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10 ways to be productive or learn something new now you have the time

Remember that little thing called time? Well, my guess is you might have a bit more of it right now, so much so that you might not even know what to do with it. There might have been a number of things you’ve been putting off for a while, you know one of those “I’ll do it later” moments. Well, here is a short list of ways to be productive and even learn something new.  A little self-improvement can go a long way.

1.     Learn a new language

Wouldn’t it be nice to speak more than one language? Some of you might already know more than one language but hey why stop there?

Make a start now and take the first steps into learning a new language. The Open University has a ton of free lessons you can check out here: https://www.open.edu/openlearn/languages/free-courses

2.     Listen to a Podcast

This might finally be the time to sit down and use some time to relax and put on a podcast. If you have a smart speaker you can even listen on there but the possibilities with these really are endless. There is SO many to choose from like music playlists, interviews, stories, general knowledge or factual based programmes and much, much more. So, whatever you’re interested in have a browse through the big wild world of Podcasts and enjoy.

To make it a little easier for you, here is a list of 50 podcasts put together by The Guardian “you need to hear!” https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2016/may/14/fifty-best-podcasts-bob-mortimer-john-oliver-jemaine-clement-serial

3.     Learn to play an instrument

Now is a better time than ever to become the virtuoso you always knew you were! Use this time wisely and practice, practice, practice! If it’s the piano, guitar or trumpet you’re interested in playing then now really is the time to start. Brush up on those skills and use literally thousands of free YouTube tutorial videos that are out there waiting. These videos can range from absolute beginner to professional level and what’s better… they’re completely free!

4.     Read a book

There’s never been a better time to pick up those books that you have acquired over time. Rather than using them as paper weights or as a makeshift stand of some sort actually use them for their sole purpose. Get lost in a story for a few hours and work through your home library. It’s good for the mind and it lets you focus elsewhere rather than scrolling through social media and reading the news. “As we hunker down to combat the unseen enemy, we have to find ways to take advantage of our newfound time. What better way to attack a big book, one that will leave you bigger and better person at the end.@

5.     30-day free trial on Audible

If you don’t have the books to hand but you want to read, let somebody else do it for you. It’s just as good and really, really soothing. You can even do your daily chores around the house whilst listening or listen to it whilst soaking in the bath its really up to you. Audible is an amazing app that you can download to any device including smart speakers. Just like music streaming services Audible by Amazon is literally a library at your fingertips. You can start with a 30-day free trial too so if you don’t like it there’s no worries! That should keep you busy!

You can download Audible here: https://www.audible.co.uk

6.     Clear out your online life

Something I have been putting off forever is a big clear out of my phone and my “online life”. What I mean by this is clear out all those millions of spam emails we get daily and unsubscribe to the ones you don’t want anymore. Take some time to clear out old photos and videos or even contacts and messages on your phone and free up space for new memories when all of this blows over. It’s a small task that we all put off doing and it never gets done. Save yourself some space and get deleting!

7.     Have a home clear out

Let’s be honest, we all have a drawer in the house that is full of… Rubbish! I bet there is stuff under your bed too that has piled up over time and I imagine there is also clothes in your wardrobe that you don’t want. I won’t even get started on what’s in the garage, loft or cellar! Can you see where I am going with this? It’s time for a clear out. Tackle all of the above and get rid of any unwanted items. Fill bags for charities and throw out any rubbish, pick out clothes to sell online and make a couple of quid. You could even just use the time to get organised if there is nothing to throw. You’ll feel much better for it!

8.     Do an online course

There are literally thousands of different online courses you could take part in on the web that you can utilise to your own schedule. There are plenty of free ones too! The Open University for example has a great collection of different subjects! Udemy lets you use their search bar to look for any topic, whatever it is you want to learn they will have something for you. All of these courses award you with a certificate after completion (as well as all knowledge obviously) and in some cases even qualifications!

9.     Art

You might have a little creative streak in you, why don’t you use it and out it towards something nice. There is so many options you can literally be as creative as you like. Draw, paint, sew, write it’s completely up to you. Spend time doing what you are good at. Not only is it relaxing but you can use this time to perfect your skill and maybe even sell your work. These day’s with social media like Instagram and websites like Etsy or eBay you can create something that somebody else will almost certainly buy.

