Being cooped up indoors can be challenging, but we want to flip that frame of mind on its head. There’s no better time to focus on learning a new skill, discover a new way of thinking or break out of that creative rut. We’ve put together some resources to keep your brain and your creative juices flowing.
Learn something new
One of the best things you can do while socially distancing is learn something new. Maybe there’s something you’ve always wanted to add to your resume, like coding or being a whiz at PowerPoint, or maybe you’ve always wanted to play the ukulele and never knew where to start. Some time alone is perfect for deliberate, focused practice and even an hour a day can go a long way. Check out some of our go-to resources below.
- Skillshare – Skillshare is an online learning community where some of the best teachers in their respective fields give their knowledge in a wide variety of disciplines. You can find classes on anything from videography to design, illustration and marketing or creative writing and fine art. While basic users have access to a variety of classes, new signups get 2 months of premium for free!
- Lynda – Now owned by LinkedIn, Lynda has a massive library of online courses spanning business, technology, education, and much more. The best part? Subscription is free with a library card.
- Codeacademy – Ok this one is coding specific but with the way the world is moving, it was too good to not include. They offer a different kind of learning where you’re able to get instant feedback and put your new found skills into practice. Best of all? It’s free.
Release your inner artist
Sure, not all of us will grow up and make a living off our artwork (and many of us can’t draw anything more advanced than a stick figure), but even for those who aren’t artistically inclined, there’s something soothing about creating something on a blank canvas that can’t quite be recreated elsewhere. Grab your artistic instrument of choice (paintbrush, marker, pencil, etc.) and let your creativity run wild on a blank page. You can even hang it up on the fridge later.
If you’re looking for something different, try modern calligraphy. The Happy Ever Crafter from Ottawa offers free online resources on how to draw/write/create words that are super pretty.
Tap into your creative (thinking) side
Creativity is kind of like a muscle. It yearns to be challenged, worked and made uncomfortable. The Oatmeal, a popular webcomic creator, recently released his 8 things he’s learned about creativity in the past 10 years. It features his always hilarious illustrations with some great lessons that are applicable to anyone.
If you feel like you’ve been stuck in a bit of a creative rut, try some of the tips below to help find that breakthrough you’ve been looking for.
- Write everything down: Get all your ideas out on paper. Not just the good ones; make sure to include the really, really bad ones as well. Putting everything on paper can help your mind move onto other things and open you up to new ideas.
- Unplug: Ditch the screen for a few hours and let yourself, and your mind, experience boredom in its purest form. Let your mind wander, and while it might seem counterintuitive, don’t think too hard. Your brain does some of its best thinking without any extra help.
- Look at other industries: Take a look at what the best in other fields are doing. Why are they successful? Why are