Here in the UK we are now in our second lock-down. Not quite as stringent as the first, but still tight enough to make life seem very different and rather scary. Many people are working from home and others are simply not able to work at all. So, they find themselves with lots of time on their hands and nothing much to do.
Not working and having lots of time to spare might have sounded wonderful twelve months ago…nothing to do but watch lots of TV, listen to music and work out. But with all the job insecurity, worry about catching the virus, not to mention boredom it’s not half as much fun as it once seemed.
So, what can you do to use your time more constructively?
First, why not sit down and look again at your CV? If you think it’s looking a bit tired, then ask yourself if there are any courses that you’ve been on that could be added; or any new skills you’ve learned. Is the layout as clear as it should be? Is your personal statement professional but not boastful? Make any necessary improvements so that it’s ready to be sent out, when the time is right.
This brings me to the next point. Do you feel your CV is lacking anything? Are there any courses that you feel would be useful? There’s so much learning on line at the moment – some of it is free if you simply want to update your knowledge but if you need a qualification or certificate you usually have to pay for the courses. So do your research thoroughly and if you do decide to pay for a course make sure that the provider is reputable before you spend any of your hard-earned money.
Next, how about getting on top of your paperwork and sorting out all those things you’ve been meaning to do, but never found the time for? Also, how about de-cluttering? Are there things in your home (or your wardrobe!) that you never use nowadays? If there are, seriously consider getting rid of them. But don’t just throw them away. Could you give them to a charity or could they be re-cycled? It can feel quite liberating to be free of clutter.
Pay attention to your mental health! Make sure you eat sensibly, get enough exercise and keep in contact with your friends and loved ones. I don’t know what I’d do without Whatsapp video calls. And if you can, find a new hobby or discover an old one that you used to enjoy. It’s better than being bored and feeling sorry for yourself.
Above all, start to plan the direction you want your life to go in once the pandemic is over. Doing this will not only give you an advantage over others, it will also help you to pass the time before then in a constructive and encouraging way.
If you want to know more about the subject why not check out our Effective Time Management Course – I’m sure you’ll find it interesting
