Who would have thought that a time would come when the world will cease to operate? Or that it might do so in the wake of a lethal pandemic (COVID-19) that would spread like wildfire?
Now that we are secluded in our homes, we must remain in self-isolation to help healthcare facilities in halting the spread of the virus. This is the only way to remain safe and to beat the outbreak. However, not many of us are attuned to living in isolation. Millennials, particularly, are fond of hanging out with friends and enjoying a morning, afternoon or an evening at the restaurant, playing sports or watching movies.
This isolation must be observed as an opportunity to reflect on our lives and to continue with our learning process. We have the power of the Internet and with it the possibility to learn.
Here are a few ways you can make productive use of your time at home:
1.) Develop your skills
We are living in a competitive world. Today, skills are more important than a degree. Where a degree is a license that gives you a chance to appear for a job interview, a skill is something that ensures that you do actually get the job. While you are at home, develop a skill that is of interest. You should develop skills that you may not have much interest in but they are essential for professional growth. For instance, you can learn how to use MS Excel, PowerPoint or how to use a design software. You can learn them by watching detailed, informative video tutorials available on YouTube. You can learn painting, sculpting, dancing, singing, public speaking, website design, cooking, sewing – and the list goes on.
2.) Learn a language
Learning a language is always a useful activity. You not only learn a completely new and unknown set of words and phrases, but you also enhance your cognitive skills by using your memory. Learn a language that you always wanted to learn. Give it a try. You may actually like this new pastime activity.
3.) Freelance
This time of isolation is best for freelancers. If you have never done freelancing, this could be the best time to learn to swim in this new world. First, identify a skill that you can deliver. Second, create an account on Fiverr or Upwork or other websites that connect freelancers with clients and companies across the world. You can search on Google about the list of companies that are the best marketplace for freelancers. You can earn money while staying at home. If you are already working, you can add a second stream of revenue and add value to your resume. If you are a student, there is nothing wrong with earning extra pocket money.
4.) Read!
The habit of reading must be an integral part of your life – in times of isolation or otherwise. The more you read, the better perceptive skills you develop. Read books and newspapers every day. Even if you read just five pages of a book, do it. Schedule your reading time and monitor your reading activity. You can also download PDF versions of books and read them at your convenience.
5.) Maintain a journal
Self-isolation can become a source of depression. We are accustomed to leaving our homes for study or work and when we are isolated, our sentiments and feelings begin playing with our minds. To remain sane, you must write down your emotions in a journal. You can publish them on your blog to share them with the world – or you can jot them on paper and keep them a secret. You must spill out what is going on in your mind. This will help you reflect on your strengths and weaknesses. In doing so, you will better comprehend yourself and improve your mental wellbeing.
I hope these points will help you go through this period of isolation. Stay blessed!
The writer is an independent researcher and columnist