16 answers
Natalie
Student
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
1
Question
Asked
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What should we spend our time in quarantine on?
Read books. Improve your profile in LinkedIn. Talk to family. Study.
#effective #time-management
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16 answers
Riste Nikoloski
Customer Success Manager, Microsoft
14
Answers
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Updated
Riste’s Answer
Great list Natalie! You seem to be keeping very productive.
I also try find some time to exercise at home (great free classes online), try new hobbies (I have started cooking more), Meditate (great way to relax and there is some great free apps to guide you), learn something new (online learning) & do some online volunteering to help others or the world.
Best of luck & success.
Free exercise classes - https://www.youtube.com/user/PamelaRf1
Meditate App - https://www.tenpercent.com/
Online Learning - https://www.ted.com/talks
Online Volunteering - https://www.zooniverse.org/
I also try find some time to exercise at home (great free classes online), try new hobbies (I have started cooking more), Meditate (great way to relax and there is some great free apps to guide you), learn something new (online learning) & do some online volunteering to help others or the world.
Best of luck & success.
Riste recommends the following next steps:
Great resources - thank you!
Denise Elliott
Syed Ferdous
Program Manager
100
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Syed’s Answer
Hi Natalie,
I would use the time in quarantine for deep personal reflection and personal development. Spend this time away from other people and large gatherings to look inward. Ask yourself what type of impact you're trying to have on your community and the world at large. Think about your strengths and how to continue growing them. Think about your weaknesses and how to overcome them. Ask yourself if you're on the path you want to be on or if you need to make a change.
Think about your hobbies or things you've always wanted to do but never had time. Pursue those side interests. Take on a passion project.
Best of luck!
I would use the time in quarantine for deep personal reflection and personal development. Spend this time away from other people and large gatherings to look inward. Ask yourself what type of impact you're trying to have on your community and the world at large. Think about your strengths and how to continue growing them. Think about your weaknesses and how to overcome them. Ask yourself if you're on the path you want to be on or if you need to make a change.
Think about your hobbies or things you've always wanted to do but never had time. Pursue those side interests. Take on a passion project.
Best of luck!
Katherine Boyle
Communications Specialist
25
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Katherine’s Answer
I'd highly recommend taking a free course on https://www.coursera.org/. There are so many to choose from and it's a great way to pass the time productively!
Coursera is a great suggestion @Katherine: so many topics you can learn at your own pace and safely from home.
Denise Elliott
Anna T
Clinical Research Associate
2
Answers
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Updated
Anna’s Answer
Hi Natalie!
You seem to have gotten some great answers already but my take on it is that what you decide to spend your time on ultimately depends on where you're hoping to end up by the end of this quarantine.
Want to have learned or brushed-up on a new language by the time quarantine ends? Maybe give Duolingo a try! Want to have some relevant courses under your belt to improve on your job prospects? See if you can find an online course that can help you with that! Want to have made some kind of difference in your community? Consider volunteering! There are plenty of remote (online) volunteering opportunities all around - if you would like to consider becoming a volunteer tutor, try checking out www.parsecyouthnet.weebly.com/tutoring (it's a free online tutoring program for Canadian students in and around Toronto).
It should also go without saying that if you simply want to stay positive and keep sane by the end of quarantine, that is great too. What's important is that while we're all going through this crazy time, we maintain some purpose for ourselves. However we each do it is entirely valid, so if getting some rest is your number one priority right now, by all means, rest up and relax!
Hope that helps, and best of luck.
You seem to have gotten some great answers already but my take on it is that what you decide to spend your time on ultimately depends on where you're hoping to end up by the end of this quarantine.
Want to have learned or brushed-up on a new language by the time quarantine ends? Maybe give Duolingo a try! Want to have some relevant courses under your belt to improve on your job prospects? See if you can find an online course that can help you with that! Want to have made some kind of difference in your community? Consider volunteering! There are plenty of remote (online) volunteering opportunities all around - if you would like to consider becoming a volunteer tutor, try checking out www.parsecyouthnet.weebly.com/tutoring (it's a free online tutoring program for Canadian students in and around Toronto).
It should also go without saying that if you simply want to stay positive and keep sane by the end of quarantine, that is great too. What's important is that while we're all going through this crazy time, we maintain some purpose for ourselves. However we each do it is entirely valid, so if getting some rest is your number one priority right now, by all means, rest up and relax!
Hope that helps, and best of luck.
Yasemin G.
Aspiring physician
635
Answers
Updated
Yasemin’s Answer
Hi Natalie hope you're doing well! Quarantine is definitely giving us free time and there are many different things you can do.
Meditating- Probably the most relaxing thing to do! You don't have to be a professional to meditate and there are many great meditation music videos available to help you relax while meditating. I usually meditate 10-15 mins and you can do this every day but you can meditate longer like 30 mins!
Yoga- I recommend Yoga with Adrienne, she is a great professional and also helps you relax and keeps you in shape. She helps you practice self-awareness which I think helps with mental stamina.
