3 Easy & Useful Skills (to help improve your life and prevent boredom in self-isolation)

It is safe to say that we are all struggling with this new reality we’re in, however, many people have begun to look for the silver lining. I believe we have each been presented with a unique opportunity to better ourselves in ways that we might not have had time to before. Whether you want to improve your marketability, develop a new hobby, or simply stave off impending boredom I’ve created a list of 3 skills and habits you can develop with this time to keep yourself busy and motivated. 

Photoshop:
           The Adobe Creative Cloud, and more specifically Photoshop, are huge resume boosters even if you just have a basic level of knowledge. Companies look for people with these skills already to help them save money and avoid outsourcing to independent contractors. The Adobe Cloud is an incredibly powerful tool with a myriad of different uses and whether you want to improve your resume or simply need a creative outlet this tool can be of tremendous use to you. 
 I’ve listed some of my favorite resources to help you get started:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFyOznL9UvA  (a great video for beginners)
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6lrxMZggMaN1u2V9N2-zrQ (fun and easy follow along tutorials)
https://www.youtube.com/user/photoshoptrainingch
Note* The entire Adobe Suite is discounted for students and teachers!

Code:

A basic coding language like CSS, Python, or HTML can be a huge asset to you and your resume. There is a growing movement that views coding as the new literacy of the future. Coding is becoming an increasingly common skill with workshops and boot camps cropping up left and right for both adults and children. Code is the language of computers and technology and since technology is only getting more complex, it makes sense that we make a base attempt at understanding it. 
The fact is:

• Coders are in high demand
• ​Coding provides a competitive advantage
• Coding improves problem solving
• Coding improves persistence
• Coding improves collaboration
• Coding improves communication

Exercise: 

If you’ve always been one to struggle with the habit of daily exercise now is the time to develop a routine that works for you. Or if you are now struggling with the reality of commercial gyms being closed now is the time to get creative! Start slow and don’t put too much pressure on yourself and remember that by staying active you’re doing something positive for yourself both physically and mentally. You’d be surprised at the difference something as small as a 30 minute walk can make in your overall mood. The key for many people is to do something active every day. Whether it be to go on a walk, run, hike, yoga, etc find something that works for you and stick to it! We all know the basic benefits of exercise, but one of the most important benefits is that it improves your mood, something that we could all use a little of these days.