With the country on lockdown, you may find yourself with idle time on your hands. Some days seem to stretch endlessly before you as you isolate or self-quarantine. You may be at a loss as to what you should do to fill the hours that used to be so full of meetings, deadlines, and productivity. 

This time will pass whether you have used it wisely or not. One way to make the most of it is to learn something new - something that you never had the time to learn before. Some skills may take years to master, but now is your opportunity to take the first steps. Think of your new found knowledge as an investment in your future. These skills might help you not only progress in your career but allow you to jumpstart your way into a whole new chapter in your life.

Five New Skills to Learn During Sheltering In Place

Learn a New Language

Becoming fluent in a new language may take more than our social distancing time, but you don't necessarily need fluency to add value to your life and find that you are more in demand in the workforce. And once the travel ban has been lifted, you can go to the country of your chosen new language and be able to talk to the locals.

You can do a Google search for "How to Learn (add language here)", or view YouTube tutorials on learning a language. Also, check out:

https://www.duolingo.com/referred?user_invite=BDHTZTB5CWWKTKTZ2S2U6CLZDM&inviter_id=563798349

Before you begin, you might check out this good advice on choosing a language, at: https://tim.blog/2007/11/07/how-to-learn-but-not-master-any-language-in-1-hour-plus-a-favor/.

Learn Sign Language

Not only is learning a second language good for your brain, it's also a great way to expand your communication skills. This is especially true for American Sign Language, ASL, which according to Healthy Hearing.com is the fifth most-used language in the U.S. Learning ASL may enhance your career and give added benefit to the workplace. Used by educators, first responders, and service providers, mastering this skill could open many new channels for you professionally. 

While you are home, take on-line courses such as: https://www.classcentral.com/search?q=sign+language

But first you might want to read the information at:

https://www.hearinglikeme.com/how-to-learn-sign-language/. 

Once quarantine is lifted, consider taking a sign language course at a community college near you.

Learn How to Build a Website

https://www.udemy.com/course/build-website-scratch/?ranMID=39197&ranEAID=AZ4srzPoHNo&ranSiteID=AZ4srzPoHNo-d4ysDvDLCJhJELOwZw2W2Q&LSNPUBID=AZ4srzPoHNo

For a small fee you can learn web development essentials and gain a thorough understanding of HTML and CSS. With the current spike in demand for web conectivity, this is a great skill to have in your pocket. 

Learn CPR

This self-directed, personal learning program is an all-in-one solution that includes everything you will need to complete high-quality training anywhere. You never know when adding this skill to your arsenal could potentially save a life! This video-based program teaches basic lifesaving skills in about 20 minutes:

https://cpr.heart.org/en/courses/adult-and-child-cpr-anytime-training-kits

Get Started on that Novel!

So you have always wanted to write a novel, but never had the time to start. No more excuses! Grab your lap top and get started:

https://blog.reedsy.com/how-to-write-a-novel/

The best skills to learn durring quaarantine are those that will help you become more hirable as an employee or more self-sufficient as a person once everything returns to normal. There are endless courses available to you on-line. The hard part is choosing which one to start with!

https://www.inc.com/jessica-stillman/500-free-online-courses-from-ivy-league-schools.html