Reading- This is a great time to catch up on any books lying around your house or online. If you want to up your reading by recording your progress, adding books that you read, creating a list of what you want to read or participating in a reading challenge I would recommend downloading the Goodreads app. You can add your friends and see what they're reading too.
Organizing-If you've been putting off organizing your closet, desk or your room that is definitely something to take on during this free time.
Volunteering- Even though we need to stay home right now we can still volunteer online in the safety of our homes. You can create fundraisers through Facebook supporting different organizations like the RedCross or food banks in your community. There are also websites that offer different kinds of remote volunteering, if you are fit by age and opportunity you can definitely sign up for some.
Checking on your friends and family- Stay tuned and in touch with your loved ones lives through the use of technology. It can get lonely especially for individuals who are elderly or are living alone and if you know of any friends or family that may struggle with this it's also nice to send some positive messages and make them realize they are not alone!
Remember to stay safe and maintain social distancing while keeping busy. Hopefully things will get better soon! Best of luck!
Check out Goodreads
Check out Yoga with Adrienne via YouTube
Check out Relaxing Sleep Music Meditation Music (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ZYbU82GVz4)
Check out PointsofLight.org
Meditating- Probably the most relaxing thing to do! You don't have to be a professional to meditate and there are many great meditation music videos available to help you relax while meditating. I usually meditate 10-15 mins and you can do this every day but you can meditate longer like 30 mins!
Yoga- I recommend Yoga with Adrienne, she is a great professional and also helps you relax and keeps you in shape. She helps you practice self-awareness which I think helps with mental stamina.
Reading- This is a great time to catch up on any books lying around your house or online. If you want to up your reading by recording your progress, adding books that you read, creating a list of what you want to read or participating in a reading challenge I would recommend downloading the Goodreads app. You can add your friends and see what they're reading too.
Organizing-If you've been putting off organizing your closet, desk or your room that is definitely something to take on during this free time.
Volunteering- Even though we need to stay home right now we can still volunteer online in the safety of our homes. You can create fundraisers through Facebook supporting different organizations like the RedCross or food banks in your community. There are also websites that offer different kinds of remote volunteering, if you are fit by age and opportunity you can definitely sign up for some.
Checking on your friends and family- Stay tuned and in touch with your loved ones lives through the use of technology. It can get lonely especially for individuals who are elderly or are living alone and if you know of any friends or family that may struggle with this it's also nice to send some positive messages and make them realize they are not alone!
Remember to stay safe and maintain social distancing while keeping busy. Hopefully things will get better soon! Best of luck!
Yasemin recommends the following next steps:
@yasemin Love these suggestions. I started meditating daily since the beginning of the pandemic and it has truly changed my life. The reminder about PointsofLight.org is helpful because I always forget about that wonderful resource.
Denise Elliott
Thank you Denise! That means a lot! I love meditating as well, it really makes you feel so much better and yes there's so many resources out there it's normal to forget some :) Stay safe !
Yasemin G.
Blake H.
Business
478
Answers
Updated
Blake’s Answer
Hey Natalie,
I think that those are great options. The time could be used to learn a new skill that you've always wanted to learn. You could also spend your time learning another language. There are many opportunities!
Thanks,
Blake
I think that those are great options. The time could be used to learn a new skill that you've always wanted to learn. You could also spend your time learning another language. There are many opportunities!
Thanks,
Blake
Claire Fisher
Operations
4
Answers
Upland, California
Updated
Claire’s Answer
Great question, Natalie!
I have found myself seeking new ways to keep myself growing during this time. I have been doing research on what I can do to help grow my career. Reading, reflection, and rest have been my three keywords. As a recent college graduate, I started doing research into graduate school programs to help open new opportunities for me in the future. Reflection helps bring to mind how past experiences have helped you grow professionally and personally. Rest is also important, as this is an opportunity to slow down, enjoy time with family, and not worry too much about long to-do lists.
I have found myself seeking new ways to keep myself growing during this time. I have been doing research on what I can do to help grow my career. Reading, reflection, and rest have been my three keywords. As a recent college graduate, I started doing research into graduate school programs to help open new opportunities for me in the future. Reflection helps bring to mind how past experiences have helped you grow professionally and personally. Rest is also important, as this is an opportunity to slow down, enjoy time with family, and not worry too much about long to-do lists.
Yana B
Senior Support Engineer
10
Answers
Concord, California
Updated
Yana’s Answer
Hey Natalie,
First and foremost focus on staying active and healthy.
Then decide if there are some skills that you lack to help you advance in your career or switch careers. If you are currently on the market to find a job, look for jobs you might be interested in and that fit your skill set and see what is it that you lack to be a perfect fit for it. From there you can: take courses to improve your skills, read book about it, do practical courses to get experience.
For fun, as others suggested above play boardgames, watch movies , do some gardening :)
Best of luck
First and foremost focus on staying active and healthy.
