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I hope you’re staying physically and mentally healthy during this crazy time in history. We talk about kids needing to have a growth mindset; however, COVID-19, social distancing and all the ripple effects, are testing adults’ ability to stay optimistic – and have faith in their ability to persevere.
One of the best ways to fight this is to immerse ourselves in something else that interests us. In other words, “redirecting” for adults!
Here are some distance-learning ideas for you and other ways to pass the time that don’t involve social media (or anxiety-producing news alerts).
Take your career to the next level
When I started this blog, I had no idea what I was doing. I simply knew that I needed to help kids like mine (and moms like me) who feel misunderstood and, therefore, isolated – even with no pandemic.
I began searching for resources to help and, thankfully, there were tons! It just took a little time to find the best ones. I have a tools for influencers article, if this interests you. The resources that I talk about on that page are perfect for entrepreneurs and small business owners, too.
One thing that I don’t mention on that page, though (and need to add), is podcasts! I listen to podcasts almost every day…while I’m driving, when I’m doing laundry or taking a walk around the neighborhood, everywhere.
Here are some podcasters I absolutely love. They’re smart, inspiring and they care about their listeners. (Seriously, they ooze kindness and generosity!)
- Amy Porterfield – Her podcast, called Online Marketing Made Easy, is packed with step-by-step advice on any online marketing topic you can think of – and tons of others that haven’t crossed your mind (yet). When you listen to Amy, you feel like you’re having a chat over a cup of coffee with your BFF.
- Pat Flynn – Pat has two podcasts. My favorite is Ask Pat because each episode is a one-on-one coaching call that you get to listen to; the businesses are all different, but in every case, you can see how many similarities there are when it comes to being an influencer or entrepreneur. Also, in many cases, Pat follows up with them 6-12 months later (Where Are They Now? episodes) to see what advice worked and where they still need help. It’s cool to see each person’s progression.
- Amy Jo Martin – Every time I listen to her Why Not Now? podcast, it provides inspiration for my soul. The info isn’t tactical; it reconnects you with “your why” (here’s mine) and your mission to help make the world a better place.
There are many other great podcasts; however, those are the three that I listen to religiously. Other ones you may love are: Jenna Kutcher (Goal Digger), Lewis Howes (The School of Greatness), and Rachel Hollis (RISE).
If you’re an educator or school counselor, you’ll enjoy these podcasts:
- The Cult of Pedagogy by Jennifer Gonzalez
- Truth for Teachers by Angela Watson
- In It by Understood.org
- Mind Matters by Emily Kircher-Morris, LPC
Also, if you want a one-stop shop for online courses on a lot of different topics, my “go to” is Skillshare. They have instructors who teach a wide range of business, marketing and leadership skills, as well as productivity tips.
And when you sign up for a Skillshare workshop series (2-3 courses that you complete within a specific timeframe), you don’t just learn about new skills, you apply that information right away to ensure you grasp – and will remember – the concepts. You receive emails to keep you on schedule. Then, after you watch each class and do a related project, you post your work and exchange feedback with your “classmates.” You may even receive input directly from the instructor. Dale McManus did that with me, which I appreciated. I got a lot out of his iPhone photography and cohesive Instagram feed courses, as well as Joe Greer’s mobile photography class. 📷
Enrichment that’s just for fun
If you simply want to take up a new hobby (like guitar playing or visual journaling), or learn a new aspect of something you already enjoy (like cooking or illustration), Skillshare courses are great for that, too.
They have so many types of online classes, ranging from painting, piano playing, and project planning for procrastinators (say that three times fast!) to calligraphy, jewelry making, cookie decorating and mixology. 🍹 You’re almost certain to find classes that interest you.
Alternatively, a lot of fun do-it-yourself (DIY) kits are popping up on Etsy. Here are a handful of the categories I’ve seen:
- food kits (cheese making, bacon curing, etc.)
DIY kits like these make great gifts, too. Etsy sellers are known for wrapping their products with beautiful paper & other artistic touches before shipping them. They’ll also happily add a gift card if you’d like them to send a gift directly to the recipient on your behalf.
There are even podcasts that are just for fun. If you’re a lifelong learner, you’ll probably enjoy “edutainment” podcasts, like Freakanomics Radio and Stuff You Should Know. In addition, some fictional podcasts are totally addicting.
And, of course, there are audiobooks. If you’re already an Amazon customer and you don’t have Audible yet, it’s a no-brainer. Fiction or non-fiction, they have it all. Either way, it can provide what feels like an escape from social isolation.
I hope these ideas help. If you know of other valuable online-learning resources, please let me know. In this time of social distancing, we need human connection – and healthy distractions – more than ever.
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