Need a boost of energy and inspiration? Wondering what subjects you can learn online to make social isolation more fun?
We’re 6 months into a global pandemic, and many of us are still much more isolated than in our regular lives. Maybe you’re working from home with less in-person contact than normal. Maybe you have kids who are still home from school and learning online. Or maybe you’ve found yourself between jobs, without the connection you usually get through work.
Whatever your situation, social isolation – even after months of practice – can be challenging. But, are there classes you can take and skills you can learn to make it more fun?
The answer, fortunately, is a resounding “yes”. There are skills that increase your feelings of wellbeing, deepen your mindfulness, boost your happiness, and overall improve your quality of life.
First Off, Learning is Good for You!
There is no doubt that social isolation can put a strain on your physical and mental health. The great news is that learning is good for you, and it can help you combat some of the stressors your body and mind may be experiencing right now.
Let’s take a look at the top 5 skills you can learn online to make social isolation more fun:
1. Study Journaling, Songwriting, or Creative Writing
Writing can help you process emotions, make sense of situations, and reflect on life events. When writing, you may discover thoughts, feelings, and realizations that you didn’t even know you had.
Journaling
Studies have found that journaling can lead to better sleep, a stronger immune system, greater self-confidence, and a higher I.Q. You may also experience benefits like mindfulness, memory, and communication skills.
Songwriting
If you feel most comfortable communicating your thoughts in musical form, songwriting may be the best fit for you. Creating songs is a great tool for expressing your feelings and working through emotions, whether you strum along on a guitar or simply jot lyrics in a pocket notebook.
Creative Writing
Experiment with iambic pentameter, create a haiku each morning, or simply set a timer and do a 5 minute free write to see what flows from your pen. Creative writing opens paths for your thoughts to take shape, and is a rewarding activity whether you turn your work into a novel or you simply keep it for your own personal reflection.
Many of us are experiencing higher stress levels and anxiety, and writing is a way to immediately improve your wellbeing. Remember, you can write on your own, or take a writing lesson to open up even more possibilities.
2. Take an Improv Class
Have you been craving interpersonal connection? Do you miss laughter, conversation, and social time with your friends?
Improv acting is an ideal way to connect with others in a supportive and fun environment. Improv tends to center around playing games, laughing, and most importantly, in improv, you’ll discover an essential skill called “yes, and”.
The “yes, and” concept is simple. If your partner says, “wow, that’s an amazingly tall hat you’re wearing,” your job is to say “yes” and then to add something of your own. For example, you might say, “yes, and birds have started roosting in it.”
The “yes, and” rule is a way to build trust with your partner. You can trust that your partner will always accept and add on to your suggestions onstage, no matter how zany your suggestions are. And your partner can trust that you will always accept and add on to their suggestions.
Of course, “yes, and” isn’t just a way to engage in improv, it’s an amazing tool to try in your own life. Many of us are hearing “no” more often than usual right now, and practicing saying “yes” can refresh your sense of possibility.
Improv is a way to tap into your own spontaneity, start trusting your instincts, and yes, laugh more; laying the groundwork for your wellbeing during social isolation.
Luckily, lots of instructors are adapting their teaching formats to provide engaging online improv lessons.
3. Learn to Cook
Have you found yourself eating at home much more often than usual? The good news is that studies show cooking at home is good for you.
Even better, if you’re feeling cooped up at home, learning to cook is a way of traveling the world. No need to hop on an airplane or get in your car. The aromas, tastes, and textures of food can transport you to incredible locations all around the globe. Simply decide where you want to travel, and get started by looking up a recipe from that region.
If you have youngsters in the house, learning to cook is a great way to start a conversation about other cultures, learn about geography, and discover periods all throughout history.
Of course, a cooking teacher can go a long way in helping you expand your horizons and fine-tune your skills.
4. Dance it Up
When was the last time you danced the Salsa? Ever tried a ballet class? Gotten romantic with a little Tango?
Not only is dancing a great cardio workout, but research has found that it’s also great for your mental health. Even better, dancing gives you an opportunity to listen to music you love, get your blood flowing, and even meet new friends.
If you’re living on your own, dancing is a great way to connect with others and feel a sense of community. If you’re living with a partner, dancing is an excellent activity to do together. And if you’ve got kids at home, there’s no end to the fun you can have by taking a dance class as a family.
5. Career Skills
If you’re between jobs right now, had hours cut, or lost income during the pandemic, you’re definitely not alone. Even if your work has remained stable, you might find yourself with more time at home than usual.
Now is an opportune time to improve your professional skills or even start training for a new career.
Grow in Your Career
If you’re looking to grow in your existing profession, make a list of skills that would further your success. Always wanted to improve your computer skills? Take a class and up your abilities. Feel like Photoshop or Microsoft Excel would make performing your job that much easier? Set aside a little time to learn.
Pursue Your Dream Job
If you’re looking to transition to a new career, start by doing a little research, and making a list of the top skills that would help you towards your dream job. Luckily, some of the most in-demand job skills are things you can learn online, from at home, starting today. They include web design and customer support, marketing and social media management, coding, and computer science.
Working toward a professional goal is a sure-fire way to boost your mood, and increase your daily happiness quota.
Learn These Subjects Online to Make Social Isolation Way More Fun…
Most of us have experienced the challenges of social isolation. And by combining the benefits of learning with the benefits offered by these five subjects, you’ll experience that much-needed boost of wellbeing.
Looking for fun skills to learn online to increase your happiness? Browse online lessons today to start your learning journey!
Phina Pipia