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In this age of internet and social media and technology available to us, learning and mastering a new skill is not only possible but incredibly accessible.
We can access the world’s top teachers and experts of their craft thousands of miles away with just a Wi-Fi connection and a few clicks of a button.
Schools and universities have closed due to the coronavirus, but that doesn’t mean that learning has to stop.
With many at risk for losing their jobs and income, working from home, being sent home, or already being laid off, learning new skills for the online world or a new job or business would be incredibly useful. Here are some ideas for skills you can learn online from home.
1. How To Learn
The skill of learning how to learn is an immensely valuable skill that you can apply to every other skill you learn as well as every area of your life.
This is a skill the top performers, educators and thinkers know the importance of and have mastered.
Check out these resources to help you:
How to Master Any Skill
The 10 Most Important Fundamentals of Learning
Learn How to Learn: 28 Tips to Learn Better, Faster, Easier
2. A Language
With online programs such as Duolingo and Rosetta Stone, learning a new language online from home is easy and relatively low cost.
Learning a new language increases your marketability and profitability. It gives you the ability to communicate with more people and can open new doors and broaden your horizons.
Duolingo’s traffic in China has exponentially spiked in the last month due to people staying home to avoid coronavirus.
Don’t let your lack of ability to travel stop you.
Now’s the time.
3. Computer or Web Program
There are many computer and web programs that could make your life easier, such as excel.
Many businesses and individuals are realizing the need to transition to the online world. Having computer and web program skills are becoming increasingly valuable.
Here are some examples of computer and web programs to learn:
- Excel
- Photoshop
- WordPress
4. Coding & Development
I built and designed my website to my liking. I had zero experience in coding and web development, but I learned how to code using free online sources and forums.
Whether it’s website or app development, this skill will help you as more and more of the world spends more time online. The future is online.
5. Dancing
An in-person teacher is not necessarily required to learn how to dance. Some types of dancing may require a partner, but for most types all you need is YouTube.
Learning the skill of dancing is impressive, fun, challenging and rewarding. It’s also a great way to get fit. Dancing can also be a creative outlet and a form of therapy.
Check out this awesome video of a 12 year old girl who mastered dubstep dancing in 7 months just from watching YouTube videos.
Here are some ideas of different kinds of dancing you can learn:
- Breakdancing
- Hip hop dancing
- Ballet
- Contemporary
- Dubstep
- Shuffling
6. Handstands & Bodyweight Skills
Learning how to hold proper handstands, as well as other bodyweight skills, is a fun way to get fit and strong. Not to mention incredibly impressive!
I personally love practicing handstands and other bodyweight skills. It not only helps me reach my goal of “looking good”, but it makes me strong.
I also get a rewarding and satisfying feeling of accomplishment. I love the idea of impressing myself by the ability to do cool things with my body.
7. Yoga or Other Fitness Practices
With many of the world’s top yoga teachers on YouTube, learning yoga from the experts is possible from the comfort of your home.
Yoga has various mental and physical health benefits given its principle to be the mind, body and spirit connection.
8. Culinary & Baking Skills
At this time, people are spending all or most of their time at home. Cooking is a must.
Cooking is a skill that has a multitude of benefits. You can channel creativity through cooking and baking. Cooking home meals is often a healthier and cheaper alternative to most eating out options.
Cooking also brings people together and gives you the ability to host dinner parties or just show your family and significant other you care and love them.
9. Writing
Writing is one of the most important skills you can have. It’s how most of us communicate, especially in this age of internet, texting and social media.
Writing also helps improve your speaking skills as well.
You can learn how to improve your skill of writing through books, online courses, videos and of course, practicing writing.
10. Artistic Skills
There are plenty of books, courses and videos out there that can teach you how to learn a new artistic skill.
Artistic skills are not innate. You can learn how to become a better drawer, painter, illustrator, etc. in a fairly short amount of time.
Here are some artistic skills you can learn:
- Drawing
- Painting
- Design & illustration
- Sculpting
- Makeup
11. A Musical Instrument
All you need is your musical instrument of choice, be it a guitar or piano. Most people who learn an instrument are self-taught through practice and learning online.
There are plenty of YouTube videos as well as paid courses available online.
12. Marketing
Marketing is probably the best investment a business can make. Degrees are not required for marketing careers either as it’s a skill that can be effectively learned and tested online.
Here are some marketing skills you can learn:
- Copywriting
- Digital marketing
- Email marketing
- Social media marketing
- SEO
- Direct and ad marketing
13. Personal Finance
Personal finance is one of the most important skills you can have. Yet most of us don’t learn it in school. And many of us don’t learn anything or very limitedly from our parents.
Dealing with a crisis like this shows the importance of knowing how to properly manage money to be financially prepared for emergencies.