10.   Self-help/yoga & meditation

Turn your home into a yoga retreat. Find a space, surround yourself with plants and light a couple of scented candles. Whilst working from home and in self isolation we have to make sure we look after our wellbeing, mind and health. There are 100’s of YouTube tutorial videos to help you meditate or complete a yoga class ranging from total beginner to expert level. If you are feeling a little frustrated or stressed right now, then this is the perfect tool to keep your mind at ease.

11.    ( One for good luck)  – Box Sets

Or, if you don’t want to do any of the above and you’d prefer to actually just chill, well there’s one for you too. If you want to sit back and enjoy some well-deserved time off, then get tackling all of those boxsets that you haven’t been able to start through the previous weeks. You might already be halfway through some and never made it to the end, I know I’m guilty of that. Use the get comfy, get entertained and Netflix and chill. Go on, tick off some of those boxsets... you know you deserve it!

[blueberryms-blog1]

Let The World Breathe Again

Whilst we’re all working from home, the world is taking a well-deserved and truly overdue breather. Obviously, a world-wide pandemic is a terrible situation and has stopped us living in “normality” (for now) but we have to think about the positives of every situation and the world breathing once again is one of these.  

Pollution globally has decreased not solely because of Coronavirus but because of the way we have indirectly dealt with it as a society. To stop the spread of infection we have had to self-Isolate at our homes, work from home (where possible) and limit the number of times we can leave the house. We now don’t have ‘rush hour traffic’ clogging up our roads or public transport that is so rammed you literally can’t move. We have a sky which was once full of mechanical birds that for the moment have landed and are resting. The skies are clear again.  

Fish, dolphins and swans are back in the now blue waters of Venice. Air pollution worldwide has dropped dramatically, so much so that some are calling it the ‘largest scale experiment ever’. Powerhouses like the USA and China have seen a 30-50% decrease in CO2 emissions and air pollution. In New York alone, a city of nearly 9 million people has witnessed a drop in carbon monoxide (mainly from cars) by 50%... I’ll just let that sink in and whilst it does, the same has happened in London. Wow!

We have been forced into a situation where we’re learning more about what’s important as humans. Now we are reaching out to one another (except in person, of course!) to communicate and stay in touch more than ever and we are working at keeping relationships alive and use the time for “self-care”.

I hope when “normality” sets back in that we can look at what we are doing to the world daily from an environmental perspective and what can be done to reduce that impact. Maybe just working from home once or twice a week, or making more use of video conferencing to reduce work-related travel? If businesses embraced some of these changes more permanently then there would be less traffic on the road, less pollution in the air and improved wellbeing for their employees. It’s a win-win situation for everyone and only a small change – which we have the technology to facilitate. Whist we sit at home self-isolating and reflecting on how we can be better people, we should also think about how we can look after our planet. So, as we learn to talk to each other again, let the world breathe… after all, she deserves it.

[blueberryms-blog1]

5 Things to occupy yourself with in isolation this week (5 min read)

Let’s just start by saying well done to you for staying at home. We all need to do it and it’s not going to be the easiest thing we’ve got to do, but it is necessary...

So, you’re self-isolating, it’s been over 24 hours and you’re already bored... Well, there is a few things to keep yourself occupied, to help pass the time and keep that brain active.

Here’s just a quick list of some of the more unusual things found right here surfing the web:

1.     Take advice on Self-Isolation from an Astronaut - Thursday 26th March at 17:00

“To infinity… and beyond!” On Thursday the 26th March at 17:00 there is a live online event called #SpaceConnectUs that will be hosted by actual real-life astronauts on ESA YouTube! This is a chance to connect boarders across the globe and hear from space explorers, artists and scientists about how to manage ourselves as our communities battle a global pandemic. Basically, it will help all of us cooped up inside the house to enjoy science, our home planet, and our dreams of the sky above us. The programme will feature remote connections with astronauts and guests from all over the world and discuss their experience and techniques in confined places, lessons in life from space exploration and their trust in science as a source of inspiration… Who else knows better about Self-isolating than an astronaut!?

