Things to do to keep you thinking and learning at home

During this unfortunate time, we have been given the gift of time. There are many things you can do now that you may have previously never had the time to get around to!! Here are a few things to do to continue learning and growing as we spend this time at home.

1. Learn a new language

What will it be? French, Spanish, German, Turkish? There are so many resources available right now to help you on your journey to a learning a whole new form of communication.

2. Learn a new instrument

Music calms the soul. Why not pick up a new instrument? There are infinite amounts of tutorial videos on Youtube to have you on your way. I personally would recommend the piano or keyboard if you have access to one. Not only will it be an outlet for stress, but it can also be a new way to express yourself.

3. Write a book or story

Is there a story you've been needing to tell but haven't had the time? Now is the perfect time. Pick up a pen and paper or a computer and write away! Think of a story that you can tell that can help others... It can be a personal story or a fun, fictional piece that may bring a smile to someone's day.

4. Listen to a podcast

I have personally been spending a lot of time doing this time. There are so many great podcasts out there to listen to. Choose a topic that you're interested in, search for it, and there will be something out there for you to listen to. I would personally recommend the podcast TED Talks Daily. Podcasts are great because you can listen anywhere... whether it be while doing the dishes, cleaning your room, or talking a walk outside.

5. Learn how to cook

Now that we have more time on our hands, why not learn a new dish? Cooking can be a wonderful way to learn something new about a culture. If you call a relative and ask for a signature dish, you may even find that you can connect with your own heritage through cooking.

6. Mediatate

Meditation has a host of benefits. It can improve focus and concentration which can lead to better performance on tests and exams. It can be used as a tool when you find yourself in a stressful situation. It can even help improve memory. And I know... you may be thinking "I don't want to sit down for 30 minutes thinking about and doing nothing," but meditation is not about the duration or following a specific format of meditation. It is just about being present and in the moment, not matter how long that be. Taking the time to be present will help you remove yourself from a situation and see the bigger picture. Many times we find ourselves incredibly stressed out about things that may not even be important. By taking a moment to breath, you can clear your head and

7. READ!!

Reading is one of the best hobbies. There are so many books out there. I promise there is a book for you. Look up books aligning with your favorite topics or ask for book recommendations from your friends and family. I just began reading the book Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari, and I definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a good read. Get lost in a book, and learn something new. There are so many things we can be doing to continue learning. All you have to do is start and one of them will click for you.

Have fun:)