I highly recommend the book, I Will Teach You to Be Rich to get started.
Personal finance skills can include:
- Money management
- Budgeting
- Getting out of debt
14. Investing & Trading
If you’re just saving money, you’re losing money to inflation. Learning how to invest and trade can set you up for future financial success and freedom.
Your future self will thank you.
15. Photography & Videography
Anyone can learn how to shoot photos and video. All that you need is a camera.
You also don’t need to go outside or other people to practice photography and videography.
You could learn how your camera works and the different settings and options for shooting. You could also learn how to shoot indoors and inanimate objects such as flat lays, or even use things like a green screen.
YouTube and blogs can easily help you get started.
16. Chess
Chess is a highly impressive, intellectual and competitive skill.
Chess helps you build important and valuable mental skills on top of it such as problem solving skills, strategic thinking, abstract reasoning, and more.
And, of course, it can be fun and challenging!
17. Knitting, Sewing, Crocheting
This is a great skill to learn to keep your hands and fingers busy without technology.
Since most stores and malls have closed, this can be an opportunity to learn how to get creative and make clothing tailored just for you! Even if it’s just fuzzy socks. 😉
18. DIY Project or Build Something
Learn crafts and building something with your own hands. It will allow you to get creative, develop problem solving skills, and give you a sense of accomplishment.
You can not only save money, but create something unique tailored just to you or whomever you choose to gift your creation to.
Instructables is a great resource for ideas and instruction to build pretty much anything.
You could also try some cool and fun science experiments, especially if you have kids.
19. Repair
Learning how to repair something can save you a lot of time and money.
I recently learned how to repair some jewelry and was able to fix a few of my broken pieces that I hadn’t thrown away yet for some reason.
Things you can learn to repair or fix:
- Change a tire
- Oil change
- A hole in fabric or clothing
- Broken jewelry
- Computer
- Cell phone
20. Organization
The skill of organization is a skill that will improve the ease and aesthetics of your life.
Also, it’s finally spring! Now is the perfect time to learn how to organize and live a clutter-free life. You can check out my unique method to cleaning out your closet here: Clean Out Your Closet and Transform Your Wardrobe to Change Your Life.
21. Productivity
Learning how to be more productive can help you make the most out of your most precious commodity – your time.
Given that most of our time is now being spent at home and many of us are now working from home, it can be easier than ever to get distracted. From our families, our pets, the news, and social media.
Learning how to be productive is a must.
Recommended reading: How to Be Productive Working From Home
22. Any Subject (Math, Science, History, Business)
If you’ve ever wanted to learn and delve deep into a subject, now’s the perfect time to start!
You can learn practically any subject from reading books or watching free online videos and courses from not only YouTube, but platforms designed for these such as Khan Academy.
For those interested in the subject of business, here is a list of the top 25 most recommended books by entrepreneurs.
23. Memory
People often think that memory is something innate that you’re born with, like photographic memory. The reality is that memory can be learned and trained with different techniques. This is how most people become memory champions.
Back in high school, my mom bought me a course on memory that taught me how to memorize anything. It was hard, challenging and time consuming, but I did it. I spent about 2 hours a day learning memory techniques. I still have the written paper of the insane list I was able to memorize and easily and quickly recall. You can actually check out what I recalled here.
24. Keyboarding
Since many of us are now working from our computers and laptops, keyboarding is a skill that can allow us to work, write and communicate more quickly and efficiently.
25. Accounting & Bookkeeping
Accounting and bookkeeping are highly valuable and profitable skills for both employees and entrepreneurs.
These skills can also tie into personal finance and organizational skills to help you manage and keep track of expenses and income.
26. Singing
With the technology available for online coaching and video calls, learning how to sing is a skill that can be learned online from home.
Although you can learn from online videos and courses, many recommend those interested in mastering the skill of learning to hire a virtual coach to correct technique and avoid bad habits.
27. Speaking
While learning the skill of speaking from home won’t help you much with overcoming the fear, you can learn techniques that will help you speak, communicate and present better.
You can also still practice from home in front of mirror, in front of your housemates, or in front of a camera.
There are many resources including books, online videos and courses that will teach you how to become a better speaker and communicator.
28. Emotional Intelligence
Times like this can really test our mental and emotional strength. A great way to build strength and resilience against crisis is to learn how to practice emotional intelligence. It’s important to take control of ourselves – our thoughts, emotions and actions.
These sub-skills can help you master the skill of emotional intelligence:
- Mindfulness
- Managing your thoughts and emotions
- Self-coaching
If you’re feeling especially stressed and anxious during this time, I recommend you read this article.
The Sky’s The Limit!
Be open to experimentation! You don’t have to limit yourself. Try out different things. Set deadlines and see what happens.
You can learn any skill you put your mind to. With consistent effort, you’re very likely to see results!