To get involved tune in at 17:00 on Thursday 26th March here: https://www.youtube.com/user/ESA

2.     Join in a Virtual Pub Quiz – Thursday March 26th

So, the pubs are closed (for now) but that doesn’t mean your thirst for knowledge (and a beer) can’t be quenched right? – A virtual pub quiz has been set up on Facebook which will be going live at 7:50pm and will start with a short tribute to the incredible people that have been risking their lives to keep others safe.  The quiz will start officially at 8:15pm and will have 5 rounds of 10 questions. Grab your mates, grab a beer and get involved!

To join into the quiz, click here: https://www.facebook.com/events/649536262488918/

3.     Become a Digital Volunteer

If you have the skills, you’re self-isolating and you want to help… then this is for you! COVID-19 Mutual Aid Uk is looking for volunteers all over the UK that can provide resources or skills necessary to help others in a time of need. They are looking for people who can digitally facilitate and build digital tools ranging from researchers to product managers to engineers to designers, if you’re interested or know somebody that might be then get in touch with them and get started!

To volunteer click here: https://airtable.com/shrjfPKgXxBmlnSwm

4.     Kitchen Quarantine

Massimo Botture a world-renowned chef is virtually welcoming you into his kitchen to show you how to create delicious meals live and kicking right from your kitchen! These cookery lessons start at noon every day and all you need to do is follow Massimo on Instagram! His whole family including the dog will make an appearance on the live feed cookery lessons for you to follow!

To join in Follow Massimo here: https://www.instagram.com/massimobottura/

5.     Quarantine Cabaret – Saturday 28th March at 7:30pm

For the first time ever, Scotland’s very first and live cabaret nights are here! Join host Cameron Foster and other performers as they take to the stage to entertain us during a time where we all need It the most. These will feature 20-minute slots with the next one taking place Saturday 28th March!

To join in follow them on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/QuarantineCabaret/

6.     (One more for good luck) – HOUSE PARTY!

I can’t recommend this enough. Although we’re all locked up in doors and as much as this is a time to reflect and care for yourself, remember your closest. Stay in touch as much as you can with friends and family as often as you can, we’re all in this together. House party is a face to face social network which from personal experience is brilliant! You can technically have yourself a house party with 6, 7, or even 8 of your friends all at once. Similar to Skype or Facetime but way more fun. Catch-up, have a drink together, perform a yoga class, do your own pub quiz or just chat, it’s amazing and so much fun.

You can download the app for free here: https://houseparty.com

[blueberryms-blog1]

10 Good News Stories coming out of local communities

The Coronavirus pandemic let’s be honest has hit harder than anybody could have imagined. But let’s not get hung up on all the doom and gloom that surrounds this and rather think about all the insane amount of good that’s come from it, because frankly, that’s far more uplifting.

Sometimes it takes something real dark to make people shine and people all over the nation are coming together and helping through this difficult time with kindness, empathy and some pretty insane ideas. This is just a reminder of how incredible people and communities are at getting together in times of need.

Here’s a list of just some of the amazing things that have been happening recently:

1.     Teenagers make and deliver care packages to the vulnerable

Two teenage boys in South Yorkshire came up with the idea of creating and delivering cre packages to vulnerable people within the community. Sam and Matty made care packages containing porridge, toilet roll and teabags to people in the village of Harlington who are self-isolating due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Watch the full video here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-england-south-yorkshire-51948739/coronavirus-the-teenagers-making-deliveries-to-the-vulnerable

2. Primary school pupils emailing care home residents

A primary school in Worcester came up with the ridiculously cute idea to keep in touch with care home residents by sending emails to them whilst they are self-isolating due to the coronavirus outbreak with the hope of putting a few smiles on peoples faces. One pupil wrote “"I hope you are not worrying too much and are not too lonely. If you are, then I hope this message cheers you up."

