These days, a lot of people are stuck at home due to the pandemic. Some have opted to play video games to pass the time. Others are doing home recreational activities. All of these sound great but, if you’re looking to be more efficient with your time on lockdown, why not try to expand or improve the skills you have?
As an individual, you need to be on a constant lookout for opportunities to improve yourself. Take this pandemic as an opportunity to improve yourself while you’re stuck at home by committing to learning one new skill per month. But with all the possibilities that you can choose from, which one should you go for? Here is a list of simple yet useful skills that you can learn from the comfort of your own home.
The Art of Cleaning
Cleaning doesn’t just refer to the act of dusting and sweeping or vacuuming the floor. It also has to do with maintaining cleanliness through proper cleaning tools and suitable organization of items around the house. A clean home is not only appealing to look at but can also improve your overall health. Molds can thrive in unkempt corners of your home and, their spores can prove to be a health hazard. Ants and roaches can also make themselves at home in the mess and dirt. Learning how to clean your house properly is an invaluable skill to have: especially while you are stuck at home.
The Ins and Outs of a Computer
Humanity has entered the digital age. Computers, once a luxury, are now a necessity. Modern life can be made so much easier by having even basic knowledge about computers. If you own one, try to tinker with it and learn the function of various applications within it. Microsoft Office is not just limited to Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. It has other applications and features that can prove useful to you in the future.
Some employers are looking for potential hires with an advanced understanding of the various functions of Microsoft Office. If you’re looking to become more competitive in the job market, adding this to your repertoire of skills can give you that edge. And why stop there? Try out other applications that you think are in demand in the job market right now.
However, a computer is not limited to just the software. Its hardware is equally important. Taking a moment to look inside your hardware and understand how the pieces fit together can be an invaluable skill to have. You won’t have to spend on a technician if you can fix the problem yourself.
Critical Thinking
Everyone has the capacity for critical thinking, but not everyone can do it efficiently. People who can form logically sound decisions on the spot can do so either because of natural talent or through training. Choosing to train your brain to be more alert and process information at a higher pace to make faster decisions can be a good investment of your time and effort.
Various activities can help you improve your thinking capabilities. There are quizzes found online aimed at assessing a person’s ability for critical thinking. There are also brain games designed to improve your mental capabilities through fun and creative means. All of these are easily accessible online, making it a viable option for you. Choosing to improve your critical thinking can increase the likelihood of you making better decisions. It will also allow you to look at things from a more objective point of view.
Making Home-cooked Meals
There’s nothing better than a warm and delicious meal that you have cooked yourself. The satisfaction you get when you take that first bite is unparalleled. Learning how to cook is relatively easy, and everyone can do it. All you’ll need is a kitchen with the basic tools, fresh ingredients, and the internet so you can search for recipes.
Cooking is an essential skill that can help get you through some tough times. Particularly, knowing how to cook had proven invaluable during the pandemic when shops were closed. Some people had no choice but to have food delivered, putting them in a rut of eating the same kind of food for weeks. Cooking can save you from this ordeal and allow you to have a more diverse choice of delicious meals that cost less and tastes better.
The skills mentioned earlier are just some of the many others you can learn while you’re stuck at home. Choosing to learn one or two of them is not only a way to pass the time but also an investment for your improvement as a person.
