The COVID-19 pandemic and consequent social isolation have changed the lives of billions of people around the world. As a work-from-home person with a low-key social life, I thought my situation would scarcely change by orders to stay home. How wrong I was! Firstly, my work answering Help and Support emails with Class Central took a leap into the stratosphere. Millions of people wanting to take up free online courses accessed the site in just a few months. Coupled with being confined to the house and not allowed to take any day trips or weekends away to relieve the monotony, I’ve had trouble managing to focus on writing for Online Learning Success. Despite my optimistic maintaining social interactions and exercising during the lockdown posts, the reality was not as easy as I expected.
I took some comfort from reading Daphne Gray-Grant’s article, titled Stop trying to be Productive during the Pandemic. Daphne, too, is a work-from-home writer who was surprised to find the lockdown a struggle.
Although some countries are starting to ease restrictions, chances are that we will continue to spend more time than usual at home over the next few months. Loneliness can take a toll. If you have time on your hands, you might like to try some courses. Perhaps join the discussion forums to feel more connected with the world.
Courses to Help Your Frame of Mind
Here is a short list of courses that may help you get through the restrictions. They have not been chosen to advance your career. Rather, these courses might help you feel happier, or to give the experience of spectacular mountain scenery, or help with your health when the pantry and refrigerator are only a few steps away.
As a bonus, some of the courses mentioned below are currently offering a free certificate.
Mountains 101. Are you sick of the view (or lack of a view) from your window? Read my in-depth review and take a look at this beautifully-designed course. Dream of seeing the spectacular mountains for real after the travel restrictions are lifted. Another course I unexpectedly enjoyed is Sheep in the land of Fire and Ice.
A Life of Happiness and Fulfillment. Dr Raj is a popular instructor, presenting an abundance of ideas for a happy life. Even if you just watch the videos without trying the weekly Happiness projects, you may find your mood lifting.
Do you want to learn guitar, but haven’t arranged a teacher? Take a look at Guitar for Beginners.
Feeling down? Is diet a factor? I have enrolled in Food and Mood: Improving Mental Health Through Diet and Nutrition and am looking forward to learning how the food we eat may affect our mental health, our immune system, and our gut biome.
And if the current restrictions are making you climb the walls, take a look at Mind Control: Managing Your Mental Health During COVID-19. Understand the anxiety response and learn how relaxing physically can help calm the mind.
If, on the other hand, you are ready for a challenge and keen to take some courses, plenty are available in many subjects. Many course providers are offering free or discounted courses for the next few months.
A Final Thought
If you have found the reality of taking all those free courses in your “spare time” during the pandemic has not turned out how you expected, take heart! You are not alone.
No
am going for Mountains 101
I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.