Then decide if there are some skills that you lack to help you advance in your career or switch careers. If you are currently on the market to find a job, look for jobs you might be interested in and that fit your skill set and see what is it that you lack to be a perfect fit for it. From there you can: take courses to improve your skills, read book about it, do practical courses to get experience.
For fun, as others suggested above play boardgames, watch movies , do some gardening :)
Best of luck
Riley Carr
Business Analyst
179
Answers
Hollywood, Florida
Updated
Riley’s Answer
You've listed some great options here already! If you have an interest in books, then reading is a really great pastime because it's enjoyable as well as increases your vocabulary. Also, if you live with your family then you could totally make the most of this time by doing things together like movie nights or game nights. I have found through my experience that setting a schedule for things (like ordering pizza and watching a movie every Friday night) has really helped give my weeks some structure and make it not feel so boring.
Zainee Gafoor
Operations Manager
12
Answers
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Updated
Zainee’s Answer
The fact that you are asking the question already shows an awareness in taking advantage of this time that a lot of us have.
It looks like you're off to a good start and there are also amazing suggestions in this thread.
While most of my suggestions are covered by responses already, I do want to share that it is also okay not to put too much pressure on yourself to be super productive every day. Be kind to yourself too and acknowledge and recognize the days where the urge to be productive may not be as strong as other days.
Take good care!
It looks like you're off to a good start and there are also amazing suggestions in this thread.
While most of my suggestions are covered by responses already, I do want to share that it is also okay not to put too much pressure on yourself to be super productive every day. Be kind to yourself too and acknowledge and recognize the days where the urge to be productive may not be as strong as other days.
Take good care!
Akshita Phapunkar
8
Answers
Updated
Akshita’s Answer
I would say something that you have been wanting to do for a long time, but didn't get time. To built upon your hobbies.
Darin Munnell
3rd Shift Custodial
74
Answers
El Monte, California
Updated
Darin’s Answer
The best thing you can do is keep yourself busy. If you've been putting off something now is the time to do it.
During quarantine since I've been furloughed from my job I've been using the time to take a few extra classes which has kept me busy with lots of homework, do some volunteering both in person and virtual, learn something new, clean out my closet and room and bagged things to donate when donation centers reopen, got outside and took a walk or a hike. I've been keeping myself busy.
During quarantine since I've been furloughed from my job I've been using the time to take a few extra classes which has kept me busy with lots of homework, do some volunteering both in person and virtual, learn something new, clean out my closet and room and bagged things to donate when donation centers reopen, got outside and took a walk or a hike. I've been keeping myself busy.
Estelle Archer
Gynecologist
1322
Answers
United States
Updated
Estelle’s Answer
Natalie,
I look at this time we are in as an opportunity to do things that I would have not dreamed of doing otherwise. I have always been interested in playing the guitar, so I bought a cheap one online and started using online free classes. Now after a few months I can almost play a full song, but the best thing is that I found something that I enjoy and never really thought that I would give it a try. Since you are a student I would definitely focus on what is important to get good grades and make you academic resume look great. One day down the road you will be sitting in front of a hiring manager hoping for that perfect job and you want to impress. Since im in the medical profession, I would have reached out to the free clinics or testing centers and see if there was something I could contribute to help. That would make a good impression. Hope that helps
I look at this time we are in as an opportunity to do things that I would have not dreamed of doing otherwise. I have always been interested in playing the guitar, so I bought a cheap one online and started using online free classes. Now after a few months I can almost play a full song, but the best thing is that I found something that I enjoy and never really thought that I would give it a try. Since you are a student I would definitely focus on what is important to get good grades and make you academic resume look great. One day down the road you will be sitting in front of a hiring manager hoping for that perfect job and you want to impress. Since im in the medical profession, I would have reached out to the free clinics or testing centers and see if there was something I could contribute to help. That would make a good impression. Hope that helps
thank you so much! I really appreciate it!
Natalie
Maria Selagea
Operations Manager
10
Answers
Lawrenceville, Georgia
Updated
Maria’s Answer
Connecting with family, friends (using technology for those who are out of your home)….read....find new hobbies, declutter
Carter Pichardo
Assurance Associate
9
Answers
Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey
Updated
Carter’s Answer
Hey Natalie,
Awesome question!
Without sounding too repetitive, in general I would just say to ensure you come out of this quarantine with a few NEW skills. These strange times have allowed all of us to self-reflect and learn more about ourselves. It never hurts to keep learning every single day!
Awesome question!
Without sounding too repetitive, in general I would just say to ensure you come out of this quarantine with a few NEW skills. These strange times have allowed all of us to self-reflect and learn more about ourselves. It never hurts to keep learning every single day!
Simeon Snow
Risk Assurance
1792
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Simeon’s Answer
For quarantine time, I'd recommend expanding your reading horizons. Check out the bibliography of your most important textbooks and see if they refer to books that could have important information or insights for you. Often, textbooks are giving shallow and condensed versions of information and analysis done in much richer source books. Those other books will often be dry and academic, but you can really deepend your knowledge of a field by taking that extra step deeper in. See if you are able to get these books at your library.