How can I gain new skills during a lockdown?

Lockdown is definitely the perfect opportunity to learn new skills. Why not use your extra time to emerge back into the world as the best version of yourself? Even if you have a stable job and no desire to learn new skills, it’s worth thinking about. This is a scary and unfulfilling time for many people. By learning new skills, you ensure that your days are filled with meaning and you can feel pride on the weekend. Keeping your mind active and stimulated can help you to stay cognitively healthy as you age. Socialising does this, too, but obviously, that’s not so easy right now.

Fortunately, there are so many distance learning courses to keep you busy during this time. I use something called the learning cloud, which is essentially online courses. They offer something in almost every area imaginable. I’ve already completed a business studies course, a creative writing course, and even a Russian language course. Who knows how these might benefit me in the future but they’re just keeping me happy and entertained right now.

To regain the social aspect, try joining online video events. You can join a fitness workshop or an online book group. This can allow you to meet new people over Zoom while building your skills. Just look around the internet and see what excites you. You can do short courses if you don’t want to commit or complete an entire degree online. If not now, then when?

Building up my skills while in lockdown has been one of the best things I’ve done. Sure, there have been difficult days but I’m really grateful for the extra time I’ve been given to grow intellectually and as a person. Click here to access the learning cloud and find online courses to help build your skills.