawing, painting, embroidery or decoupage. If you think creativity is not your strength, you can paint by numbers!
There are myriad ideas for home improvement. You can fix old furniture, repurpose ordinary items, create design objects, etc. Sometimes, the costs are very low, as you may already have the right supplies.
You will be surprised by the variety of ways to use old rope, leftover fabric, wood boards, etc. From shelves to upholstery to brand new furniture, the choice is wide. DIY projects will give you the sense of achievement you have been longing for.
3. Adopt Healthy Habits
Focus on changing your daily routine to make it healthier. During quarantine, home workouts become more popular, but it is not the only possibility. You can try to drink more water, cut down on sugar and fast food, etc. This new system may be difficult to follow in the beginning. Make gradual changes.
Finally, not everyone’s advice is worth heeding. Before trusting any Instagram ‘guru,’ check their background. Do they have the credentials required for professional guidance? Before making dramatic changes to your menu, you need to consult a registered dietitian. Still, eating less sugar and salt is great.
4. Read Books
Literature engages our brain differently from TV series or movies. They make your imagination work to visualize what is written. You could say that watching is only passive perception: actors and directors create those images for you – all you need is to consume them.
If you do not find classics engaging, there are many other genres to explore. Search through fiction and non-fiction catalogues of e-book websites like Scribd. Such platforms have trial periods, so you can read for free!
Alternatively, try audiobooks. You can listen to them on the go, wherever you are. Apps like Audible have a wealth of literature for any taste. If you really cannot make yourself read, listening may feel more comfortable.
You can always find time for literature. Are you a multitasker? Instead of letting a TV show run in the background while you cook, you could play something more valuable.
5. Learn a New Language
Is there a language you have been trying to learn for a while? The quarantine mode creates the perfect conditions for it. Finally, you can devote more time to the subject, and immerse yourself in the language you want to master. Enrol in online courses. Watch YouTube videos and Netflix movies with subtitles. You may also find a tutor for Skype classes.
It is easier to learn a language when you are interested in its cultural context. Every country has something that can spark your passion: you only need to find it. This could be music, art, literature or pop culture. For example, one of the most effective learning methods is through songs.
6. Watch Documentaries
Many of us are too busy to watch any educational content. When we get home from work, all we want is to relax and enjoy some light entertainment. While in quarantine, you can explore more serious genres than comedy TV series.
Even Netflix has a wealth of documentaries and docudramas. You can also find free content on YouTube and other video-sharing sites. It is time to gain knowledge and pick new skills. Being well-rounded is always useful. Make your brain work.
7. Start a Blog
A blog is not only a way to share knowledge with the world. It may also look good on your resume. Well-written articles will help you earn a reputation as an authoritative resource. If you are an expert, this is a great way to propel your career. You may also promote your page, post ads and be paid for it! The most important thing is to choose a niche that will excite you and attract a broad audience. Another avenue is video blogging. Create several videos to start. These will direct traffic to one another. To gain more views, you may embed your videos on different sites. Did you know that one video with 1 million views gives its creator $1,000 per month on average?
The Upsides of Lockdowns
Quarantine is not a reason to put your life on hold. During self-isolation, many people have discovered new hobbies, interests, and even jobs. This is a matter of perspective: where some of us see obstacles, others see opportunities.
Hone your skills, acquire knowledge, or share your expertise with the world! What starts as a hobby may turn into a fulfilling career that will make you happy.