By Mariana O’Connor
The second wave of COVID is imminent. Many countries have returned to lockdown restrictions, and others seem to be heading that way. Although many of us would prefer otherwise, we are bound to be spending a lot more time at home.
It may seem dreadful to be locked in and missing out on the things that we take for granted: time with friends and family, dining out, hanging out with colleagues, sports and hobbies. All of those things we love are no longer available to us.
We could sit and grieve – perhaps we should – since the things that we love are getting ripped from our lives.
However, once we are done grieving and feeling bad about ourselves, we should realize that we are getting something in return. Even though we didn’t ask for this, we are getting time in return.
A double-edged sword, really, because although every adult complains about not having enough time, having too much time seems daunting - and maybe a little boring.
There’s a reason why “Bored in The House” was a TikTok sensation
What are we supposed to do with this time?
Well, it’s time to learn the things you’ve always wanted to learn but never had the time. In fact, the OECD found that a lack of time and scheduling conflicts were the most cited barriers to participation in adult learning.
I bet there are a few things that you considered learning. Whether it’s a new hobby, upgrading a skill, maybe something to express yourself creatively – now is your time to learn.
If you are considering learning a new skill, first of all, know that you are not alone. The first lockdown saw a significant increase in online learning platforms.
So, what are people learning?
A very uncomfortable reality of this pandemic is that it accelerated the rate at which some jobs became obsolete. Also, many sectors and jobs might take a long time to recover after COVID.
So, professional upskilling and career changes are top of mind for a lot of people when they consider learning something new. Tech courses such as programming, data science, graphic design and advanced excel have become increasingly popular in the past months.
Also, since more people have started to work remotely, they have turned to professional and personal development courses. For example the top three courses on LinkedIn learning are: 1) Time Management, 2) Strategic Thinking and, 3) Remote Work Foundations.
Some people have found that there’s no time like the present to get those important money skills. In Canada, the CPA (Charter Professional Accountants) released a free financial literacy program – which includes important life skills like budgeting, financial planning and taxes.
Of course, not everyone wants to add a challenging course to their already challenging life. Many prefer to have an outlet, a hobby or something that will bring a little bit of joy during trying times.
If this is you… we have some suggestions.
Early this year we made a poll to find out what people were interested in learning. These are some of the most popular answers:
1. Languages
46% of respondents said that they would like to learn a new language. Let’s be honest, learning a new language is hard but it’s so rewarding.
Learning a new language makes your brain stronger, as it involves using the left and right sides of the brain simultaneously. This results in language learners becoming better decision-makers, multitaskers and communicators.
The hardest part is choosing one language. If you need inspiration, next time you are planning to watch something on Netflix, pick a show in a different language or listen to music from a different country.
You can also learn a programming language, which has become a very desirable skill in the job market. If you have a knack for technology or are looking to start a profitable new career, this is something to look into.
There are platforms like codecademy that have both free and affordable classes to get you started. Also, many programmers managed to teach themselves through practice, reading blogs and watching YouTube videos.
Let us know in the comments if you have a language you’d like to learn.
2. Art (Painting, Drawing, Sculpture, etc.)
Art was the third most popular learning subject from our poll. 51% of respondents said that they’d like to learn how to make art – including, sculpture, painting, drawing, etc.
Like language, practicing an art can significantly enrich your life. Studies found that learning art can train our brains to have better memory and attention skills.
Also - and importantly during COVID times – art students can develop a positive mindset that encourages resilience and optimism. Overall, doing creative things makes us happier, and benefits our connections with each other and ourselves.
If you’re not sure of which medium you’d like to learn and need inspiration, go on Instagram and follow the hashtag #arttherapy or #artprojects. Discover artists and art projects that you’re interested in and let us know which one you’ve decided to try.
Mari Andrew’s gorgeous Instagram account has been an inspiration - she also has classes on illustration and storytelling on Skillshare
There are also platforms like Skillshare that have affordable online workshops taught by artists and creators. You can find courses such as animation, design, photography, writing, etc.
3. DIY Projects
Our second most popular response was DIY Projects with 54% of respondents saying they’d like to learn to make more DIY things. There are so many projects to take on if you put your time and effort into it.
Engaging in DIY projects has its own great benefits. It will benefit you financially, mentally and perhaps even spiritually.
For one, it will help with your finances. Learning to make home décor items, or fixing your own plumbing or furniture, could save you a fortune in the long run.
To take it even further, if you get very good at your new craft, you could even start a new source of income. Whether it’s through selling your DIY crafts on Etsy, or becoming a DIY influencer.
In case you are wondering how DIY projects can benefit you mentally and spiritually, let me throw a little bit of Psych 101 at you. It’s interesting, I promise!
Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi is a happiness researcher with a superhero backstory that led him to study happiness. He developed the term “flow state”, which is the state when people are the most happy, and even feel self-actualization.
This flow state does not just come around – it is something that happens when we are completely absorbed by an activity in a way that nothing else matters. However, this activity must be both challenging but achievable -not too easy, but also not so hard that it brings you anxiety.
Let’s be honest, we could all use a little bit more happiness and motivation in our lives these days. So why not invest our time in something that can bring us this state of flow.
Developing the skills to work on DIY projects can induce this state of flow. Whether it is making your own personal care products, building a deck or making a birdhouse – keep yourself challenged and motivated.
4. Cooking or Baking
The majority of our respondents (62%) said that they would like to learn how to Cook or Bake during COVID. This was definitely felt when suddenly flour, yeast and mother dough became scarce in the supermarkets. Everyone suddenly wanted to bake sourdough.
With limitations on dining out and a tighter budget, cooking at home became more important. And let’s be honest, we can only have so much mac and cheese and ramen noodles.
Whether it is the delicious pad thai you get for lunch, or the amazing gnocchi you look forward to on your anniversary night - it is time to hone those cooking skills.
Cooking is also fascinating; there is a reason why Gordon Ramsey and Julia Child are household names. There’s a reason why cooking shows like The Great British Bake Off and Top Chefs are watched by millions worldwide.
For one, food is literally the fuel that keeps us alive. Also, it is an important part of our culture, our traditions and our lifestyles.
If you need more convincing about the importance of cooking, you need to watch this TedTalk
Learning how to cook/bake can impact your finances, your health and your overall life. While eating at home regularly can save you a pretty penny, you’re also likely to use less less salt, fats, and sugars than restaurants do.
Cooking and eating also brings people together. You can prepare meals with your family or partner, and create a fun experience or tradition. Also, who doesn’t love sharing a meal with that friend or family member who is an amazing cook?
There are hundreds of thousands of blogs and videos that teach you how to cook. Also, platforms like Pinterest are a great way to find recipes. If you are old school, buy recipe books that will walk you through techniques and ingredients to get a full education.
The most important thing is to keep trying and eventually you’ll get better and become more creative in the kitchen.
Are You Ready to Learn Something New?
We hope this post inspired you to finally pick up that skill you always wanted or learn the things that you’re curious about. While we may have uncontrollable restrictions and limitations coming our way, we have an endless capacity to learn.
In case you’re still in doubt, remember:
- Learning new things will keep your brain young and fit
- It will change your perspective on the world and yourself
- It will make you physically and mentally stronger
- It will bring you joy at the time when you need it most
Make sure you tune in to the Amateur Podcast to listen to the stories and tips of how people learned to do what they do best.