Although this summer hasn’t been what we all expected, whether your holidays got cancelled, or your university studies were moved online, I reminded myself how important it is to be creative with my time.
So, take your time to consider these 10 things I have learnt this summer.
1. Social media
Review 42 noted that 16-24-year olds spend a median of three hours a day on social media. Social media can be a great tool to educate yourself on topical issues, BUT what I have learnt from lockdown is to break this habit and reduce your screen time!
2. Puzzles
A great way to wind down after working from home all day is doing a puzzle like a Sudoku, and a great alternative to more screen time watching TV.
3. A Daily Walk
It is always important to stretch your legs and engage with some form of physical activity, but equally important for your mental health. Getting out the house for a walk really does clear your brain.
4. Shorthand
I started my NCTJ in January and after six weeks in college lockdown began. What is beneficial is that shorthand is a skill that anyone can pick up, just grab yourself a Teeline Shorthand book. It is a great skill to learn if you want to pursue a career in journalism and can be learnt from home!
5. Write a list for the day
For anyone who has been furloughed and unable to work, creating a day-to-day list is a useful way to stay on top of your routine. I myself have learnt that by having a list I am more mindful about how I spend my time.
6. Take an online course
During lockdown I completed a Social Media Campaign course through Future Learn. Lockdown is the perfect opportunity to take an online course and so many can be accessed for free.
7. Take up a new sport
During early lockdown, I was committed to staying in shape so started riding my bike again. Lockdown is a great opportunity to take up a new sport, and a bike ride is great aerobic exercise!
8. Become mindful about money
One positive outcome I have found from lockdown is becoming more mindful of my spending. You do not need those lunch break Starbucks or to buy the latest clothes online. Lockdown has been a great tool to learn what spending habits should be broken.
9. Cooking and baking
I know everyone will have seen a banana bread or two pop up on their social media channels. You may not be the next MasterChef winner but lockdown has provided us all with the perfect opportunity to get in the kitchen!
10. Setting yourself a life goal
Lockdown has provided us all with the opportunity to re-evaluate our life. Use lockdown to work towards your next life goal, whether that’s an internship you have always wanted, starting that travel plan for a year away or taking the opportunity to stop and decide whether you want that career change.
Millie Lockhart
Featured image courtesy of Christine Hume on Unsplash. Image License found here. No changes were made to this image.