Feeling the Lockdown Lethargy? Here's How To Use Your Time Productively

Me being very productive with my updated CV

Welcome back everybody! Apologies for the delay since my last blog – I have been rather busy! Firstly, me and Annabel completed an online Business, Operations and Marketing internship with the Bright Network, which featured a range of talks from companies such as Enterprise and Marks and Spencers! Annabel will tell you all about it in more detail in her next blog, so keep your eyes peeled. Other that than, I have been celebrating with friends as I recently found out my dissertation was marked as a First!

Now, if you’re anything like me, the lockdown has led you into living like a lady of leisure. I’ve swapped early morning library trips for sleeping in, catching tubes to watching Netflix, and have gotten way too overexcited at all my favourite local bars, shops and restaurants opening. I thrive best when my schedule is filled to the brim, so having nothing to do has led me to become a massive procrastinator. Therefore, for the benefit of not only myself but also everyone out there with the same problem as me, I have been thinking of ways to use this time effectively. Especially for those of you starting or returning to university this September, this time is an absolute gold mine to get yourself a head-start for the new year. Here are my top 5 suggestions on how to turn from a Couch Potato to a Busy Bee.

1) Actually look at your modules.

Most of you will have chosen your modules for next year already – if you haven’t, now you have time to think about what you actually want to do. But for those of you who have, this is the perfect time to start dipping into the module contents to get a taste for what’s to come. For History students, reading lists can be massive, and modules can be incredibly specific. However, by starting your reading and research early, you’ll have a better idea of what areas interest you the most. Also, you can pick up some great facts to impress your classmates and tutor in seminars – whether in-person or over Zoom!

2) Learn a new language.

Sure, for most of us, summer holidays abroad have been delayed to 2021. However, learning some phrases in a different language isn’t just useful for asking where the toilets are in Spain; language skills are something employers always value highly. Duolingo is the obvious go to for beginners, but with the power of the worldwide web you can find many different ways to immerse yourself in a new language. My top tip is to find a TV series in your desired language and watch it with English subtitles – this way you can pick up phrases and speaking patterns without even realising.

3) Reconnect with old friends and family

Socialising may appear to contradict the rules of lockdown, but you don’t have to meet up with friends face to face to combat loneliness and boredom. Luckily, there are all kinds of ways you can chat to friends and family – Skype and other video calling apps are great. Some of my friends have even been holding quiz nights or ‘come dine with me’ contests over Zoom! Now is the best time to reach out to that old friend from secondary school, or even just to call your grandparents.

4) Go offline!

Anyone else ashamed of how much time they’ve been spending in front of a screen these last few months? Spending too much time online won’t just give you a headache, but also is very bad for your mental wellbeing. Believe it or not, there is life outside of the internet! Take some time to go for a walk around your local area, or pick up that book you got halfway through reading and haven’t touched since last summer. Taking some time out from social media is incredibly refreshing and will give you a much needed breather!

5) Update your CV!

I saved the most exciting until last – not. Updating your CV has to be up there with the most mundane tasks. No one likes doing it, but everyone knows how important it is. Your CV is the first impression employers will have of who you are as a person and what skills you have to offer, and so it is much more than just a piece of paper with your GCSE results on. Take some time to read over it, and get a friend or family member to read over it too and suggest adjustments.

I hope these tips have given you somewhere to start. How have you been spending your time during lockdown? We'd love to hear from you on our Instagram page!

'til next time,

Saskia