We’re all going through a difficult time right now, as Covid-19 has affected us all in different ways. Some are struggling with money and finances after losing jobs, others have lost family members or their own lives. Even if you’ve not been personally affected by these major things, having your 2020 plans cancelled and all of your freedoms for going outside stripped away is a hard pill for anyone to swallow. Remember, it won’t last forever so right now do what you can to keep your mental and physical health in check. Here are some ideas.
Study a new subject
Now is the perfect opportunity to learn about something new, perhaps something you’ve been wanting to study for years but previously did not have the time. There are academic courses on just about every subject online if you want to gain certification or perhaps improve your CV. If you’ve lost your job as a result of the virus then having some relevant qualifications can help you to get another job later on- for example, if you want to work with children you could study education. Otherwise, teach yourself about something new learning from books, online resources and videos.
Exercise
No gyms are open right now, but you can exercise at home or in the garden using bodyweight exercises or equipment you already own. Many places in the world are still allowing people limited time out of the house to exercise so if you’re able to, get out every day and go for a walk, jog or cycle.
Take up hobbies that build skills
Hobbies are important for people of all ages, they can help you to learn new skills, de-stress and also maintain an identity (since many of us feel that all we do is work, eat, sleep, repeat). There are plenty of things you can do from home, such as crafts, gardening, blogging and baking to name a few.
Set up a new stream of income
If the current Covid-19 situation has shown us anything, it’s that none of our jobs are quite as secure as we’d like to have thought. While what we’re experiencing is a rare situation, it goes to show that no one knows quite what’s around the corner and that’s something which is always true. Brexit, the recession, a health crisis- these kinds of things occur every now and again and make us realise that the jobs we have can easily be snatched away. If you’ve been furloughed and aren’t currently working, why not use this time to set up a side hustle. You’ll learn a wealth of new skills, push yourself out of your comfort zone and be able to do work that you enjoy and means something to you. Once you return to work it’s something you can continue doing, and have that extra stream of income there if you need it.