Watch the full video here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-england-hereford-worcester-51963376/coronavirus-kindness-pupils-email-care-home-residents

3. Large supermarket chains operate NHS workers only special shopping hours

Tesco & Waitrose amongst other large chain supermarkets create special opening hours solely for the extremely hard-working NHS Workers. These workers need their food too! An amazing idea to help out some of the most important people in the community whilst adapting to this temporary new way of life.

4. A head chef in a Lincoln Pub Rustles up free meals for NHS Workers

The Pyewipe Inn in Lincolnshire has a head chef that goes by the name of Barry. He and his wife Jody have come up with the heroic idea of making and delivering free meals to busy NHS Workers. They utilized the pub as their kitchen and already delivered 70 tasty meals just last Sunday alone. Meals so far have included chicken arrabbiata, salmon quinoa salad, pasta carbonara, roast dinners, vegetable pasties and BLT baguettes. The deliveries will continue every few days as Barry wants to keep spirits up within the NHS whilst he is out of work.

5.     A street in Yorkshire has set up a coding system to alert each other if they are in need of help.

A street in Ripon, North Yorkshire have set up a simple coding system in their windows using coloured cards. The elderly residents have been putting up the cards to allow each other to know if they are in need of some help, or just to let people know they are OK. It’s simple, red means they are vulnerable and in need of supplies like medication or food and if green is in your window, it lets the neighbours know everything is ok. What a way of bringing the community together!

6.     A teenager who is self-isolating is using this time to write to pen pals to stay connected

17-year-old Gracie has decided to use her self-isolation time as a way to connect with other people and use this as an excuse to try something new. She is urging other people to do the same. Gracie wanted a “quirky” hobby and decided to start writing letters to pen pals all over the world and now has 23!  Eighteen months ago she was diagnosed with a rare leukaemia and Gracie said she planned to use her 12 weeks in quarantine writing more letters. Gracie said "It preoccupies you writing letters because it can be dull when you're stuck indoors all day. Everyone is quite scared and frazzled at the moment so to come together with others is the one thing you can do to stop yourself being lonely.”

7.     More than 4000 volunteers in Leeds have signed up to help the Vulnerable

Leeds City Council have teamed up with charities to take part in the city’s new community care programme following the coronavirus outbreak and guess what..? It’s already seen over 4000 people sign up to help! This is unbelievable for a community so willing to get together to help others at this strange and uncertain time. Leeds Council have said however that they are still in the need for more help. Anyone who feels they are able can volunteer for a range of different roles dependant on availability and preference by visiting www.doinggoodleeds.org.uk, emailing info@val.org.uk or calling 0113 2977920.

**For anyone finding themselves in this situation can call 0113 3781877 and be matched with a local volunteer who can help.

8.     Free Parking for NHS and key Workers in Leeds

Leeds council have decided council run car parks and parking bays will be free to use from today in light of the coronavirus pandemic. Key Workers and NHS staff have been given priority and so won’t have to pay to park. A little gesture like this eases the strain put on to all these hard-working individuals keeping the country alive.

9.     A Scottish Corner shop is giving out disinfectant kits to the elderly

A great gesture here! – A Scottish corner shop has put together disinfectant kits to give out to the elderly and vulnerable within the community. The kits include face masks, disinfectant wipes and handwash. If you’ve been to the shops recently, you’ll know just how hard these items are to get your hands on!

Watch the full video here: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/coronavirus-face-masks-hand-gel-scotland-uk-outbreak-a9397781.html?jwsource=cl

10.   A FIFA tournament all in the name of Coronavirus!

Leyton Orient have come up with an ingenious way to let fans carry on watching football. They’ve organised a massive FIFA tournament involving 128 teams from all over the world. The hope is that the fans who watch the tournament - which will be streamed - will donate money and help raise £50,000 towards the coronavirus effort. The players have got involved too with Zlatan Ibrahimović launching a fundraiser to, in his own words, "kick this virus away".

So far, he's raised over £100,000.

[blueberryms-blog1]

Top 7 ways to maintain a normal routine whilst working from home. (5 Min read)

So… everything’s a little up in the air at the moment. We have already seen bars, restaurants and gyms close and you may have been asked to work from home. To some this might be seen as a dream come true, to others this could mean a slippery slide into an un-productive and lazy lifestyle. But it doesn’t have to be this way.

