For many people, the coronavirus pandemic has meant more time off than they were intending. Whether your hours have been cut back or your business is on hold or your vacation is canceled, you may find yourself with extra hours that need filling. Here are four ideas for how to fill that time productively.
Learn New Skills
Downtime is a great opportunity to learn new skills. Maybe this is the moment you actually learn those excel skills you claim to have on your resume. Maybe get started picking up a second language or take some data center training courses to add to your resume. There are countless skills you haven’t acquired yet; this could be a great time to start learning.
Start a Side Gig
If you’re concerned about your income or you just want a little extra cash to feed your online shopping habits, now is a great time to pick up a side gig. No matter how much or how little free time you have, no matter what your skill set or education level, there’s a place for you in the gig economy somewhere. Just remember, even if you’re not being paid by the hour you should keep track of your hours. If a side gig eats up too much of your time, it can end up costing you more than you earn.
Household Chores
Think about all those tasks that have been languishing on your to-do list while you were busy at work. Isn’t this the perfect moment to finally take down your household chores once and for all? That leaky faucet can finally stop dripping. That room you’ve been meaning to repaint can finally get repainted. That thing your spouse has been bugging you to fix can finally get fixed.
Pick Up a New Hobby
Last but not least, this is a great time to pick up a new hobby. Plenty of people have taken up new crafts and new hobbies while stuck at home. It’s a great way to while away the hours and keep yourself entertained. Take up knitting or drawing or gardening! Try something totally new and see what appeals. You may have skills and talents you never thought of.
On top of the concrete advantages these productive activities produce, there are intangible emotional advantages. Coronavirus has been stressful for everyone! These productive activities can help take your mind off your problems and keep you occupied while you are waiting.