Lockdown time

2020 threw all of us into turmoil. Some lost their jobs or had to take time away or had to work from home. Some people didn’t know if they had/have jobs to go back to once the lockdown period ends. I had comments from a lot of people saying how bored they are so I thought I’d compile a list of things that you might like to do next time your in lockdown:

  • Learn a new skill or honing an old one.

  • Upskilling - Many TAFEs and unis are offering free courses.

  • Some of the overseas universities offer free courses online.

  • Drawing classes through NGV (National Gallery of Victoria) or any other creative outlet you choose.

  • Local community centres also run short courses that you could get involved in.

  • Take up photography - Instagram is so popular these days - when was the last time you uploaded a photo?

  • Learn a new language - there’s heaps of apps out there or CDs available through bookstores.

  • Learn a musical instrument.

  • What’s that thing that you’ve always wanted to learn but haven’t?

  • Become an expert at something.

  • Create new products.

  • Start a side hustle - you know that business idea you’ve always had but haven’t had the time to bring it to fruition.

  • Plan a trip.

  • Make yourself financially literate - it’s a great time to start investing in long term investments. Have you read The Barefoot Investor yet?

  • Read! About everything and anything.

  • Learn about emotional intelligence, quantum physics, natural medicine.

  • Get really buff! Use this time to invest in yourself and a healthier you.

  • Cook nourishing healthy meals.

  • Learn some new recipes.

  • Watch a series on Netflix that you wouldn’t normally watch.

  • Listen to some new music.

  • Conquer a video game.

  • Write a journal or a book!

  • Meditate.

  • Make self care a priority.

  • Plan what you want to do with your life for the next 5-7 years & break it down into small achievable steps.

  • Create a vision board.

  • Update your CV or resume.

  • Create a Seek or Linkedin profile.

  • Apply for those jobs even if you’re not qualified. Find out what qualifications you need for your dream job.

  • Create a website for the hell of it and blog your experiences during this time.

  • Write and act out a play.

  • Perform and perfect a dance routine - hello TikTok videos.

  • Start a Youtube channel.

  • Check on a neighbour to see how they’re doing and if they need any help.

  • Volunteer your service to an organisation such as meals on wheels etc.

  • Become an Uber delivery driver.

  • Help out local businesses and keep them running by buying local.

  • If you’re single join an online dating app - start chatting to people and building connections.

  • Did you know you can date online via Zoom?

  • Did you also know on Bumble you can meet new people for friendship and for business networking? (it’s not only just for dating!)

  • If you’re in a relationship, connect with your significant other.

  • Stay connected to loved ones through the use of technology - FaceTime, Messenger, Zoom, Skype.

  • You know the friends that you haven’t kept in contact with? Now’s the opportunity to reach out.

  • Spend quality time with your children - find out what makes them, them and who they are as people.

  • Call or FaceTime your grandparents and ask them about their life - keep a record of their memories.

  • Board games and jigsaw puzzles are fun.

  • Keep yourself informed but please don’t believe everything you see and read - do some research.

  • Those odd jobs around the house that you’ve been putting off.

  • Repaint, reclaim or upcycle a piece of furniture.

  • Rescue an animal from a shelter or rescue group.

  • Sit outside in the sunshine and get some Vitamin D - it helps build your immune system.

  • Clean out the garage or the spare room.

  • Clean out your wardrobe - are you really going to wear those clothes and shoes again?

  • Organise you paperwork.

  • That stuff that you’re never going to use again put them on eBay, Gumtree or Buy Swap and Sell sites.

  • Get out of your comfort zone.

  • Book into something that you’ve never done before, after lockdown is finished. I’m learning how to surf!