Working at home shouldn’t be a reason to skip your usual routine of a balanced lifestyle so I’ve put together a list of things to do to maintain a positive mind-set for the day, keep some routine and keep you sane. Use your time wisely.

1.     Set an alarm:

Let’s be honest… It’s so easy for us to hit that snooze button “just one more time” or to roll over and dream away the day, but that’s just not proactive. Make sure you wake up ready for the day by setting your alarm the night before and waking at the usual time you would if you were going to work.

2.     Exercise

You’ve done it! You’re up and out of bed, time to get the heart beating. Exercise is key to a balanced lifestyle in any state. Obviously, gyms across the nation are closed right now but don’t let that be an excuse to stop you exercising. Whether you like it or not, working from home will mean you exercise less simply because you won’t be walking as much. But It doesn’t have to be like this. The internet is a wonderful thing and right now its full to bursting of content like ‘At Home Workout’s’, early morning live exercise classes, meditation and yoga work outs. All you have to do is google it. Instagram is another platform with an abundance right now of home workout, so they won’t be hard to find. ‘Gym Shark’ and ‘The Body Coach’ are to name a few.

Use this time to wake up and shape up… I guarantee you will feel better for it.

3.     Shower and get dressed!

Don’t skip the shower and lounge around in pyjama’s all day, there’s literally no good in that. Doing so just creates that lazy, chilled mind-set which isn’t always the most pro-active. There’s no daily commute so you have a little more time to get ready at your own pace, so just enjoy it. Showering and putting on some casual (not pyjama’s) clothes will set you up for a more productive day. I don’t mean the suit and tie, or any other formal attire because obviously nobody is going to see you, but just getting into some clothes that make you feel good will set you up to tackle the rest of the day.

4.     Coffee & Breakfast

Coffee, Coffee, Coffee! If you’re anything like me and you can’t function without the stuff, then get the kettle on! If your first job of the day at the office is to brew up, then do the same at home. Emulate your usual daily routine to help you keep on top of things and to maintain a sense of normality. Everybody knows not to skip breakfast, it’s the most important meal of the day, it will kick-start your brain and has everything you need to keep you full, feeling good. Food is power so use the extra time to make a suitable breakfast before you start for work. It’s all in the time management!

5.     Sit at a desk/table

If you have a suitable desk or table, then make use of it! Don’t easily fall into the trap of the sofa. You sit there, you’ll get distracted. Remember… although you’re at home, you’re supposed to be working! So, sitting in the correct position at a desk or table similar to how you would at work does wonders for productivity and your mind-set.

6.     Free Apps/Productivity

The wonderful world of technology. It’s here to help us get through this. App’s like ‘Microsoft Teams’ and ‘Houseparty’ help keep you connected to your employees and your friends. Make sure you utilize these to stay in touch, send documents, have video conference calls and above all, just chat. You chat at work with the people beside you and now more than ever we need to talk to each other. If you’re working from home these are the perfect free app’s to physically help you work and to help you feel less isolated. That and they’re actually just fun and we all need a break.

7.     Breaks/Lunch

Which leads me nicely on to my last point… It is still important to have breaks every 2-3 hours when you’ve been working at your computer. Make sure, just as you would in work to take a break, even if it’s just to make a drink, go on a toilet run or get some fresh air. Doing this ensures normality and makes you feel as if you’re on a usual working day just in more comfortable surroundings. Ensure you take your full lunch at its usual time to re-feed, reflect and catch up with your family or friends. Breaks are important to free the mind for a little while and can make you feel revitalised and ready to get straight back to work with some brand-new ideas.

In short, the easiest way to feel good, feel less isolated and be productive is to try to stick to your usual working day routine as much as possible. Even if you are not working from home, it’s good to keep a good morning routine. Keep connected with your employees and those around you.  It’s so easy to slip off the wagon and Netflix and chill… but by following these step’s I can guarantee will keep you out of trouble with your boss!

Don’t forget – we’re all in this together… Stay Safe, Stay at home.