Bored in the house, and I'm in the house bored. I think almost everyone worldwide is in a similar situation. I keep debating if I should download TikTok, but I know that would decrease any sense of productivity I have. I am sticking to Instagram for now.
I've been seeing this meme everywhere and I think it's hilarious!
Being productive very important and critical to success. It can cut down on the amount of time you dedicate to each activity leaving you with more time to do more. I value productivity, but I am also challenged by it.
While I would love to say I have been productive since I got done with school, that is not exactly the case. To my credit, I have been trying to workout more, but I know there is still room for improvement and self-growth.
This summer, I was hoping to find an internship. However, with COVID-19 the jobs are limited which has made the job search difficult. For now, I plan to take summer classes at Elon University so I can knock some college credits out of the way.
Recently, I have been taking courses on LinkedIn Learning because it is quick and easy. These certifications can help you stand out to employers by showing your desire to learn. Some courses I recommend are personal branding and interviewing skills. These are two topics it seems like we can always learn more about. Let me know what classes interest you.
Feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn.
I want to share 10 things you can do to be productive with your free-time.
1. Go for a walk
Exercise is so important! There is something to be said about the power of Vitamin D. I have noticed taking a small walk is a simple yet effective way to get some exercise and get out of the house.
2. Clean your closet
I recently binged Mario Kondo's "Tidying Up" series on Netflix and it is so inspiring. She encourages you to go through everything and get rid of anything that does not spark joy. I love taking my clothes to local consignment shops like Plato's Closet so I can try to get some money back. I also list items on resale websites like Poshmark, Curtsy, and Facebook Market. If all else fails, you can always donate them to a thrift shop.
~Use code "ABAG" for $10 off your Curtsy purchase~
3. Reorganize your room
After cleaning, it can seem overwhelming to get things back in place. However, if everything has a spot you are more likely to keep things clean in the long run. Organization can be so fun and satisfying if you do it right. Pinterest here I come!
4. Take an online class / get certified
I try to improve my personal brand and expand on my professional development. As I mentioned before, LinkedIn offers a ton of free, online courses with topics ranging from how to draw to female empowerment. You can find certifications and courses relevant to your major. For example, I am a marketing major, and Google Academy and Hootsuite offer free certifications that allow you to stand out and show your commitment towards a particular field. Updating your resume is also something important. I might do a whole post dedicated to resumes.
5. Commit to a workout challenge
Chole. Ting. There are so many workout challenges out there. YouTube or Pinterest is a great place to get started. My sister and I did the Chloe Ting challenge. It is hard but worth it. With all your free time, you might as well get that summer bod you've always wanted.
6. Call a friend
In these unique times, communication can be difficult. Something small like calling a friend can go a long way because it shows you care. Sometimes it is nice to have someone to talk to about whatever might be going on catching up.
7. Read a book
I know reading is often a dreaded thing for many people. I enjoy reading lifestyle or spiritual books. If you find a topic you are interested in, you can find a book that mirrors that interest.
8. Pick up an adult coloring book
Whether you're introverted or extroverted, we can all use a little downtime. Coloring is a productive pass time and can be very soothing. I love to see how my designs look after I color the whole page.
9. Try a new recipe
I'm sure you have seen or heard of banana bread recipes thanks to TikTok. Cooking is a great pass time and a super yummy one too! If you are new to cooking, start with a small dish or try baking cookies that way you do not get overwhelmed.
10. Organize your phone
In my free time, I love going through my photos and being reminded of memories. When I go through my photos, I find a lot of random screenshots that I do not need anymore. Going through these will help clear out space on your phone and make your valuable pictures stand out even more. Win-Win! Go through games, voice memos, contacts, apps, etc you do not need anymore.
I hope everyone is staying productive and healthy. Although this might not be the summer you had in mind, do not let that stop you from doing the things you love.