How to Use New-Found Downtime for Personal Growth During the Pandemic

This pandemic and its related stay-at-home orders have gifted many of us with a lot of extra time on our hands. And, collectively, we have no idea what to do with it all. We’re so used to living life on someone else’s schedule that it can feel overwhelming to stick to a schedule of your own desig0n. But it’s a bit of a now or never situation... This is the moment we’ve been waiting for. The moment when we can actually fit in all those, “if I only l had time…” moments. And when it comes down to it, we all know this isn’t going to last. So, it’s time to use this newfound downtime for personal growth -- while we still have the chance. Here are some tips for making the most out of your time for quarantine. Choose some realistic goals There’s enough going on in the world around us that we don’t have to add stress to the table. We’ve all got enough of it already. Instead, choose one or two attainable goals that you can reasonably rock during your time at home. Maybe you start to learn a new language or read a few self-help books. Think about the things you really want to work on and set a goal or two. Just don’t overdo it with your expectations. It’s always better to overachieve than underachieve, and it’s not so much about how much you do. Your success or failure is all relative to your ability to crush whatever goals you set. Advance your career If you’ve been laid off or furloughed during this pandemic, consider spending some of your free time working on your career marketability. Maybe you can volunteer some of your time towards helping those in need or tailor your resume and cover letter towards a post-quarantine time. It doesn’t hurt to be ready when these stay-at-home orders are finally lifted. And while you’re at home, this may also be a good time to look into certification programs. Many of us feel powerless about what’s going on, but there’s really a lot we can do to improve our current or future situations. Stick to a schedule You may have a day or two where you sleep till noon, and no one will fault you for it. But if you actually want to make the most out of this time, you’re going to have to start setting your alarm again. The biggest roadblock that’s going to stand in your way is… you guessed it… you! When it comes to things like this, most of us act like our own worst enemies. To counter that, you’re going to have to get strict with your time. And that begins first thing in the morning. Are you motivated to make a change for the better? If so, start planning and exploring all the possibilities that are open to you right now. The possibilities are almost limitless, so it’s really up to your own willpower and creativity.