New Skills (and Online Resources) for Being at Home

We are all stuck at home for the time being. For some of us, it is a wonderful time to catch up with family and reading. However, for many people, ‘social distancing’ means ‘economic challenge’. If you have more time on your hands than you anticipated, why not learn a few new skills for free! Anyone can participate, and kids might want to join in too. Many websites and organizations are offering their learning materials for free, therefore there has never been a better time to go out of your comfort zone and try something new!

In our last post, we gave a few ideas for social distancing activities you can do to stay sane. Today, we are elaborating and providing a few resources for finding new skills and new ways to learn online. Many of these online opportunities weren’t available before the pandemic, so we can rejoice in at least one silver lining! Additionally, don’t forget to practice good hygiene in between learning all of these fun new skills, and stay healthy and safe when you do have to leave the house.

University Classes for Free, Online!

Image courtesy of Miami Fine Arts Academy

New skills aren’t just about doing. They can also be about learning. This list of online art classes spans the divide. If you don’t love art but you still want to learn, check out this list of free online classes from universities around the world. And if you have always wanted to learn to code, you will love CodeAcademy, who are giving away some of their pro subscriptions for free. Furthermore, you can always access Khan Academy,  SciShow, CrashCourse, and PBS’s Eons to learn on YouTube. Discover new topics ranging from the history of the Earth to the makings of modern literature.

Sean Carroll’s New Video Series: “The Biggest Ideas in the Universe”

Courtesy of PreposterousUniverse.com

Have you always wanted to learn about theoretical physics? Are you still trying to find the time to do a PhD at CalTech? Worry no longer! This new video series by the ultra-famous physicist Sean Carroll will get you up to speed on physics without even having to leave your house. In addition to this new video series, he has several courses up on his website about topics such as deep time, dark matter, and the Higgs Boson particle.

He also has a podcast, called Mindscape, where he discusses topics ranging from theoretical physics to the fall of the Roman Republic. If you still can’t get enough, then check out some of his books, including The Big Picture and Something Deeply Hidden. One of our favorite ways to discover content is to find just one creator who you like. Then, see what they talk about! So if physics isn’t your thing, then try finding a creator you love. Search a few of their interviewees or favorites! You just might find 100 new skills we haven’t even thought of! If physics is your thing, make sure to check out MIT OpenCourseware for all of the classes you could ever want!

The Metropolitan Opera and More

Courtesy of SmithsonianMag.com

The Metropolitan Opera and many other musical and performance venues are streaming their shows online for free! While ‘watching an opera’ isn’t necessarily a new skill, it is developing your mind in a new way. You can also join an online video school, such as MasterClass or ArtistWorks. These websites offer education ranging from how to play an instrument to how to be your best self.

Don’t forget, however, that you don’t need a formal teacher to learn new skills. Like we mentioned in our last post, YouTube and other websites an be a great resource for learning an instrument. And you’ll never lose when you spend time creating art by yourself, with no guidance at all. In that vein, check out these writing prompt lists to help you get back to your creative roots.

Getting your Body Moving

Image courtesy of BikeRadar.com

No matter how you like to move, there are many online resources available this spring. Peleton is offering temporary free subscriptions, Yoga studios across the country are streaming on Facebook and offering free tutorials, and gyms like Golds Gym and others are providing free workouts (and even playlists!) to help you find your groove. Even if your internet is spotty, don’t forget that you can still go outside during this wild time. Going for a walk, run, or bike ride is always an option. You will be surprised at how daily exercise makes your new skills into old habits in no time!

See the World from Inside Your House

Courtesy of SunsetMagazine.com

In addition to spending time outside, you can also visit many outside places remotely. The National Park Service is offering virtual tours of many parks. While you check Yellowstone or Yosemite online, get stoked for the next time you can drive there in your Mercedes Benz! GoogleEarth also has many features that can let you explore the planet from home. Check out the surface of the moon, underneath the oceans, or parks you’ve never been to before. It’s just one free download away. 

Mercedes-Benz is Here for You

At Mercedes-Benz of Littleton, we are here for you as you get through his challenging time. Interact with our dealership using our brand new Buyer Wellness Program so you never have to step foot through the door.  In the meantime, use our social distancing activities to stay entertained, and remember to stay positive! If you are looking for some more reading, check out the History of Mercedes-Benz. Or review how to change a tire and how to pick a good wine so that you’ll be totally self-sufficient for the next few weeks or months! If you need anything, let us know.

Posted in Fun | No Comments »